Thu Aug 28 11:05:30 2008

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Around FCS: Rest Of Conference Chases McNeese State

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Philadelphia (Sports Network) - McNeese State regained its swagger in 2007, going undefeated in the regular season on the way to another Southland Conference title.

It was the second straight championship for the Cowboys after they had slipped to a tie for last place in 2004. It was the 12th conference title for McNeese State.

The Cowboys lost a few components from a squad that was the No. 2 seed in the FCS playoffs, but enough talent remains to draw a target on their backs for 2008.

Central Arkansas is not yet eligible for the playoffs, but the Bears made a strong challenge for the league title during their first season in the conference. Sam Houston State and Nicholls State also had some moments before falling short.

Expect those three teams to push McNeese State again this year, with Northwestern State looming as a team that could return to its normal competitiveness.

Texas State and Southeastern Louisiana are dark horses in a rough and tumble league, while Stephen F. Austin is looking to regain some respectability.

1. McNeese State (11-1 overall, 7-0 in conference, first in 2007)

The seeds of the 2007 success were planted by the hiring of Matt Viator as head coach when Tommy Tate was fired with a 1-3 record in 2006. The Cowboys won six of their final eight games and maintained that momentum last season.

The offense averaged 35 points per game last year and could be even better this season with the return of exciting receiver and return man Steven Whitehead (3,369 career all-purpose yards). Whitehead, who started the year on the Payton Award watch list, earned an injury redshirt after knee surgery following the second game. He is back at 100% and should frighten defensive coordinators around the league.

Derrick Fourroux could blossom into a premier quarterback as a senior. He ran for 550 yards and seven TDs and threw for 2,054 yards and 16 TDs last year. He also cut his interceptions down to five.

Todd Pendland (377 yards) should complement Fourroux in the backfield and Quinton Lawrence (31 catches, 20.8 average, six TDs) will complement Whitehead as a receiver. Eman Naghavi is one of the top-tier guards in FCS.

The defense will miss defensive end Bryan Smith, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles after finishing third in the Buchanan Award balloting, but a number of fine players return.

Vaalyn Jackson (13.5 tackles for lose) is a run stopper at defensive tackle and has a fine complement in Kenneth Lundy at the other tackle spot. Allen Nelson (102 tackles) heads up the linebacking group, while the secondary returns Brant Linde and will be fortified by the return of safety Jamelle Juneau from academic suspension.

Strong-legged Blake Bercegeay is a genuine weapon as a kicker, even though he slumped to 8-of-13 on field goals last season. Bercegeay is a former All- American.

2. Central Arkansas (6-5, 5-2, tied for second)

The return of laser-armed quarterback Nathan Brown pretty much assures that the Bears will be potent on offense. Brown threw for 3,084 and 26 TDs for an attack that averaged 33 points per game and returns 10 players.

Brown has his top six receivers back, including wideout Preston Echols (34 catches, 15.6 average) and tight end Marquez Branson (37 catches, 13.5 average, seven TDs). Returning tailback Brent Grimes rushed for 616 yards and 11 TDs in the pass-oriented offense.

If the Bears can improve on a defense that allowed 31 points per contest, they could win a conference title. With nine starters returning, UCA should be better. Linebackers Corey McMurrian and James Lancaster (64 tackles each) are big-play performers and the defensive line returns intact. The biggest concern is a secondary that must replace three starters, including Tristan Jackson.

3. Sam Houston (7-4, 5-2, tied for second)

The Bearkats are happy to get gun slinging passer Rhett Bomar back from knee surgery. The former Oklahoma starter passed for 2,209 yards and ran for 406, while accounting for 17 TDs. Top receivers Justin Wells (42 catches, 15.7 average) and Catron Houston (46 catches, 13.0 average) return, but SHSU lost top-flight tight end Blake Martin to graduation.

The Bearkat offense will likely be pass-heavy after Chris Poullard (10,38 yards, 13 TDs) was an academic loss. SHSU is searching for a replacement and must also rebuild an offensive line that lost three all-conference performers, including tackle Brandon Hale.

Just like the offense, the defense returns six starters, with linebackers Nolan Bucek (88 tackles) and Luke McCall (72 tackles) among the standouts.

4. Northwestern State (4-7, 3-4, tied for fourth)

The Demons had an uncharacteristic season defensively, being scorched for an average of 31.5 points per game and losing their reputation as the Purple Storm.

But if the eight returning starters can return to form, Northwestern State should contend for the crown. The Demons hope that the return of defensive coordinator Brad Laird will help get things back to normal.

Linebacker Mack Dampier (91 tackles), defensive tackle Albert Smith and an experienced secondary should make Laird's job easier.

On offense, Byron Lawrence comes back after running for 1,377 yards. Quarterback Germayne Edmond (1,478 yards of total offense, 15 TDs) is also dangerous. Dudley Guice is the best of the returning receivers (28 catches, 15.4 average).

Tackle Demetrius Bell is now in the NFL, but three starters return on the offensive line, including Tim Henderson.

5. Nicholls State (6-5, 3-4, tied for fourth)

The Colonels were one of the surprise teams in the country when they started the season 5-1 and upset Rice in the opener. But playing McNeese State in a first-place showdown, NSU lost 28-7 and dropped four of their last five to blow a shot at the playoffs.

Injuries and depth were a problem, particularly when quarterback Vince Montgomery (1,135 yards of total offense) was sidelined. Without him to lead the option offense, the attack struggled.

The offense loses fullback Broderick Cole and slotback Joseph Tobias (1,068 yards combined), so the Colonels must develop some youngsters. Patrick Gordon is back after tying for the lead in receptions (12 for a 17.8 average), and the offensive line has plenty of experience with four starters returning.

The face of the Nicholls State defense is Buchanan Award candidate Lardarius Webb. Webb became the first player in NCAA history to earn national player of the week honors as a defensive player, offensive player and special teams performer last season. Webb intercepted five passes and returned three for TDs. The free safety also was a dangerous kick returner.

Southland defensive player of the year Kareem Moore graduated, but Jairus Jarvis is back as a stalwart on the defensive line.

6. Texas State (4-7, 3-4, tied for fourth)

The Bobcats were outstanding rushing the football, but were horrendous on defense last year. TSU hopes 15 returning starters altogether will help get it back into contention.

Karrington Bush ran for 1,039 yards, while speedster Stan Zwinggi added 497 yards and nine TDs. Bradley George has the ability to be a quality quarterback. He threw for 2,099 yards and 16 TDs last season.

Marcus Clark (71 tackles), Travis Houston (60 tackles) and Mike Rutledge (54) were the top three tacklers on the team last season and all of them return to spark a defense that should give up fewer than the 37.6 points it allowed per game last year.

7. Southeastern Louisiana (3-8, 2-5, seventh)

The Lions have moved far away from the Hal Mumme pass-happy attack, with powerful tailback Jay Lucas (1,239 yards, 7.2 average, 12 TDs rushing) now the centerpiece of the offense. Lucas was also the top receiver on the team with 51 grabs for 485 yards. Brian Babin threw for 1,996 yards and 19 TDs last year and should give the offense more balance this season.

But for SLU to improve, it must address a defense that allowed 30 points per game. Only three starters returned in 2007 on defense, but with seven coming back this season, the Lions are looking to makes some strides.

Steve Honore could make an impact as he moves from linebacker to defensive end to help the pass rush. Linebacker Mark Newbill (83 tackles) and defensive backs Eric Jackson and Tommy Connors should be among the defensive leaders.

One thing SLU doesn't need to worry about is All-American kicker Jeff Turner, who was 17-of-20 on field goals last year.

8. Stephen F. Austin (0-11, 0-7)

The Lumberjacks were frequent playoff participants in the FCS at one time, but have hit rock bottom since firing Mike Santiago in 2004. Santiago had six winning seasons and a share of one Southland Conference title, but SFA has fallen to three consecutive losing seasons since.

The reasons for a winless campaign in coach J.C. Harper's first season were easy to find - an offense that was 105th in scoring offense (16 points per game) and was 102nd in scoring defense (35 points per game).

Jeremy Moses took over for talented Danny Southall at quarterback and threw for 1,253 yards, but he tossed more interceptions than touchdown passes. He will be challenged by Central Michigan transfer Duane Brooks this year.

The Lumberjacks struggled to run the football, averaging only 17 yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. JC transfer Tyrone Ross was brought in to improve things. He will have to run behind an all-new line.

Dominique Edison is a solid threat at wide receiver. He caught 55 passes for 10.6 yards last year. Aaron Rhea, Marcus Taylor and Andy Anderson also are back to bolster the attack as receivers.

Strong safety Chad Haynes (67 tackles) and defensive end Tim Knicky (60 tackles) will be looked to for leadership on defense.