Samford Dark Horse in the Southern Conference

[VictoryViking]

Samford could be the team to watch this year in the Southern Conference. As coach Chris Hatcher leads his team into his second year, key coaching changes, a strong group of returning starters, and a great recruiting class could mean big changes ahead for a Samford program that has began to catch the eyes of NFL scouts and teams. Recruits are beginning to understand the significance of Samford University as well and with addition of a great replacement for former coach Pat Sullivan in Chris Hatcher, who had really began to ignite the program again, the program continues to improve.

Coaching
When you look at the coaching staff, great additions were made with a new Strength and Conditioning coach, New Offensive Coordinator, Offensive Line coach, and Offensive Quality control additions. The offense will be coached very well. On the defensive side of the ball, not too many new additions, but a strong core group returns to lead Samford in 2016/2017.

Returning Players
When you talk about returning players, there are a lot to look forward to with (8) returning starters on the #7 offense in the nation last year and (7) on defense. On Offense, Devlin Hodges at quarterback, WR - Karel Hamilton, and a strong Offensive line led by NFL prospect Armondo Bounheur will make things difficult for any defense this year. On Defense, Tonne Osaigbovo will lead the linebacker core and strong defensive backs coached by former NFL player Sam Shade will anchor the defense.

Recruiting Class
The recruiting class includes the #33 center in the nation, the #86 Athlete in the nation (according to 247 sports) and numerous under rated talented players that had been missed by the bigger schools. Cudo's to the administration and coaching staff along with Ross Newton Director of Recruiting for bringing in such a talented group.

Predictions
Picking Samford to win at least 8 games this year and as many as 10 with one loss to Mississippi State and two games that could go either way, at The Citadel and UT Chattanooga.

[Smitty]

I doubt they will get through the SoCon with just 2 losses but they should be towards the top. They have been my number 2 team in the league this preseason.

[SU DOG]

WOW! What a great way to start my day by reading this glowing report. Samford does have the talent to be a contender for the SoCon title this year. Everything in the post is true, and certainly Samford fans are understandably more excited than usual. There are some barriers, however, that we must overcome. While we were highly ranked on offense last season, our run defense was near the bottom of the SoCon. The offense this year looks to be even better, but the defense MUST improve. I think that will happen as so many players on that side of the ball are returning. We have also kept out longtime DC, who has had some really good defenses in the past. From what I have seen so far, this defense is much faster, so I am very hopeful.

As I have said repeatedly, however, this is a conference that, IMO, is very underrated. An injury, a fumble, a bad decision, or just having an inexplicably bad game, and teams in this conference will make you pay dearly. Samford is a good "dark horse" candidate, but probably teams 3-8 also consider themselves to be right in that underdog mix for the SoCon title. Going to be interesting.

[FUBeAR]

WOW! Everything in the post, may be, subjectively-speaking, true

FIFY

[BEAR]

I think Samford's first test at Estes on The Stripes will tell a lot about the team. Will it be a repeat of last year? Are they stronger? Beating a second place SLC team may not be noteworthy, but it's a road trip in a very tough place for any team to win. Of course, if Samford is picked that high in their conference, this will be a good measuring stick for the Bears too.

[Schism55]

FIFY

Haha. Hope springs eternal in August. See how they are feeling in October

[VictoryViking]

WOW! What a great way to start my day by reading this glowing report. Samford does have the talent to be a contender for the SoCon title this year. Everything in the post is true, and certainly Samford fans are understandably more excited than usual. There are some barriers, however, that we must overcome. While we were highly ranked on offense last season, our run defense was near the bottom of the SoCon. The offense this year looks to be even better, but the defense MUST improve. I think that will happen as so many players on that side of the ball are returning. We have also kept out longtime DC, who has had some really good defenses in the past. From what I have seen so far, this defense is much faster, so I am very hopeful.

As I have said repeatedly, however, this is a conference that, IMO, is very underrated. An injury, a fumble, a bad decision, or just having an inexplicably bad game, and teams in this conference will make you pay dearly. Samford is a good "dark horse" candidate, but probably teams 3-8 also consider themselves to be right in that underdog mix for the SoCon title. Going to be interesting.

Great Points about the defense. The unknown and suspense continues to build in Birmingham and the SoCon!

[VictoryViking]

I think Samford's first test at Estes on The Stripes will tell a lot about the team. Will it be a repeat of last year? Are they stronger? Beating a second place SLC team may not be noteworthy, but it's a road trip in a very tough place for any team to win. Of course, if Samford is picked that high in their conference, this will be a good measuring stick for the Bears too.

Excellent point UCABEAR. Central will be a strong test for the Bulldogs. The stripes make me dizzy...lol...Hope the Bulldogs can stay focused. If not UCA could be an upset artist.

[VictoryViking]

Haha. Hope springs eternal in August. See how they are feeling in October

How is NDS Shaping Up?

[VictoryViking]

I doubt they will get through the SoCon with just 2 losses but they should be towards the top. They have been my number 2 team in the league this preseason.

Who do you see beating them in the SoCon? Please dont ride the history wagon with the Citadel and UTC. I see both of those programs being down this year. Your thoughts?