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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett reflects on the first half of the season in the SoCon. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin
1. Appalachian State and Elon both in the mix - The SoCon has two national contenders this season. Ho hum, the Mountaineers, though maybe a bit down, are in the national top ten, but so are the Elon Phoenix. Head coach Pete Lembo has done a tremendous job and currently boasts the league's top-ranked defense and second-ranked offense. Both teams are undefeated in conference play. Elon is ranked ninth in the nation, while Appalachian State is ranked 10th. These two teams will meet on November 14th for likely the Southern Conference championship.
2. Getting offensive - Five teams in the league are averaging 24 points or more: Appalachian State, Elon, Furman, Chattanooga and The Citadel. The offensive capabilities of these teams has made the Southern Conference very fun to follow this season. The playmakers in this league rival the FBS conferences. Armanti Edwards, Scott Riddle and Terrell Hudgins, Andre Roberts, B.J. Coleman, Jordan Sorrells, Lee Chapple, Chris Evans; the SoCon is loaded with playmakers, some of whom will be playing in the NFL in the years to come.
3. Speaking of Terrell Hudgins… - The Elon senior recently became the all-time leader in receptions in Division One history with 331 catches. He broke the receptions record against Furman, a game where he caught 16 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. Needless to say, he has great chemistry with All-American candidate QB Scott Riddle. Hudgins is one of the greatest wide receivers in college football history and deserves to be lauded the remainder of the season for his accomplishments. He is close to breaking Jerry Rice's FCS career receiving yards record. Jerry freaking Rice. Great job, Terrell!
4. Chattanooga on the rise - First year head coach Russ Heusman has come in and turned things around for the Mocs. With Tennessee-transfer B.J. Coleman under center, UTC is 4-1 overall and 2-1 in SoCon play. The Mocs are moving in on the national polls. There is a lot of football left to be played obviously, but you have to give this program a lot of credit for the improvement they have made.
5. Wofford Struggling - The Terriers have had one of the most consistent football programs in the nation under Mike Ayers, but are off to just a 1-4 start this season. Wofford can't find much productivity on either side of the football as the Terriers rank eighth in the league in scoring offense and last in scoring defense. After nine wins the last two seasons, it appears it's a rebuilding year for a young Wofford football team.
Biggest Surprise - Chattanooga. Not many people saw the Mocs coming, but they are very much in the mix in the Southern Conference. Give Russ Heusman and his staff a lot of credit for establishing an immediate contender in one of FCS football's toughest conferences. This program won just one football game a season ago.
Biggest Disappointment - Wofford. The Terriers are a young football team and just can't compete with the top-half of the conference this season. It's likely just going to be one of those years at Wofford. This team could improve as the year progresses, but most of the major goals from the pre-season are now out of reach.
Five Things to Watch in the Second Half
1. Can Elon overtake Appalachian State as the face of the SoCon?
2. Can Chattanooga beat one of the big boys?
3. Can Furman make a playoff push?
4. What does Georgia Southern develop into?
5. How many more records does Terrell Hudgins break?
Midway Awards
SoCon Offensive Player of the Year - Terrell Hudings, Elon
SoCon Defensive Player of the Year - Andre Campbell, Elon
SoCon Rookie of the Year - Jamere Valentine, Georgia Southern
SoCon Coach of the Year - Russ Heusman, Chattanooga
SouthernPigskin.com SoCon X-Factor: B.J. Coleman, Chattanooga - Has stepped right in and become a major difference maker for the Mocs, leading one of the most dramatic turnaround in college fooball to date. He has thrown nine touchdowns compared to just one interceptions on the season and has provide some much needed leadership for a team that is learning how to win.
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Comments
Chattanooga is not eligible for the playoffs this season as they are currently on academic probation. FYI
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