1. Stevens Point's new head coach Tom Journell. Congrats on being named head coach...now take this here clipboard and come up with a game plan against the three-time defending national champs twice this year. Combine that with the Pointers only returning one All-Conference player from last year (Colton Zimmerman, DB - Honorable Mention), there could be some growing pains for coach Journell.
2. A healthy Platteville team. The Pioneers were very competitive last season despite having numerous players frequently visit the injured reserve. UWP has a ton of talent returning, including seven All-WIAC players from a season ago. No other team in the WIAC returns more All-Conference players from last year.
3. A declining Stout defense. The Blue Devils' defense will have to replace six starters from last season, four of which were All-WIAC. And that was a defense that only finished sixth in the WIAC last year. Not exactly the standard of defensive excellence that we're used to seeing out of Stout
4. Eau Claire's Joel Sweeney. With the graduation of Matt Olson, Sweeney should be the featured back and receive the bulk of the carries the next two seasons. He has the opportunity to step up and become an elite WIAC running back this year.
5. Oshkosh's year to knock off Whitewater? The Titans had a golden opportunity last season, but came up short in the game's final minutes. They are returning the WIAC's leader in sacks, Andrew Thompson, and leader in tackles for loss, Ryan Stefaniak, from last season. Not to mention quarterback Nate Wara, who may be the most feared man in the WIAC this year. On the flip side Whitewater will be without five 2011 All-Americans.
6. Road Trip!!! Five of La Crosse's first six games will be on the road.* On the subject of hitting the road, we'll see what type of recruits second-year head coach Joel Dettwiler can bring in as he tries to return his Eagles to glory.
7. Stout's Clayt Birmingham. Starting his third year as head coach, we should see his recruits begin to take shape on the field this season. A new signal caller is key to this team moving forward I believe. They struggled immensely at the QB position in 2011.
8. The next Warhawk running back. Anyone who said they knew Levell Coppage would exceed Justin Beaver in just about every career statistical category is a liar. Can the next UWW running back keep pace with the two All-Americans that lined up in the backfield before him?
9. If you build it, they will come. A new stadium for River Falls is essential if they wish to compete in this conference. Fund raising efforts are already underway, as I'm sure second-year head coach Matt Walker is heavily campaigning for donations this year. Hopefully Scott won't be the only Walker with a successful 2012 campaign in the state of Wisconsin. Sorry, had to get the first bad joke of the season out of the way.
10. Increase in WIAC's budget. With the economy improving ever so slowly, hopefully the WIAC will entertain the idea of once again scheduling ALL its non-conference opponents outside the WIAC in the near future. I know....this one might be a stretch, so I won't hold my breath for it.
11. 2012: Year of the QB. Nate Wara, Austin Neu and Nick Anderson could all be in the mix for Player of the Year talks. The WIAC has long been known for it's running backs, but they are losing its two top backs from a year ago. Also the conference is not returning a 1000 yard rusher.
12. River Falls filling two big holes. The Falcons will have to find a way to replace a pair of First Team All-Conference running backs in Joel Yogerst and Taylor Edwards. Not too many DIII programs in the country have that on their 2012 agenda.
13. WIAC's non-conference schedule. It's another brutal one, and that doesn't include the WIAC non-conference games. See for yourself.
14. A program to emerge and get the WIAC a second team in the tournament. For a conference that's considered the toughest in DIII, the WIAC has had only one representative in the playoffs nine of the last 12 seasons.
15. Whitewater can further cement its legacy. A 2012 WIAC championship would give them 33 in its history, which would tie La Crosse for most in the conference. Also, Mount Union's 55 consecutive wins (a NCAA football record - any division) is in jeopardy as UWW enters the season at 45. Finally, a Stagg Bowl victory this season would tie Augastana for most consecutive Stagg Bowls won with four.
* No, this was not a punishment handed down by the NCAA because of its recent infractions. :)
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