By David Butler
SouthernPigskin.com

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There is a good possibility that the three teams which finished tied atop the SoCon in 2013 will be competing the conference crown once again this fall.

nOn March 27, 2013, Georgia Southern University accepted a bid to join the Football Bowl Subdivision. In May 2013, Appalachian State announced it would also be leaving the Southern Conference to join the Sun Belt at the beginning of the 2014 season.

nStatistically speaking, App State and Georgia Southernxe2x80x99s football teams have been the most competitive in the Southern Conference through the duration of the past decade.

nWhen two perennial powers jump ship to greener pastures, likely to the benefit of both programs, how does a conference replace that kind of winning mentality?

nSoCon Commissioner John Iamarino will be the man tasked with finding the answer to that challenging question.

nSure, the SoCon is losing two of its biggest winners over the past two decades, but that opens the door for different teams to step into the spotlight. Will other programs be able to start winning in the same fashion as Georgia Southern or App State? It is possible, and even likely, that new teams will be able to step up in a very competitive SoCon.

nThe Samford Bulldogs are certainly a team that has an opportunity to reign supreme in the SoCon in 2014, as well as in years to come. The Bulldogs finished in a three-way tie for the conference regular season championship last fall. If the ball bounced a little differently last season, however, it could have been the Bulldogs on top of the SoCon by themselves. The Bulldogs will welcome in a huge addition to the program this fall, as quarterback Michael Eubanks transfers in from Arizona State. Eubanks has the talent to help bolster a Samford squad and help it compete for a championship in 2014.

nThe Furman Paladins had a remarkable season in 2013. Winning the SoCon with an overall record of 8-4 and a conference record of 6-2 indicates the Paladins took care of business. But even after such a successful season, the close race between the Paladins, Bulldogs, and Mocs in 2014 is sure to bring about fireworks in the future. The Paladins took the right approach to their 2014 recruiting class, opting to disperse their scholarships evenly on both sides of the ball. Axe2x80x99lencio Graham looks to be a true difference-maker for Furman, and he should be able to step in right away and contribute. Grahamxe2x80x99s agility, combined with a great pair of hands, will likely pave the way toward many big offensive gains for the Paladins throughout the contests of the coming season. Furman bolstered its offense and will be in the hunt for another championship this season, as well as in future seasons.

nThe Chattanooga Mocs were also on the cusp of winning the SoCon crown outright in 2013, but as it goes in sports, if championships are not won, there is always more work to be done to reach the mountaintop. Leading into next season, the Mocs had a stellar recruiting class which will help them on their quest for the 2014 SoCon title. Head coach Russ Huesman has done an exceptional job of improving the overall talent in the program, and he has his players competing with a ton of confidence. Chattanooga has quickly gone from being a bottomdweller in the conference to establishing itself as a future perennial power. With facilities which can be rivaled by few in the FCS, the Mocs appear to be at the top of the conference to stay.

nIt appears it will be a three-team race for the 2014 SoCon title, once again, but the Bulldogs seem the strongest and most likely to secure the championship. The excitement will brew once again amongst SoCon faithful as the 2014 season commences and each team starts anew with a fresh slate. No matter which team snatches the outright designation as champion, it will be an electrifying journey for sure.