SoCon coaches preseason poll and all-conference teams:

[Skjellyfetti]

2010 SoCon Football Preseason Coaches Poll

Place School (First-place votes) Points
1. Appalachian State (7) 63
2. Elon (2) 58
3. Furman 41
4. Samford 39
5. Chattanooga 37
6. Wofford 36
7. Georgia Southern 25
8. The Citadel 14
9. Western Carolina 11



2010 Southern Conference Football
Preseason All-Conference Teams
Offensive Player of the Year: Scott Riddle, Sr., QB, Elon
Defensive Player of the Year: Bryce Smith, Sr., LB, Samford
First Team Offense
QB Scott Riddle, Sr., Elon
RB Devon Moore, Sr., Appalachian State
RB Chris Evans, Sr., Samford
OL Brett Irvin, Sr., Appalachian State
OL Pat Mills, Sr., Appalachian State
OL Thomas Gray, Sr., Samford
OL Chris Harr, Sr., Chattanooga
OL Pat Illig, Sr., Wofford
TE Ben Jorden, Jr., Appalachian State
WR Adam Mims, Sr., Furman
WR Brian Quick, Jr., Appalachian State

First Team Defense
DL Jabari Fletcher, Sr., Appalachian State
DL Lanston Tanyi, Jr., Appalachian State
DL Brandon Ward, Sr., Elon
DL Brent Russell, So., Georgia Southern
LB D.J. Smith, Sr., Appalachian State
LB Bryce Smith, Sr., Samford
LB Kadarron Anderson, Jr., Furman
DB Mark LeGree, Sr., Appalachian State
DB Cortez Allen, Sr., The Citadel
DB Buster Skrine, Sr., Chattanooga
DB Mitchell Bell, Sr., Western Carolina

First Team Specialists
PK Jason Vitaris, Sr., Appalachian State
P Bob Hooper, Sr., Samford
RS Adam Mims, Sr., Furman

Second Team Offense
QB B.J. Coleman, Jr., Chattanooga
RB Tersoo Uhaa, Jr., Furman
RB Mike Rucker, Sr., Wofford
OL Daniel Kilgore, Sr., Appalachian State
OL Clark Bishop, Sr., Wofford
OL Matt Ruff, Jr., Appalachian State
OL Rodney Austin, Jr., Elon
OL Ryan Lee, Jr., Furman
TE Alex Sellars, Sr., The Citadel
WR Riley Hawkins, Jr. Samford
WR Marquell Pittman, Sr., Western Carolina

Second Team Defense
DL Jordan Gibson, Sr., Elon
DL John Michael Clay, Jr., Samford
DL Josh Williams, So., Chattanooga
DL (tie) Ameet Pall, Jr., Wofford
DL (tie) Eric Eberhardt, Jr., Wofford
LB Joshua Jones, Jr., Elon
LB Ryan Consiglio, Jr., Chattanooga
LB Mike Niam, Jr., Wofford
DB Terell Wilson , Sr., Elon
DB Max Lerner, Sr., Furman
DB Ed Gainey, Jr., Appalachian State
DB Laron Scott, Jr., Georgia Southern

Second Team Specialists
PK Blake Bostic, Sr., Western Carolina
P Mike Hammons, Jr., Chattanooga
RS Richie Fordham, Jr., Samford

[JConnolly]

You beat me to the punch, I was just going to post this. I'm surprised the 1st and 2nd place votes were that close. I know App lost AE, but they still have a great team, and to be honest, I don't see anyone taking them down this year. I will make my first trip to Boone on Oct 9th though, and I'm hoping for a great game.

[OL FU]

2010 SoCon Football Preseason Coaches Poll

Place School (First-place votes) Points
1. Appalachian State (7) 63
2. Elon (2) 58
3. Furman 41
4. Samford 39
5. Chattanooga 37
6. Wofford 36
7. Georgia Southern 25
8. The Citadel 14
9. Western Carolina 11

Not too surprising. It think I swapped FU and Elon (admittedly homer pick) and had WCU at 7 with GSU and Cit, 8th and 9th respectively.

[T-Dog]

I wonder who voted for Elon to win. Coaches can't vote for their own teams so that means besides Jerry and Lembo, someone else voted for them? Doubt it was Ayers and I think Monken would just go with the defending champs since he's new. I could see Huesman because Elon destroyed UTC while UTC outplayed us last year.

[OL FU]

I wonder who voted for Elon to win. Coaches can't vote for their own teams so that means besides Jerry and Lembo, someone else voted for them? Doubt it was Ayers and I think Monken would just go with the defending champs since he's new. I could see Huesman because Elon destroyed UTC while UTC outplayed us last year.

Could have been Higgins. The same scenario against the two teams works for the Citadel as well.

[JConnolly]

I expected Elon to be a lower 2nd and Furman to be a higher 3rd (Like both around 50 points). I agree that our other vote most likely came from either Huesman or Higgins.

[OL FU]

I also think I would switch Wofford and Chattanooga. kinda tough to gauge WC with the injuries last year, but I do think Chatt will suffer like Samford did last year with the "you won't catch anyone by surprise" in 2010. If they do, it might be us. but we at least have them at home.

[youngterrier]

I have no idea what will happen this year but I think Wofford will absolutely destroy Chattanooga at home for the sake of vengence

[EagleDawg]

Ouch, coaches put WCU at the bottom. Hear they also lost an experienced returning OL starter. Where are you The Cats, I know it won't be long before the kitties start talking about whipping up on GWU this year. Didn't happen last year in the Wee, probably won't happen in Boiling Springs this season either.

Go Runnin Bulldogs!

[Pwns]

I'm betting it was Huesman that voted Elon #1 not just because Elon beat them worse but also because Huesman comes from that NFL school of thought and probably just favors Elon's coach and system over App's.

Also, I'd like to know who voted GSU 8th or 9th. I assume we had some votes in the bottom two spots because I know some of the more experienced SoCon coaches have been around long enough to know how dangerous GSU's triple option can be and wouldn't be foolish enough to put us in the bottom 3.

[bobbythekidd]

I wonder who voted for Elon to win. Coaches can't vote for their own teams so that means besides Jerry and Lembo, someone else voted for them? Doubt it was Ayers and I think Monken would just go with the defending champs since he's new. I could see Huesman because Elon destroyed UTC while UTC outplayed us last year.

Moore can't vote for Appy so he is one of Elon's 2.

[OL FU]

I'm betting it was Huesman that voted Elon #1 not just because Elon beat them worse but also because Huesman comes from that NFL school of thought and probably just favors Elon's coach and system over App's.

Also, I'd like to know who voted GSU 8th or 9th. I assume we had some votes in the bottom two spots because I know some of the more experienced SoCon coaches have been around long enough to know how dangerous GSU's triple option can be and wouldn't be foolish enough to put us in the bottom 3.

I voted you 8th

I know how dangerous it can be, I am just going to be surprised if it doesn't take until the end of the season to get it working and maybe next year.

[Skjellyfetti]

Also, I'd like to know who voted GSU 8th or 9th. I assume we had some votes in the bottom two spots because I know some of the more experienced SoCon coaches have been around long enough to know how dangerous GSU's triple option can be and wouldn't be foolish enough to put us in the bottom 3.

Is it the triple option that is so dangerous or the fact that Georgia Southern is running it? Because I think it's highly likely that the three triple option teams finish in the bottom 4 in the conference.

[Skjellyfetti]

I wonder who voted for Elon to win. Coaches can't vote for their own teams so that means besides Jerry and Lembo, someone else voted for them? Doubt it was Ayers and I think Monken would just go with the defending champs since he's new. I could see Huesman because Elon destroyed UTC while UTC outplayed us last year.

Moore can't vote for Appy so he is one of Elon's 2.

I think they were trying to figure out who (besides Moore) voted for Elon.

[bobbythekidd]

Moore can't vote for Appy so he is one of Elon's 2.

I think they were trying to figure out who (besides Moore) voted for Elon.

I reread it. You're right. I say Ayers.

[Pwns]

Also, I'd like to know who voted GSU 8th or 9th. I assume we had some votes in the bottom two spots because I know some of the more experienced SoCon coaches have been around long enough to know how dangerous GSU's triple option can be and wouldn't be foolish enough to put us in the bottom 3.

Is it the triple option that is so dangerous or the fact that Georgia Southern is running it? Because I think it's highly likely that the three triple option teams finish in the bottom 4 in the conference.

The fact that we we're running it, and that we we were 4-4 in SoCon last year whereas The Citadel and Wofford were 2-6.

[blueballs]

Also, I'd like to know who voted GSU 8th or 9th. I assume we had some votes in the bottom two spots because I know some of the more experienced SoCon coaches have been around long enough to know how dangerous GSU's triple option can be and wouldn't be foolish enough to put us in the bottom 3.

Is it the triple option that is so dangerous or the fact that Georgia Southern is running it? Because I think it's highly likely that the three triple option teams finish in the bottom 4 in the conference.

A little of both and in the old days GSU had the horses to run it, plus they redshirted just about every recruit so the pipeline was full and seasoned players stepped up when it was their turn.

That ain't the case in the 'Boro right now and it won't be for at least two more recruiting classes thanks to the two stooges Sam Baker and Bruce Grube.

[OL FU]

The Media's Votes

Place School (First-place votes) Points
1. Appalachian State (22) 259
2. Elon (6) 231
3. Furman (1) 197
4. Chattanooga 157
5. Wofford 152
6. Samford (1) 141
7. Georgia Southern 116
8. Western Carolina 52
9. The Citadel 45

[JConnolly]

Also, I'd like to know who voted GSU 8th or 9th. I assume we had some votes in the bottom two spots because I know some of the more experienced SoCon coaches have been around long enough to know how dangerous GSU's triple option can be and wouldn't be foolish enough to put us in the bottom 3.

Is it the triple option that is so dangerous or the fact that Georgia Southern is running it? Because I think it's highly likely that the three triple option teams finish in the bottom 4 in the conference.

Just my personal opinion, I think its beneficial to all of the other teams in the SoCon, that 3 teams are going to be running the TO. It's less of a wrinkle as opposed to another kind of offense when you see it 3 or 4 times a year. Teams will adjust to it better after seeing it in real game situations 3 times, after seeing it run by the scout team. I think GSU, Wofford and Citadel are at a disadvantage now that all 3 are running the TO.

[youngterrier]

Is it the triple option that is so dangerous or the fact that Georgia Southern is running it? Because I think it's highly likely that the three triple option teams finish in the bottom 4 in the conference.

Just my personal opinion, I think its beneficial to all of the other teams in the SoCon, that 3 teams are going to be running the TO. It's less of a wrinkle as opposed to another kind of offense when you see it 3 or 4 times a year. Teams will adjust to it better after seeing it in real game situations 3 times, after seeing it run by the scout team. I think GSU, Wofford and Citadel are at a disadvantage now that all 3 are running the TO.

normally I would agree, but I think the Citadel is the most disadvantaged as Wofford runs a different kind of T.O from multiple sets (it has evolved into somewhat and Oregon-style offense) whereas Georgia Southern will probably get better Athletes (in my opinion of course) and run the same style of offense as The Citadel.

On another note, I don't think people understand the dangers of a perfectly run triple option team, if the QB is good enough and at managing the system it doesn't matter how well you prepare for it, it's unstoppable (see the 2008 Wofford team, who was only held to under 30 points 3 times (2 FCS games...one of which they did not run the offense right as they had 5 turnovers)

[SpeedkingATL]

After a couple of rebuilding years I expect every team in the SoCon to be better this year except possibly Citadel and Elon (and Elon will still be darn good). It will be a very interesting year and a difficult one for ASU to continue their dominance. Would love to see 3 or even 4 teams make the playoffs but since they all play each other and most play a pretty good FBS that will likely not happen. Should be exciting week in and week out.

[ASUG8]

After a couple of rebuilding years I expect every team in the SoCon to be better this year except possibly Citadel and Elon (and Elon will still be darn good). It will be a very interesting year and a difficult one for ASU to continue their dominance. Would love to see 3 or even 4 teams make the playoffs but since they all play each other and most play a pretty good FBS that will likely not happen. Should be exciting week in and week out.

Agreed

I know I've said it a lot, but ASU is still a bit of a wild card this season - we have a lot of strength in a lot of positions and only a few losses from last season's roster, but we all know the most notable loss will likely determine how well we do this season.

[OL FU]

Just my personal opinion, I think its beneficial to all of the other teams in the SoCon, that 3 teams are going to be running the TO. It's less of a wrinkle as opposed to another kind of offense when you see it 3 or 4 times a year. Teams will adjust to it better after seeing it in real game situations 3 times, after seeing it run by the scout team. I think GSU, Wofford and Citadel are at a disadvantage now that all 3 are running the TO.

normally I would agree, but I think the Citadel is the most disadvantaged as Wofford runs a different kind of T.O from multiple sets (it has evolved into somewhat and Oregon-style offense) whereas Georgia Southern will probably get better Athletes (in my opinion of course) and run the same style of offense as The Citadel.

On another note, I don't think people understand the dangers of a perfectly run triple option team, if the QB is good enough and at managing the system it doesn't matter how well you prepare for it, it's unstoppable (see the 2008 Wofford team, who was only held to under 30 points 3 times (2 FCS games...one of which they did not run the offense right as they had 5 turnovers)

I think people understand how dangerous it is but it is either not unstoppable or those qbs are very rare. Otherwise, it would be run by more teams.

[youngterrier]

normally I would agree, but I think the Citadel is the most disadvantaged as Wofford runs a different kind of T.O from multiple sets (it has evolved into somewhat and Oregon-style offense) whereas Georgia Southern will probably get better Athletes (in my opinion of course) and run the same style of offense as The Citadel.

On another note, I don't think people understand the dangers of a perfectly run triple option team, if the QB is good enough and at managing the system it doesn't matter how well you prepare for it, it's unstoppable (see the 2008 Wofford team, who was only held to under 30 points 3 times (2 FCS games...one of which they did not run the offense right as they had 5 turnovers)

I think people understand how dangerous it is but it is either not unstoppable or those qbs are very rare. Otherwise, it would be run by more teams.

most schools don't have the patients to wait on a QB 2-3 years to develop

[OL FU]

I think people understand how dangerous it is but it is either not unstoppable or those qbs are very rare. Otherwise, it would be run by more teams.

most schools don't have the patients to wait on a QB 2-3 years to develop

Good point.

Typically, the main problem with the TO (whatever variety one runs) is if a defense can stop it, the team that runs it is dead in the water. There are a few examples where this isn't the case. A good one is the '85 champ game. Furman shut down an excellent TO offense in the first half. Under normal circumstances there was no way for GSU to come back. But they had Hamm who was the type QB that you mentioned. The guy passed for 400 yards during the second half of the game which may have been more than he passed the entire season. But that is the rarity. The TO is tough to stop but when it runs up against a team that can, they usually run out of "options" pardon the pun.