College Football Preview: Miles looking to return to playoffs

Miles College Golden Bears
NCAA Division II: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SICA)
Head Coach: Reginald Ruffin, entering third season

2012: 8-3 and 6-1 in SICA; Returners on Offense: 8; Returners on Defense: 8
Last year, Miles College finished second in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's western division behind league champion Tuskegee on its way to qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in school history. Miles lost 41-7 to West Alabama in the first round of the playoffs.

Potential Roadblocks:

The Golden Bears start the season with two difficult road games -- Sept. 7 at the University of North Alabama followed by at the University of West Georgia the following week. Senior Day is Oct. 24 when Miles hosts Lane College followed by at Stillman College Oct. 31 and at Tuskegee University to end the campaign Nov. 9. "We definitely don't have a cupcake schedule," Coach Ruffin said. "With our success in the first two seasons, expectations are high here at Miles."

What Prevents You From Reaching Goals?

Last season, Miles College earned the league's top-rated offense averaging 34 points per game. Unfortunately, the defense finished near the bottom of the leagues' statistical rating, finishing sixth out of 10 teams. "Coming into this season, we knew we had to get much bigger on the defensive line," Coach Ruffin said. "We've made some good moves including signing stronger and bigger players in the offseason. That will help us as we proceed through the year."

What Needs To Go Right?

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