APPALACHIAN STATE
2010 record: 10-3, 7-1 SoCon
Biggest strength: The Mountaineers will once again have one of the top offenses in the FCS, led by last season’s offensive player of the year in quarterback DeAndre Presley. He’s got a big target in 6-foot-5 wideout Brian Quick and a dangerous back behind him in Travaris Cadet. In his second season as a starter, Presley could be even better than he was in 2010 when he was a Walter Payton Award finalist.
Biggest weakness: Appalachian State’s defense must replace two of the program’s all-time greats in multi-time All-Americans linebacker D.J. Smith and safety Mark Legree. Also gone is defensive end Jabari Fletcher, who had 16.5 tackles for loss last season. The Mountaineers also lost starting linebacker Justin Wray, the top returning tackler, for the season after shoulder surgery.
Biggest finish: The Mountaineers have won or shared the past seven Southern Conference titles and they’re sure to be in the hunt again this season. But there are some question marks, primarily on defense, and there are some serious challengers within the conference. Still, it’s ASU and that means another 10-win season.
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