RFC Summer Semester--Southern Conference (FCS)

Looking back: Although Appalachian State and Wofford shared the Southern Conference title in 2010, with the Mountaineers crushing the Terriers to win the league's automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, it was Georgia Southern that made the deepest postseason run, as the Eagles reached the national semifinals before losing to eventual national runner-up Delaware.

Looking ahead: Expect App State to make a run for a record seven straight SoCon title in 2011.  But don't count out Wofford or Georgia Southern, either.

Website: http://www.soconsports.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Appalachian State (10-3):  The Mountaineers are still to team to beat in the SoCon going into 2011.  Head Coach Jerry Moore welcomes back 42 letterwinners, including 20 starters.  Together, they hope to add a fourth national championship trophy this season (2005, 2006, 2007), after coming up empty the last three years.

2. Georgia Southern (10-5):  After making a surprise run to the national semifinals of the FCS playoffs last year, the Eagles to hope to restore the winning tradition that brought them six national championships (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1999, 2000).  Head Coach Jeff Monken has an excellent chance to do just that, as he returns 23 starters from that 2010 squad.  Still, the Eagles face tough road trips to Appalachian State and Wofford during 2011.

3. Wofford (10-3):  The Terriers have built a consistent winner under head coach Mike Ayers, who has an overall career record of 165-128-2 in 26 years.  He's starting his 24th season at Wofford.  The Terriers must overcome the loss of 11 starters, including six on defense.

4. Elon (6-5):  After starting the 2010 season at 2-5, the Phoenix caught fire down the stretch, winning their last four games to finish in 5-3 in SoCon action.  The program is looking for its first double-digit win season in 30 years, when it finished 11-1-1 in winning the second of back-to-back NAIA national championships in 1981.


5. Furman (5-6):  The Paladins are looking to restore some former glory, after struggling to a 3-5 mark in conference play.


6. Chattanooga (6-5):  The Mocs have enjoyed a rare streak of back-to-back winning seasons under head coach Russ Huesman.


7. Samford (4-7):  After splitting their first eight games, the Bulldogs lost what little bite they down the stretch, losing their final three games of the 2010 season.


8. Western Carolina (2-9):  The Catamounts imploded after a 2-3 start, closing out the 2010 campaign on a six-game skid.

9. The Citadel (3-8):  The Bulldogs from South Carolina also hope to move forward after sharing the SoCon basement with Western Carolina, at 1-7 in league play a year ago.