By David Butler
SouthernPigskin.com

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Projecting the order of finish in the Southern Conference in 2014.

No. 1 xe2x80x93 Samford

Gone are the days Georgia Southern and App State ruled the Southern Conference. 2014 ushers in a new era in the SoCon, and this year, Samford is going to reign supreme. After hauling in an impressive recruiting class, it is not farfetched to see a Samford squad that finished one win away from taking the crown outright last year, complete its mission in 2014. Samfordxe2x80x99s offense will have to replace a number of key pieces from last fall, but the presence of Michael Eubanks, a quarterback transfer from Arizona State, should pay immediate dividends.

No. 2 xe2x80x93 Chattanooga

During Chattanoogaxe2x80x99s 2013 season, the Mocs had a 6-2 conference record, which was strong enough for a first place finish in the SoCon. That might not be enough in 2014, however, with a surging Samford team looking to take it away with a vengeance. Chattanooga had a fruitful recruiting campiang, which will certainly help this fall. With the Mocs breaking in some new starters, it could be a rough beginning to the 2014 campaign. However, the Mocs are in position to handle the transition due to a solid group of new talent and a handful of returning veterans eager to batten down the hatches.

No. 3 xe2x80x93 Furman

In 2013, the Paladins finished tied atop the league standings alongside Chattanooga and Samford, which was a huge improvement for a program which had been struggling to contend. Furman has a favorable schedule in 2014, and if it can capitalize on its weaker foes, it will put the Paladins on top of the SoCon. The big question is whether or not the Paladins grabbed enough recruiting talent during the offseason to leapfrog the Bulldogs and the Mocs to take home the SoCon crown.

No. 4 xe2x80x93 Wofford

Wofford turned in a losing record during its 2013 campaign, but the Terriers were still able to make significant strides towards righting the ship for 2014. After hauling in one of the best recruiting classes in the SoCon, Wofford is looking to reload for another shot at the SoCon title. With an improving defense on the horizon, Wofford can realistically contend in every contest during the upcoming season. If Wofford had a little more luck in the coffer last season, SoCon faithful would be singing a different tune about this team. With a few goods bounces, Wofford may surprise a few folks in 2014.

No. 5 xe2x80x93 The Citadel

2013 produced another losing season for the Bulldogs, with a 5-7 overall record. It seems like ages ago when the Bulldogs beat Georgia Southern at the start of the 2012 season. The Bulldogs look to be a middle of the pack team once again in 2014, but do not be surprised to see some improvements from the new faces appearing on the roster this year. With some key new recruits joining the gang, the Bulldogs could see better results after an abysmal showing last season. After a few more years of solid recruiting efforts, The Citadel may be able to perform at a level high enough to compete for the SoCon title.

No.60 xe2x80x93 VMI

VMI looks to take it to the next level after leaping into the Southern Conference picture with anticipation and vigor. VMI has a schedule that will help its cause, but how much it will help is to be determined. VMI had a strong recruiting class, but that may not be enough for it to breakthrough in a hard-hitting Southern Conference. A couple more stellar recruiting classes should help this VMI squad which will not produce instant results facing the likes of Chattanooga and Samford.

No. 7 xe2x80x93 Mercer

Reaching the mountaintop in any endeavor is a tough road, taking time and relentless effort. In its first season in the Southern Conference, Mercer looks to make the jump to establish itself as one of the SoConxe2x80x99s elite. As the Bears step up in competition, it may take a year or two to see them truly impact the SoCon race. Mercer had an impressive 20 recruits sign letters of intent, but that may not be enough for a team moving up in competition.

No. 8 xe2x80x93 Western Carolina

Western Carolinaxe2x80x99s 2014 schedule will be graced with several xe2x80x9cmoney gamesxe2x80x9d, by way of South Florida and Alabama. Although these games will place the Catamounts on a larger stage, these bigger opponents will defeat the Western Carolina with relative ease. After an excruciating 2-10 record in 2013, the Catamounts are doing everything possible to improve their football team. Even with a somewhat promising recruiting class on the way, expect Western Carolina to finish near the bottom of the SoCon.