The Socon at a glance...

[furman94]

Appalachian State
• Last year's record: 13-2 (5-2 SoCon)

• Coach: Jerry Moore (167-70 in 19 seasons at ASU, 194-118-2 in 26 seasons overall)

• Last playoff appearance: 2007 (Won third straight FCS national title)

• Strengths: QB Armanti Edwards; linebackers

• Weaknesses: Unproven kickers; somewhat unknown secondary

• Best returning players: LB Pierre Banks, QB Armanti Edwards, WR CoCo Hillary, DE Tony Robertson, LB Jacque Roman, LB D.J. Smith

• Best newcomers: DT Malcolm Bennett, CB Dominique McDuffie, QB DeAndre Presley, RB Devin Radford, DE Lanston Tanyi

• Key losses: G Kerry Brown, WR Dexter Jackson, S Corey Lynch, K Julian Rauch, RB Kevin Richardson, C Scott Suttle, DE Gary Tharrington, CB Jerome Touchstone

• Key to the season: Beating the odds. No team has ever won four straight FCS national titles. Then again, no team had ever won three straight.

• Big games: Aug. 30 at LSU; Sept. 20 at James Madison; Oct. 18 at Georgia Southern

• They'll beat Jacksonville, James Madison, Presbyterian, The Citadel, Samford, Georgia Southern, Furman, Wofford, Chattanooga, Elon and Western Carolina.

• They'll lose to … LSU.


Chattanooga
• Last year's record: 2-9 (2-5 SoCon)

• Coach: Rodney Allison (16-40 in five seasons, all at Chattanooga)

• Last playoff appearance: 1984 (NCAA Division I-AA first round)

• Strengths: Receivers; running backs

• Weaknesses: Unproven quarterback; inexperienced defensive line and secondary

• Best returning players: CB Raeshon Bell, DT Neil Brown, WR Blue Cooper, RB Bryan Fitzgerald, OT William Giles, LB Joseph Thornton, RB Erroll Wynn

• Best newcomers: QB Jare Gault, RB Shaun Kermah, WR Chris Marshall

• Key losses: LB Chris Camacho, LB Chris Johnson, QB Antonio Miller

• Key to the season: A spark to turn around a program that has struggled to win. With two of the first three games at Oklahoma and Florida State, there's not much hope for early-season momentum

• Big game: Nov. 22 against Samford

• They'll beat … Cumberland and Samford.

• They'll lose to … Oklahoma, Florida State, Jacksonville State, Furman, Georgia Southern, Wofford, Elon, Western Carolina, Appalachian and The Citadel.


The Citadel
• Last year's record: 7-4 (4-3 SoCon)

• Coach: Kevin Higgins (16-17 in three seasons at The Citadel, 72-42-1 in 10 seasons overall)

• Last playoff appearance: 1992 (NCAA Division I-AA quarterfinals)

• Strengths: Overall experience on defense; offensive line

• Weaknesses: Unproven running backs; new linebackers

• Best returning players: TE Taylor Cornett, OT Dan DeHaven, DE Kevin McCaskill, NG Terrance Reese, WR Andre Roberts

• Best newcomers: RB Ricky Anderson, LB Tolu Akindele, WR Kevin Hardy

• Key losses: DE Trevor Broughton, RB Tory Cooper, QB Duran Lawson, DB Josh Lawson, OL Chris McDowell, LB Andrew Rowell

• Key to the season: The Bulldogs have built stability with Higgins and have increased their win total in each of the last three seasons. A next step might require a road win over in-state rivals Furman or Wofford.

• Big game: Oct. 11 against Elon.

• They'll beat … Webber International, Princeton, Western Carolina, Elon, Samford, Georgia Southern and Chattanooga

• They'll lose to … Clemson, Appalachian, Furman, Wofford and Florida.


Elon

• Last year's record: 7-4 (4-3 SoCon)

• Coach: Pete Lembo (12-10 in two seasons at Elon, 56-24 in eight seasons overall)

• Last playoff appearance: None in NCAA Division I

• Strengths: Return of 17 starters; passing game

• Weakness: Unproven running game

• Best returning players: WR Terrell Hudgins, P Brandon Lane, FS Cameron McGlenn, QB Scott Riddle, CB Karlos Sullivan, LB Corey Weaver, OT Chris Werden, LB Brandon Wiggins, WR Bo Williamson

• Best newcomers: S Jonathan Conner, WR Darrius McQueen, RB Jamal Shuman

• Key losses: WR Michael Mayers, OL Charles Porterfield

• Key to the season: Elon has made great progress under Lembo but now must deal with raised expectations and a tough nonconference schedule

• Big games: Aug. 30 against Richmond; Sept. 20 at Georgia Southern; Nov. 15 at Appalachian; Nov. 22 at Liberty

• They'll beat … Stony Brook, Presbyterian, Samford, Furman, Chattanooga, Wofford, Western Carolina and Liberty.

• They'll lose to … Richmond, Georgia Southern, The Citadel and Appalachian.


Furman
• Last year's record: 6-5 (4-3 SoCon)

• Coach: Bobby Lamb (49-24 in six seasons at Furman)

• Last playoff appearance: 2006 (NCAA Division I-AA first round)

• Strength: Offensive line

• Weaknesses: Learning curve for new 4-2-5 defense; depth at receiver

• Best returning players: OT Joel Bell, NG Justin Brown, TB Mike Brown, G Heath Cockburn, TE Larry Hedden, CB William Middleton, OT Thomas Slaughter, FS Thomas Twitty

• Best newcomers: CB Jordan Griffin, CB Ryan Steed

• Key losses: DE Wallace Artis, FB Jerome Felton, QB Renaldo Gray, LB Andrew Jones

• Key to the season: Hanging on to its status as a traditional contender against all the up-and-comers in the SoCon.

• Big games: Sept. 20 against Delaware; Oct. 4 at Elon; Nov. 22 at Wofford

• They'll beat … Mars Hill, Colgate, Chattanooga, Western Carolina, The Citadel and Georgia Southern.

• They'll lose to … Virginia Tech, Delaware, Elon, Appalachian, Samford and Wofford.


Georgia Southern

• Last year's record: 7-4 (4-3 SoCon)

• Coach: Chris Hatcher (7-4 in one season at Georgia Southern, 83-16 in eight seasons overall)

• Last playoff appearance: 2005 (NCAA Division I-AA first round)

• Strengths: Wide receiver; nine starters back on defense

• Weaknesses: New offensive line; loss of eight starters on offense, including catalyst Jayson Foster

• Best returning players: WR Raja Andrews, DE Larry Beard, DB Chris Covington, K Jesse Hartley, CB Carson Hill

• Best newcomers: QB/RB Leander Barney, OL Trey Dunmon, QB Antonio Henton, RB Ricky Ponton

• Key losses: QB Jayson Foster, RB Lamar Lewis, OL Russell Ore

• Key to the season: Winning home games. Five of six are at home during one stretch, including games against contenders Appalachian, Elon and Wofford

• Big games: Aug. 30 at Georgia; Oct. 18 against Appalachian

• They'll beat … Austin Peay, Northeastern, Elon, Wofford, Chattanooga, Western Carolina and Samford.

• They'll lose to … Georgia, Appalachian, The Citadel and Furman.


Samford

• Last year's record: 4-7 (2-6 Ohio Valley Conference)

• Coach: Pat Sullivan (4-7 in one season at Samford, 28-49-1 in seven seasons overall)

• Last playoff appearance: 1992 (NCAA Division I-AA first round)

• Strength: Experience on both lines

• Weaknesses: Uncertainty at quarterback; only 10 seniors on team

• Best returning players: DT Mark Brown, TB Chris Evans, WR Jonathan Lowery, LB Rodney Shepherd, LB Quinton Smith, OT Mitchell Waters

• Best newcomers: QB Matt Malouf, TE Chris Spivey, S Corey White

• Key losses: QB Jefferson Adcock, WR Jeff Moore

• Key to the season: Hardly anyone is expecting much from the Bulldogs in their first season in the SoCon. That might be their biggest asset -- the fact that SoCon teams know little about them.

• Big game: Nov. 22 against Chattanooga

• They'll beat … West Georgia, Faulkner and Furman.

• They'll lose to … Mississippi, Elon, Western Carolina, Appalachian, The Citadel, Georgia Southern, Wofford and Chattanooga.


Western Carolina

• Last year's record: 1-10 (0-7 SoCon)

• Coach: Dennis Wagner (first season at Western Carolina, 44-37-1 in eight seasons overall)

• Last playoff appearance: 1983 (NCAA Division I-AA runner-up)

• Strengths: Strong competition at running back; experience on defensive front and at linebacker

• Weaknesses: Offensive line; unproven kicking game

• Best returning players: DE Jeff Bradley, LB Quintin Phillips, WR Marquel Pittman, OL James Singletary, OL Kevin Wiggins

• Best newcomers: DL Elsmore Gabriel, LB Josh Gossett, RB Evan Williams, RB Jayson Williams

• Key losses: DB Carlton Bailey, WR Eddie Cohen, RB Willie Harper, RB Mike Malone

• Key to the season: Turning enthusiasm for the new coaching staff into wins. A rise from the basement isn't too far-fetched but the Catamounts, who allowed 45.8 points a game last season, must improve on defense.

• Big games: Oct. 4 against Samford; Nov. 1 against Chattanooga

• They'll beat … Shorter, Presbyterian, Samford and Chattanooga.

• They'll lose to … Florida State, Liberty, The Citadel, Furman, Wofford, Georgia Southern, Elon and Appalachian.


Wofford

• Last year's record: 9-4 (5-2 SoCon)

• Coach: Mike Ayers (132-93-1 in 20 seasons at Wofford, 143-114-2 in 23 seasons overall)

• Last playoff appearance: 2007 (FCS quarterfinals)

• Strengths: Offensive line; linebacker

• Weaknesses: Inexperience in secondary; punting

• Best returning players: TE Fenn Allen, NT Layton Baker, LB Seth Goldwire, FB Dane Romero, WR Andy Strickland, OT Derek Wooten

• Best newcomers: FB Eric Breitenstein, DL Ameet Pall

• Key losses: QB Josh Collier, RB Kevious Johnson, DB Brian Kemp

• Key to the season: Wofford allowed fewer points than any team in the SoCon last season but must find replacements in the secondary.

• Big games: Sept. 20 at South Carolina; Sept. 27 at Georgia Southern; Oct. 31 at Appalachian

• They'll beat Presbyterian, Charleston Southern, Chattanooga, Western Carolina, The Citadel, Samford and Furman.

• They'll lose to … South Carolina, Georgia Southern, Elon and Appalachian.

-- compiled by Tommy Bowman



from WSJ :http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/aug/22/220120/appalachian-state/sports-college-football/


WHAT? FU loses to SU?

[catamount man]

I could actually live with 4-8, based on 2-9 and 1-10 in 2006 and 2007, but I am still sticking with my 6-6 prediction. Man, 5 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO CATAMOUNTS!!!

[WCU LawCat]

atleast 5-7

[AshevilleApp2]

11-1 seems like a stretch.

[SideLine Shooter]

11-1 seems like a stretch.

Sure does, but I sure like the sound of it!!!xnodx

[IndianaAppMan]

11-1 seems like a stretch.

Not too much of one. ASU did go 10-1 in '06, and now Armanti's a junior. I wouldn't bet on that myself, though.

Samford beating Furman... now that's a stretch!

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

Not too much of one. ASU did go 10-1 in '06, and now Armanti's a junior. I wouldn't bet on that myself, though.

Samford beating Furman... now that's a stretch!

Except that the conference will be better this year than it was in 2006. And you guys won't be as good as you were then. And you are going to have teams playing like they are in the Super Bowl for the first time when they are up against you.

[PaladinFan]

Any sports writer who thinks Samford should be favored over Furman has a few screws loose.

[SU DOG]

Sounds like another Grantland Rice to me.

[thmst30]

Undefeated in the SoCon would be awesome, but doubtful. Its a strong conference and we lost some major key players.

[furman94]

Yeah, FU as Sammy's ONLY D1 win? I think NOT!

[Jiggs]

Yeah, FU as Sammy's ONLY D1 win? I think NOT!

You're right. There will be a few more.xthumbsupx

[furman94]

Ha... Do you really think you'll beat us in your first Socon year Jiggs? Honestly now...

[CID1990]

Samford has a shot against a couple SoCon teams this year, including what I think will be one good shot at an upset. Furman is not the team I would have picked, though.

[furman94]

Who'd you pick?

[CID1990]

They have a realistic shot at WCU and Chatty.

Wofford is a possible upset. I base this on a few factors, not the least of which is Wofford's question marks on offense, home field advantage, and the fact that Samford played a lot of teams tough last year at home. They lost three games at home by a combined deficit of 25 points. Those losses were to Austin Peay, Tennessee State, and JSU.

I think they will lose to Furman and The Citadel, but those will be 10-14 point games.

[Reign of Terrier]

They have a realistic shot at WCU and Chatty.

Wofford is a possible upset. I base this on a few factors, not the least of which is Wofford's question marks on offense, home field advantage, and the fact that Samford played a lot of teams tough last year at home. They lost three games at home by a combined deficit of 25 points. Those losses were to Austin Peay, Tennessee State, and JSU.

I think they will lose to Furman and The Citadel, but those will be 10-14 point games.

Question marks on offense? Our Offense doesn't have any to my knowledge. The only real concerns are the corners and the kicking game. On a side note I don't understand why there is so much love for GSU.

[ERASU2113]

Except that the conference will be better this year than it was in 2006. And you guys won't be as good as you were then. And you are going to have teams playing like they are in the Super Bowl for the first time when they are up against you.

Yea 10-1 is a HUGE stretch for ASU. I mean we do have great players who can fill spots on the O-Line and Secondary. Cortez Gilbert did great for Woazeah when he was removed from the team. Leonard Love was just behind both Wo and Touchstone and now gets his chance to shine.

Regardless. James Madison, GSU, Furman, and Wofford are teams that I don't think it'll be anything close to a "easy W" for App. Not to mention people playing up to us...ya can't forget Wofford and especially GSU had our # last year. The streak ended at the hands of GSU, hell of a game though. Revenge will come in the hands of those games. Two I really can't wait to watch.

[Jiggs]

Ha... Do you really think you'll beat us in your first Socon year Jiggs? Honestly now...

Call me a homer, but I think we'll win a few SoCon games this year. We may be new to the SoCon, but we didn't just suddenly wake up and find ourselves as members in the SoCon. We've had some time to prepare. Hopefully, we'll see some results of that preparation.xthumbsupx

[seantaylor]

GSU will have the entire freshman Socon team. Better get us this year, because we are going to be great in the future.

[PaladinFan]

App State won't go undefeated. Lost two games last year...conference is better and they graduated a lot of good players.

GSU is still overrated. The WILL compete for a conference title, just not this year.

Samford hasn't played a week in week out SoCon schedule yet. OVC, no matter how you slice it, is a weak conference. Their rep has generally been handled each year in the first round. SoCon spits out multiple teams that are National Champ contenders each year. Samford will take it's lumps.

I'm kinda liking Furman as the underdog for once. Seems like few people are giving us a fighting chance. Last season was a let down. This team is still very good and knows how to win.

[phoenix3]

Call me a homer, but I think we'll win a few SoCon games this year. We may be new to the SoCon, but we didn't just suddenly wake up and find ourselves as members in the SoCon. We've had some time to prepare. Hopefully, we'll see some results of that preparation.xthumbsupx

And just what prep would that be? Which OVC team gave you the comp similar to any SoCon team? Did you hire App St. to be your scout team? Trust me, Elon knows about "just waking up and finding ourselves in the SoCon". Good luck on those "few" wins this year.

[AppIAA]

GSU will have the entire freshman Socon team. Better get us this year, because we are going to be great in the future.

I mean, that obvious. You did get 948 15 star recruits this year.

[introvertedGSUfan]

GSU will have the entire freshman Socon team. Better get us this year, because we are going to be great in the future.

It's not the entire team xrolleyesx , but a larger than normal amount will be starting this year along with, hopefully, a few great transfers. I hope our senior defense can cause a few turnovers every game that may hopefully energize our offense.

[CamelCityAppFan]

11-1 is possible, but I think a little too hard given the quality of the conference.

I think 10-2 would be great. A loss to LSU (closer than most people think) and then a road conference loss in the middle of the season. The mid-season loss re-focuses the team, and they hit their stride right about the time playoffs start. Where have I heard this story before...?

[ronpayne]

I think we have a (LONG) shot at going 11-1, if we stay healthy. Last year we beat Michigan, but then had some injuries that slowed the whole team down for several games and the whole league was gunning for us.

This year, EVERYBODY is gunning for us, and like somebody above me said - its going to be somebody's superbowl against us every week. So IF we are injury low/free, IF we are lucky, and IF we don't lose sight of the goal (SOCON and FCS titles), we MIGHT get there.

Its going to be a long road regardless- the SOCON is a deep league this year obviously. In most years, we'd have 2-3 teams in the preseason top 25, and we have 4 this year. Additionally, Samford is unknown and teams that might seem less likely to beat us this year like Furman are still going to bring their best game and be highly motivated, and heart does sometimes win out.

So here's to a great season Socon! May you win all your games, except v. us! May all your games be injury free and you play your best - so if you (and if we) lose, we know it was because we got beat, and not because we "lost our guy". Go Apps!
xbeerchugx xbeerchugx

[phoenixphanatic21]

7-4 seems pretty realistic for us. That's about where I see us finishing, though I wouldn't be surprised to finish 9-2 either...or 6-5. Darn playing in the toughest conference in the FCS.

[PaladinFan]

7-4 seems pretty realistic for us. That's about where I see us finishing, though I wouldn't be surprised to finish 9-2 either...or 6-5. Darn playing in the toughest conference in the FCS.

I feel the same about Furman. I think App gets the head-nod as preseason top of the conference, but in reality, I don't see any team head and shoulders above the rest.

[appfan2008]

9-3 or 10-2 are the most likely records for ASU with 8-4 and 11-1 being the outliers... we must remember... depending on how the season starts for both teams we could EASILY be the underdog going to harrisonburg to face a team that wants to beat us bad...

[elon77]

GSU will have the entire freshman Socon team. Better get us this year, because we are going to be great in the future.

Elon only looses 4 seniors off their 2 deep charts on offense and defense this year. I think they should be pretty strong next year too.xthumbsupx xnodx

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

GSU is still overrated. The WILL compete for a conference title, just not this year.

.


You're saying we aren't a top 25 team?

[stevdock]

Sounds like you App guys are saying that the JMU game is a guaranteed win? Isn't that the same team that you guys almost lost to in the playoffs last year and if I remember right they lost very little.

I'm also curious to know how if this guy's picks are anywhere close to right that the SoCon is tougher this year than previous? It looks like the second best SoCon team will be around 8-3 with alot being between 7-4 and 5-6.

[SU DOG]

Realistically, we don't know what to expect as to our record this year in the SoCon. We do, however, have a few things to be optimistic about. Last season was Sullivan's first at Samford and he had a whopping 55 freshmen(and RS-Fr) on the roster, and admittedly we will be young this year. His 2 recruiting classes have brought in talent though, like we never could have imagined in the past. We are in the middle of a talent-rich football area. Our administration has made a commitment to Samford Athletics and our facility upgrades are impressive. According to our coaches, our team is far and away better than this time last year. NO, we are not predicting miracles this season. I have not made one serious comment about a win over any particular team. What we do insist on is the promise that we will NOT be an embarrassment to the SoCon. I guarantee that we WILL compete SOONER than most of you think. Good Luck to everyone in the SoCon!!

[PaladinFan]

You're saying we aren't a top 25 team?

I'm not completely sure. The Eagles lost the best player in the country (and admittedly nearly all of their offense) to graduation. They also have had quite a turnover on the O-Line.

I think they could be a top 25 team. I don't think they will be in the running for a conference title. A lot will ride on Chris Hatcher this season. The Eagles may surprise a lot of people, but right now I think Wofford, App, Furman, The Citadel, and Elon are better.

[Skjellyfetti]

Sounds like you App guys are saying that the JMU game is a guaranteed win? Isn't that the same team that you guys almost lost to in the playoffs last year and if I remember right they lost very little.

I don't think any App fan has said JMU is anything close to a guaranteed win...

[terrierbob]

Realistically, we don't know what to expect as to our record this year in the SoCon. We do, however, have a few things to be optimistic about. Last season was Sullivan's first at Samford and he had a whopping 55 freshmen(and RS-Fr) on the roster, and admittedly we will be young this year. His 2 recruiting classes have brought in talent though, like we never could have imagined in the past. We are in the middle of a talent-rich football area. Our administration has made a commitment to Samford Athletics and our facility upgrades are impressive. According to our coaches, our team is far and away better than this time last year. NO, we are not predicting miracles this season. I have not made one serious comment about a win over any particular team. What we do insist on is the promise that we will NOT be an embarrassment to the SoCon. I guarantee that we WILL compete SOONER than most of you think. Good Luck to everyone in the SoCon!!


And good luck to the Bulldogs.

[Laserlips]

[QUOTE=SU DOGAccording to our coaches, our team is far and away better than this time last year. NO, we are not predicting miracles this season. I have not made one serious comment about a win over any particular team. What we do insist on is the promise that we will NOT be an embarrassment to the SoCon. I guarantee that we WILL compete SOONER than most of you think. Good Luck to everyone in the SoCon!![/QUOTE]


SU:

We are all just guessing.. That's why the games are played on the field, and your team will have the same number of players on the field as your opponents, so I expect you'll surprise a few folks..xthumbsupx

Welcome to the SOCON.

Jesse

[GaSouthern]

I had no idea that app state lost that many stars, I can't see them winning the SoCon now, Elon might have the best shot at winning the SoCon. Furman, GSU, Appy, Citadel, and Wofford all have HUGE losses this year. After reading this post my pick to win the SoCon will be Elon.

[introvertedGSUfan]

I'm not completely sure. The Eagles lost the best player in the country (and admittedly nearly all of their offense) to graduation. They also have had quite a turnover on the O-Line.

I think they could be a top 25 team. I don't think they will be in the running for a conference title. A lot will ride on Chris Hatcher this season. The Eagles may surprise a lot of people, but right now I think Wofford, App, Furman, The Citadel, and Elon are better.

I really don't think all of those teams are better than GSU. We may be young, but I believe we're going to surprise many critics this year.

[Laserlips]

I had no idea that app state lost that many stars, I can't see them winning the SoCon now, Elon might have the best shot at winning the SoCon. Furman, GSU, Appy, Citadel, and Wofford all have HUGE losses this year. After reading this post my pick to win the SoCon will be Elon.


GaSo:

Just a hunch, but I think our Eagles are going to be all over the place for the first two or three games. I think after our young team gets a little game time under their belts the quality of the athletes and the excellent Coaching of Chris Hatcher will firm up and even tho we are obviously still in a rebuilding mode this year I think we'll ruin the party for more than one of our opponents.

Jesse

P.S. Well, I'm gonna whistle all the way past the graveyard with that theory. xwhistlex

[elon77]

7-4 seems pretty realistic for us. That's about where I see us finishing, though I wouldn't be surprised to finish 9-2 either...or 6-5. Darn playing in the toughest conference in the FCS.

Elon can't finish with any of these records because they have 12 games. But, 10-2 or 11-1 or 12-0 would be pretty good. xthumbsupx

[Reign of Terrier]

My very wild evaluation of the socon this year lokking at the strengths and weaknesses of each team and a little bit of personal opinion.
conf. over
1.Wofford 7-1 9-2 (I'm for real)
2. App 6-2 9-3
3. Cit 6-2 8-4
4. FU 5-3 7-5
5. Elon 5-3 9-3
6. west C. 3-5 6-6
7.GSU 3-5 5-6 (Someone's gonna kill me!:D)
8. sam 1-7 3-8
9.chatty 0-8 1-11

[terrierbob]

My very wild evaluation of the socon this year lokking at the strengths and weaknesses of each team and a little bit of personal opinion.
conf. over
1.Wofford 7-1 9-2 (I'm for real)
2. App 6-2 9-3
3. Cit 6-2 8-4
4. FU 5-3 7-5
5. Elon 5-3 9-3
6. west C. 3-5 6-6
7.GSU 3-5 5-6 (Someone's gonna kill me!:D)
8. sam 1-7 3-8
9.chatty 0-8 1-11
************************************************** ********************

"(I'm for real)"
And your youthful enthusiasm is showing. xnodx

[phoenixphanatic21]

Elon can't finish with any of these records because they have 12 games. But, 10-2 or 11-1 or 12-0 would be pretty good. xthumbsupx

Oops. Yea that's what I meant. But yea I would gladly take any of those records xnodx

[drpnut]

I'm trying not to be a homer, but I believe my Wofford dogs finish 8-3 (6-2) and get a playoff bid. I believe the Conference winner will have 2 league losses.

Not sure who is going to get the auto-bid, but I believe we get 3-4 teams in the dance this year.

The way a lot of folks talk, we should just go ahead and give App the trophy. I certainly think that is premature. I just believe this year will be even crazier than last year, with the league title being decided in the very last week.

Peace

[nick9c]

GSU will have the entire freshman Socon team. Better get us this year, because we are going to be great in the future.

xcoffeex wishful thinking xnonono2x Wasn't too impressed with the Hatch Attack last year.

[gsugt1]

xcoffeex wishful thinking xnonono2x Wasn't too impressed with the Hatch Attack last year.

You didn't see the "real" hatch attack last year. What did you see was a coach who knew that Jayson needed to touch the ball.

[PaladinFan]

I really don't think all of those teams are better than GSU. We may be young, but I believe we're going to surprise many critics this year.

Very true. I do think they might surprise some people. I watched the 07 Eagles and never really saw much of an appearance from anyone who was the "heir apparent" to the offense. Foster carried the load game in game out.

GSU is certainly a wild card this season. There might not be a single greater loss to any team in the country than Jayson Foster's to Georgia Southern. Payton Winners don't just come around every day. Just in him, the Eagles are forced to replace the best all around offensive player in the league, the best running back, and the best return man. Just one of those positions is hard enough. Replacing all three in one season is nearly impossible.

[Eaglesrus]

Very true. I do think they might surprise some people. I watched the 07 Eagles and never really saw much of an appearance from anyone who was the "heir apparent" to the offense. Foster carried the load game in game out.

GSU is certainly a wild card this season. There might not be a single greater loss to any team in the country than Jayson Foster's to Georgia Southern. Payton Winners don't just come around every day. Just in him, the Eagles are forced to replace the best all around offensive player in the league, the best running back, and the best return man. Just one of those positions is hard enough. Replacing all three in one season is nearly impossible.

And so Hatcher isn't trying to replace Jayson. As has been said, our offense will be completely different this year, and therefore you wouldn't have seen an heir apparent. I'm not trying to minimize the loss or say that we're going to be any better than anyone is expecting, just that if anyone is looking for a team that will look much like any previous GSU team they'll be in for a real surprise.

[PaladinFan]

And so Hatcher isn't trying to replace Jayson. As has been said, our offense will be completely different this year, and therefore you wouldn't have seen an heir apparent. I'm not trying to minimize the loss or say that we're going to be any better than anyone is expecting, just that if anyone is looking for a team that will look much like any previous GSU team they'll be in for a real surprise.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's the same thing that's been said each of the past three years?