By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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Predicting the order of finish in the Southern Conference for the 2014 season.

1. Chattanooga xe2x80x93 After earning a share of the conference championship in 2013, the Mocs appear to be even more talented in 2014. Chattanoogaxe2x80x99s attack will be led by quarterback Jacob Huesman and defensive lineman Davis Tull, the returning Offensive and Defensive SoCon Players of the Year respectively.

2. Furman xe2x80x93 The Paladins won their final five conference games a year ago, and enter this fall riding a huge wave of momentum. Furman should be extremely talented along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football with a large number of returning starters. Reese Hannon is a steadying presence under center.

3. Samford xe2x80x93 Safety Jaquiski Tartt returns to lead a defense that should be improved with the return of eight starters. Samfordxe2x80x99s biggest offseason task will be attempting to replace the production of quarterback Andy Summerlin, running back Fabian Truss and wide receiver Kelsey Pope. Arizona State transfer Michael Eubank has a chance to be special under center.

4. Wofford xe2x80x93 Despite the losses of linebackers Alvin Scioneaux and Mike McCrimon, the Terriers should have one of the leaguexe2x80x99s better defensive units in 2014. It still remains to be seen, however, how much improvement Wofford will be able to make on offense. The Terriers averaged just over 21 points per game last fall.

5. The Citadel xe2x80x93 The Bulldogs are set to welcome in Mike Houston as their new head coach, but the system should be somewhat similar to what the team ran under Kevin Higgins. The most noticeable differences will be the tempo of the offense and the use of multiple formations. Defensive tackle Mitchell Jeter was the star of spring practice.

6. Western Carolina xe2x80x93 The Catamounts have a very nice one-two punch in the passing game with quarterback Troy Mitchell and wide receiver Karnorris Benson. The biggest issue for Western Carolina appears to be the ground defense, which is certainly a bad problem to have considering all of the option-based attacks in the SoCon.

7. Mercer xe2x80x93 The Bears were able to set an NCAA record last season by accumulating ten wins in their first season of gridiron play. While that win total is impressive, it also came in a non-scholarship league. Mercer has some good talent on its roster, but the Bears are still extremely young. Every player on the roster is either a freshman or sophomore.

8. VMI xe2x80x93 The Keydets won just a sole game against an FCS opponent last season (Gardner Webb). The main problem for VMI a year ago was a defense which allowed nearly 35 points per contest. That unit will need to make remarkable improvement if the Keydets want to be a surprise team in the conference this fall.