2010 SoCon outlook

[Pwns]

Wofford - my pick to win it in 2009. Players who had season-ending injuries in 2009 will be back. Defense should be rebuilt. Key offensive players should be more experienced. Wofford is usually not down more than a year.

Furman - Defense should be better. Mims, Uhaa, Williams, and other key offensive players returning. If Sorrells was coming back I'd pick them to take the SoCon. Not real sure about Forcier, though. If he develops into a good QB then they can win the SoCon.

Appalachian State - May be the only team whose defense won't be improved next year, but luckily for the Apps there won't be too many strong offenses in the SoCon. App. will find a good QB but he won't be an Armanti Edwards or a Richie Williams. App finishes in the top 3, but doesn't win the SoCon.

Elon - Defense should be strong, and one of the best in the entire FCS. But can they move the ball without Hudgins, who accounted for almost half of Elon's passing yards?

Georgia Southern - GSU is once again moving to a new (old) system. The success on offense will depend on who we can get at the QB position. Depending on that, it could be an okay year on offense or another miserable year. GSU has a talented D and has a good DC taking over that side of the ball. GSU can beat anyone in the conference, but will probably only win 5 Socon games at the very most.

Chattanooga - Again, another team with question marks on offense (losing their top WR and running back) and a defense that will be improving.

Samford - One of the few teams that doesn't lose anyone major. Should be better this year, but won't compete for the SoCon

Western Carolina - looked good in the last two games of the season last year. But will that carry over to next year?

The Citadel - Blanchard leaving leaves a big, gaping question mark on offense regardless of whether they go to the option or keep the system they have intact. They will be 0-8 in the SoCon if they can't figure something out on offense.

[eagleskins]

It won't be a miserable year for GSU. We have tons of talent. Just went through two of the worst coaches in the history of coaching. We are going back to our roots. At least 7 wins this season.

[AppStateAlumQC]

Wofford should have a better year as injuries just killed them last year, I'm glad we have them in Boone this time around. I don't see Furman finishing second, for Lamb's sake - they better. Furman hasn't been relevant since 2005 but the Uhaa kid is a solid player. App lost some key defensive players in Anthony Williams and Jacque Roman but with D.J. Smith and Mark LeGree back the defense should be solid. Elon will be down without Hudgins but I can't see them falling off with Riddle and the defense they have. I don't see the others competing for the league title this year.

[AZGrizFan]

So, does a 3rd place ASU team make the playoffs?

[catamount man]

I will post in August.

[Skjellyfetti]

App, Fuman, Wofford, Samford (yup) competing for title.

Chatty, Elon, GSU in the middle

WCU, lol

[OL FU]

Bottom will be a lot stronger this year and the top a little weaker. Could be a real mixed up season. Picking someone last this year doesn't mean they are awful and certainly doesn't mean they will finish last.

ASU - Won't be as good, but this is the year they get most of the tough teams at home. Not undefeated but still on top I think
WC - could win it all really think a tie for second with FU (but playing us in Sparkle City will help, although historically that hasn't been that much of a help)
FU - Offense was solid last year but not explosive, if Forcier lives up to expectations that could change. If not he or Worley will still lead a solid offense again. If the defense improves slightly we could still end up 8-3 because of the offense. ( can't have any Citadel games where the defense can't stop a team scored very little against a WCU team the week before) IF the defensive problems get worked out, we will compete for the top of the SoCon and maybe more, but that is a big IF.
Elon - Will still be good, but I think the top four will be close and losing Hudgins will be enough to put them in the bottom of the top four. But honestly I think the top will be close enough that if the ifs are answered any of these four could be the champ.

Next group -

Samford, last year was disappointing. I think they have the horses to get in the top four but not convinced after last year. Not looking forward to FU playing them in Birmingham. We have won two sqeakers on blocked field goals and blocked/missed extra points. This could be the game that makes FU not be 8-3.
Chatt - certainly on the rise will be better again.

Next group - could really be in any order.
GSU - Sorry guys, one more coaching change, one more scheme change, etc etc. You may have the horses but I have heard since Van Goober's season that you have the horses and it just hasn't panned out. I think re-instating the option is a good thing and it will pay off, maybe as early as 2011 but I would be very surprised if it turns things around in 2010.
Citadel - I might have put them in the Samford Chatt group but a switch to the TO ( if that is where they are going will slow down any progress. Personally I think the TO is suited to a school like El Cid. Recruiting is tough at the Citadel and an offense, like the TO, that can be successful with discipline and QB smarts fits the Citadel). Some times new offenses provide the immediate spark, most times they have an adjustment period.
WCU - There were some bright spots last year. Beating EKU in Richmond was a good one. Playing an Edwardsless ASU close was another. But it ain't easy bringing a program that has been in the dumper for 20 years back to life. You have to look for the few positives and build on them. Wouldn't surprise if WCU finishes much higher than this, but if I have to pick, well......

[youngterrier]

Im kind of holding my breath on wofford. we most certainly have the talent and depth to be competitive this year (3 games were within the margin of error last year). Our offense could be as good as it was in 2008 (if it reaches its potential). Our defense has all the makings of an elite defense but we have to stay healthy at linebacker. we could have a playoff year if we meet our potential but @ the same time we could have another 3-8 year...i would be concerned then

[OL FU]

Im kind of holding my breath on wofford. we most certainly have the talent and depth to be competitive this year (3 games were within the margin of error last year). Our offense could be as good as it was in 2008 (if it reaches its potential). Our defense has all the makings of an elite defense but we have to stay healthy at linebacker. we could have a playoff year if we meet our potential but @ the same time we could have another 3-8 year...i would be concerned then

The good thing about this is that Wofford fans no longer can say they aren't respected.

After last season, most people are picking you 1,2 or 3.

[JConnolly]

Elon lost Hudgins, but has the rest of the offense coming back. Watch out for WRs Sean Jeffcoat, Lance Camp, and Jeremy Peterson to make up for the loss of Hudgins. The ball should be spread out a lot more this year. The running backs are showing a lot of promise too. Jamal Shuman, Brandon Newsome and AJ Harris can provide the running game to make a more balanced offense too.

Overall I think it will be a really competitive conference this year. App is always good, and Wofford should be good, especially if they can stay healthy. Furman should be good too. Chatty and Samford look like they should have pretty strong teams. You can't sleep on GSU or El Cid either. I can't really tell how WCU should be though, but I assume they won't be strong enough to compete for a SoCon title.

[youngterrier]

Now that I have a keyboard and not a cell phone I will give my opinions--I'm not as aware of whose coming back or not, keep in mind:

Wofford--Already given

App State--should be down this year, they lost Armanti for goodness sake and on many plays last year any other QB gets sacked or picked off; they could go anywhere

Elon--I thought they lost a lot on defense (I'll need some #s for that). I think they'll be middle of the pack

Western--can't really say, they're building something there I just don't when it will break through

Chattanooga-- they should be in the middle of the pack (but Wofford will get vengeance, rest assured)

Samford--the sleeper team of the conference, could get a playoff spot

The Citadel--has the talent to be good but I don't know where they finish, one things a given...Wofford will beat them

Furman--I know nothing to evaluate honestly...based on past performances 6 or 7 wins and the "Fire Bobby" rhetoric returns

Georgia southern--hard to say with a new system going in, but I think they are still young and talented

[BullDog85]

It's a toss up. Hard to say who will take the title, but if I had to guess I think that Hash State and Ellen will via for it...and Furby, Rat Dogs, El Cid, Slammed Fords and Ga. State Pen will be spoilers and fighting for 3rd place. Mockingbirds and WeSux will make more noise than usual and cause Saturday angst. SoCon will be lucky to have more than one team go to the playoffs because of the in-conference parity.

[catamount man]

It's a toss up. Hard to say who will take the title, but if I had to guess I think that Hash State and Ellen will via for it...and Furby, Rat Dogs, El Cid, Slammed Fords and Ga. State Pen will be spoilers and fighting for 3rd place. Mockingbirds and WeSux will make more noise than usual and cause Saturday angst. SoCon will be lucky to have more than one team go to the playoffs because of the in-conference parity.

WeSux 14
Shannon Faulkner Tech 10

10/17/2009

[Appaholic]

Obviously I'm biased, but I think App wins it again due to schedule more than anything. Get FU, Wofford & Elon at home. I think they drop one in conference (my vote is Samford or WCU) & tie Wofford for title, but get auto-bid from beating Wof. UTC will be better & WCU will be better. El cid will be a bad VMI & GaSouth will be in re-building mode...look for those two to slap it out for the last place spot.

[ASUG8]

Obviously I'm biased, but I think App wins it again due to schedule more than anything. Get FU, Wofford & Elon at home. I think they drop one in conference (my vote is Samford or WCU) & tie Wofford for title, but get auto-bid from beating Wof. UTC will be better & WCU will be better. El cid will be a bad VMI & GaSouth will be in re-building mode...look for those two to slap it out for the last place spot.

Hopefully by the August Upstate CS.com get together (you like that, Mods? ) we'll have a better handle on the QB situation with our beloved Mountaineers. Until then, I'm not going out on any limb - we'll have a strong running game and a decent receiving corps again, but whoever starts has to get it in their hands.

[JConnolly]

Now that I have a keyboard and not a cell phone I will give my opinions--I'm not as aware of whose coming back or not, keep in mind:

Wofford--Already given

App State--should be down this year, they lost Armanti for goodness sake and on many plays last year any other QB gets sacked or picked off; they could go anywhere

Elon--I thought they lost a lot on defense (I'll need some #s for that). I think they'll be middle of the pack
Western--can't really say, they're building something there I just don't when it will break through

Chattanooga-- they should be in the middle of the pack (but Wofford will get vengeance, rest assured)

Samford--the sleeper team of the conference, could get a playoff spot

The Citadel--has the talent to be good but I don't know where they finish, one things a given...Wofford will beat them

Furman--I know nothing to evaluate honestly...based on past performances 6 or 7 wins and the "Fire Bobby" rhetoric returns

Georgia southern--hard to say with a new system going in, but I think they are still young and talented

We lost 7 on Defense. Both Corners, Both Safeties, MLB, D Tackle and D End. The younger guys are going to have to step up.

[OL FU]

Obviously I'm biased, but I think App wins it again due to schedule more than anything. Get FU, Wofford & Elon at home. I think they drop one in conference (my vote is Samford or WCU) & tie Wofford for title, but get auto-bid from beating Wof. UTC will be better & WCU will be better. El cid will be a bad VMI & GaSouth will be in re-building mode...look for those two to slap it out for the last place spot.

Hopefully by the August Upstate CS.com get together (you like that, Mods? ) we'll have a better handle on the QB situation with our beloved Mountaineers. Until then, I'm not going out on any limb - we'll have a strong running game and a decent receiving corps again, but whoever starts has to get it in their hands.

yeah last year we changed it to FCS get together to not offend anyone. Might as well drop the F this time

[Mountaineer]

There has been a variation of "ASU won't win the SoCon" or "ASU won't go undefeated in the SoCon" going around the past four years. The most vocal proponent of that tired old mantra was PaladinFan (where is he by the way? ).

2006: 7-0 SoCon 1st Place
2007: 5-2 SoCon 1st Place
2008: 8-0 SoCon 1st Place
2009: 8-0 SoCon 1st Place

Yup, we lose perhaps the most dynamic player at this level, but we also return something like 17 or 18 starters. Last year's recruiting class was good and the class this year is looking to be equally as excellent or better. The schedule should be a bonus with arguably the toughest opponents at home (Elon, Furman and Wofford) and a "soft" OOC slate.

At this point I think it's safe to say that ASU should again be challenging for a conference championship.

[FUwolfpacker]

The most vocal proponent of that tired old mantra was PaladinFan (where is he by the way? ).

He's newly married so he doesn't have that much time to get on here (especially not the offseason). He'll make his way over around the time sping practice gets going I imagine.

[bobbythekidd]

The most vocal proponent of that tired old mantra was PaladinFan (where is he by the way? ).

He's newly married so he doesn't have that much time to get on here (especially not the offseason). He'll make his way over around the time sping practice gets going I imagine.

welcome packer! and FU!

[Mountaineer]

Welcome to the board, Wolf. OL FU needs some backup. Lookin' forward to PF getting over here and droppin' some knowledge.

[catamount man]

Okay, I won't wait until August.

Furman-this is the year that puts Bobby and the Paladins back in the drivers seat. Gotta feeling the UCLA kid is gonna OWN and the defense will once again be stout. Also think Bobby is tired of the mediocrity and knows the heat is on. Furman wins the conference and in Boone for the 1st time since the late 90s.

App State-ugh.......defense may be shaky, but the O will still be good, especially with Cadet manning the ship.
Wofford-can't keep a good man down and Ayers is a damn good man.
Elon
WCU-yes, we make a push into the top part of the conference this year. we still will not be world beaters but I think the conference will be shocked at what they see coming out of the whee in 2010. Only gonna get better.
GSU
UTC
Samford
El Cid

anywhoo, just one white unemployed man's opinion. GO CATAMOUNTS!!!

[youngterrier]

Now that I have a keyboard and not a cell phone I will give my opinions--I'm not as aware of whose coming back or not, keep in mind:

Wofford--Already given

App State--should be down this year, they lost Armanti for goodness sake and on many plays last year any other QB gets sacked or picked off; they could go anywhere

Elon--I thought they lost a lot on defense (I'll need some #s for that). I think they'll be middle of the pack
Western--can't really say, they're building something there I just don't when it will break through

Chattanooga-- they should be in the middle of the pack (but Wofford will get vengeance, rest assured)

Samford--the sleeper team of the conference, could get a playoff spot

The Citadel--has the talent to be good but I don't know where they finish, one things a given...Wofford will beat them

Furman--I know nothing to evaluate honestly...based on past performances 6 or 7 wins and the "Fire Bobby" rhetoric returns

Georgia southern--hard to say with a new system going in, but I think they are still young and talented

We lost 7 on Defense. Both Corners, Both Safeties, MLB, D Tackle and D End. The younger guys are going to have to step up.

In that case I'm going to say Elon finishes middle of the pack. I just don't see any team replacing what seems like 7 2 or 3 year starters.


BTW everybody stop picking Wofford to win it or be competitive, we need some motivation and I appreciate being picked 5-9 at this point

(good to be respected though)

[catamount man]

I think the entire conference respects Ayers and his legacy at Wofford. BTW, Andre Whitmire from S'burg HS committed to us over the weekend. Chose us over Stanford, Wake and Duke. What can you tell me about him?

[youngterrier]

I think the entire conference respects Ayers and his legacy at Wofford. BTW, Andre Whitmire from S'burg HS committed to us over the weekend. Chose us over Stanford, Wake and Duke. What can you tell me about him?

I haven't seen much of Spartanburg high this year...their backfield was pretty good I think