Clan-Members » With DE Franklin making a difference in the pass

(STATS) -- Everywhere you turn in Southland Conference football, theyre talking about Sam Houston State.The conference favorite. The most Southland preseason selections. Four appearances in at least the semifinals over the last five FCS playoffs.Dare we say, with a No. 2 ranking in the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25, on the verge of challenging North Dakota State for that final step?Theres one thing that is easy to forget, though: McNeese, not Sam Houston, is the defending Southland champion.And the Cowboys arent nearly ready to give up first place.We finished 10-0 in the regular season last year, but lost in the playoffs, wide receiver Kent Shelby said, not forgetting that Sam Houston reversed McNeeses 27-10 win in the regular season with a 34-29 road triumph in the playoff second round.Were still humble and hungry and we want more.With former coach Matt Viator having left the Cowboys to take over at UL Monroe, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry has saddled up to the top job. He developed one of the better defenses in the FCS last season.One of the more interesting aspects of his coaching staff is it has representative from each of McNeeses 11 Southland championship squads since 1990.Im the new kid on the block, Guidry said. Coach Matt Viator did a great job in 17 years, 10 as head coach. Its up to us to continue that. Were going to be more physical in practice and compete every day. We want the same attitude throughout the entire team. Were still going to be run-oriented, but the offense is going to be in the QBs hands. I think well be more wide open this year.Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2015 Southland Conference race and STATS predicted order of finish:1. Sam Houston State2. McNeese3. Central Arkansas4. Stephen F. Austin5. Lamar6. Southeastern Louisiana7. Incarnate Word8. Northwestern State9. Abilene Christian10. Nicholls11. Houston Baptist---=TEAM CAPSULES=1. SAM HOUSTON STATE BEARKATS=LOCATION: Huntsville, TexasSTADIUM: Bowers StadiumCOACH: K.C. Keeler (22-9 in two seasons at Sam Houston State; 192-78-1 overall)LAST SEASON: 11-4 overall, 7-2 Southland (Tie/2nd)STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (6 offense, 8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: QB Jared Johnson; OT Donald Jackson III; Lachlan Edwards, PONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Jeremiah Briscoe, QB, Jr. (135-for-246, 1,883 yards, 14 TDs, 5 INTs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: P.J. Hall, DE, Jr. (71 TT, 18.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 2 INTs, 8 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF, 5 BK)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Corey Avery, RB, Jr.; Javin Web, RB, So. (Houston transfer); Jordan Brown, RB, Jr. (Georgia Military transfer); Remus Bulmer, RB, So.; Yedidiah Louis, WR/RS, Jr.; Davion Davis, WR, So.; Deon Hutchinson, TE, Sr.; Ragan Henderson, TE, Jr.; Sam Hardy, OT, Sr.; Bridge Blount, OL, Sr.; Curtis Riser, OL, Sr.; Luis Carreno, DE, Sr.; Mouf Adebo, DE, Jr.; Marcus Loud, DE, Jr. (Missouri transfer); James DeLaRosa, DT, Sr.; Sione Latu, DL, Sr.; Collins Okotcha, LB, So.; Myke Chatman, LB, Sr.; Darion Flowers, LB, Jr.; A.J. Davis, LB, Jr.; Adrian Contreras, S, So.; Alfonzo McMillian, S, Jr.; Luc Swimberghe, PK, Sr.OUTLOOK: Theres really only one more step for the Bearkats program that has been to two national finals and two other semifinals in the last five seasons. Keeler says the goal is to keep improving on the small details that will make the difference between finishing as the No. 3 team in the nation (like last season) and being the No. 1 team. The offense will remain among the nations best after leading the FCS in total offense (531.7 ypg) and ranking fifth in scoring offense (41.1 ppg) last season. Former QB Johnson was the Southland offensive player of the year, but Briscoe supplanted him as the starter in last years playoffs. Briscoe will have a game-breaking running back in Avery (194 carries, 1,483 yards, 15 TDs) and a steady receiving corps, led by Louis (71 receptions, 994 yards, 7 TDs). The defense struggles against the run, but the pass rush could be unbelievable with DEs Hall, Adebo (injured last season), Carreno and Loud. New Mexico pulled out of a matchup with Sam Houston, so the schedule isnt strong, with rival McNeese having to come to Huntsville on Nov. 5.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, Panhandle StateSept. 17, at Lamar*Sept. 24, at Houston Baptist*Oct. 1, at Stephen F. Austin* (at NRG Stadium in Houston)Oct. 8, at Incarnate Word*Oct. 15, Abilene Christian*Oct. 22, at Nicholls*Oct. 29, Texas SouthernNov. 5, McNeese*Nov. 12, at Northwestern State*Nov. 19, Central Arkansas** -- Southland game---=2. MCNEESE COWBOYS=LOCATION: Lake Charles, LouisianaSTADIUM: Cowboy StadiumCOACH: Lance Guidry (first season at McNeese State)LAST SEASON: 10-1 overall, 9-0 Southland (1st)STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (6 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Daniel Sams, QB; Bo Brown, LB; Wallace Scott, SONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Ryan Ross, RB, Jr. (144 carries, 891 yards, 9 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Isaiah Golden, DT, Jr. (28 TT, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 BK)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Grant Ashcraft, QB, Jr.; James Tabary, QB, So. (Arkansas State transfer); Dylan Long, RB, Sr.; Lawayne Ross, RB, R-Fr.; Kent Shelby, WR, Jr.; Tavarious Battiste, WR, So.; Darious Crawley, WR, Jr. (Kansas transfer); Zach Hetrick, TE, Sr.; Mason Martin, OL, Sr.; Thor Miller, OL, Sr.; Kyle Zenon, OL, So.; Anthony Yruegas, DL, Jr.; Jammerio Gross-Whitaker, DL, Jr.; Anthony Yruegas, DL, Jr.; Ashari Goins, LB, Jr.; Ed Duplessis, LB, Jr.; Dominique Hill, DB, Jr.; Jermaine Antoine, DB, Jr.OUTLOOK: The Cowboys were the only FCS team to finish the regular season with an unbeaten record last season, but they fell to Sam Houston in the second round of the playoffs. Guidry, the popular defensive coordinator, was elevated to head coach following Matt Viators departure to UL Monroe. His defense should remain among the conferences best, with Tommy Restivo coming over from South Carolina State to take over as defensive coordinator. The 6-foot-1, 325-pound Golden is a handful up the middle and it reflected last season when McNeese ranked fourth in the FCS in rushing defense (87.4 ypg). While last years outstanding secondary lost top players, Hill, the teams third-leading tackler, and Antione return as leaders. The offense, under coordinator Landon Hoefer, will still think run first despite losing QB Sams. Ashcraft (6-6, 219) has waited to become the starter and is a better passer than his predecessor, but Tabary will challenge for playing time after making three starts at Arkansas State as a freshman last year. Ross is a 1,000-yard rusher waiting to happen and Shelby (36 receptions, 668 yards, 6 TDs) will make big plays on the perimeter.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, Tarleton StateSept. 10, at Louisiana-LafayetteSept. 17, Stephen F. Austin*Sept. 24, at Incarnate Word*Oct. 1, Nicholls*Oct. 8, at Southeastern Louisiana*Oct. 15, Central Arkansas*Oct. 22, at Northwestern State*Oct. 29, Abilene Christian*Nov. 5, at Sam Houston State*Nov. 19, Lamar** -- Southland game---=3. CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEARS=LOCATION: Conway, ArkansasSTADIUM: Estes StadiumCOACH: Steve Campbell (13-10 in two seasons at Central Arkansas; 139-48 overall)LAST SEASON: 7-4 overall, 7-2 Southland (Tie/2nd)STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (5 offense/7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Blake Veasley RB; Jonathan Woodard DE; Ricky Wyatt LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Desmond Smith, WR, Sr. (67 receptions, 817 yards, 2 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Tremon Smith, CB, Jr. (51 TT, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 5 INTs, 12 PBU, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Hayden Hildebrand, QB, Jr. (132-for-208, 1,707 yards, 12 TDs, 4 INTs); Jarvis Cooper, RB, Jr. (Memphis transfer); Brady Moore, WR, Jr.; Jatavious Wilson, WR/KR, Sr.; Brandon Cox, WR/PR, Jr.; Stockton Mallett, OL, Jr.; Cardell Best, DE, Jr.; Terrence Partee, DT, Sr.; Garrett Sharp, LB, Sr.; Chris Chambers, OLB, Jr.; George Odum, S, Jr.; Devin Spurlock, S, Sr.; Brandon Porter, S, Sr.; Tyler Williams, CB, Sr.OUTLOOK: A loss at home to Sam Houston to end the regular season cost the Bears their first playoff berth since 2012. They hope to come in from the front porch with their athletic squad, but Campbell says his team has to mature with players in new roles. Four of the top five tacklers return to the defense, led by Spurlock (75). Tremon Smith is one of the best cornerbacks in the FCS. But the pass rush took a step back with the departure of DEs Woodard and Derek Floyd. Hildebrand was efficient in his first season as the starting quarterback and will pair with WRs Desmond Smith and Wilson (49 receptions, 536 yards, 4 TDs) in a strong passing game. In fact, the offense might have to pass more after it lost standout RB Veasley. Schedule-wise, the Bears will have to come up big on the road in Southland play against some of the conferences heavy hitters.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, at Houston Baptist*Sept. 10, SamfordSept. 17, Northwestern State*Sept. 24, at Arkansas StateOct. 1, at Abilene Christian*Oct. 15, at McNeese*Oct. 22, Lamar*Oct. 29, at Southeastern Louisiana*Nov. 5, at Stephen F. Austin*Nov. 12, Nicholls*Nov. 19, at Sam Houston State** -- Southland game---=4. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN LUMBERJACKS=LOCATION: Nacogdoches, TexasSTADIUM: Homer Bryce StadiumCOACH: Clint Conque (12-12 in two seasons at Stephen F. Austin; 117-71 overall)LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 4-5 Southland (Tie/5th)STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (9 offense, 7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Terran Vaughn, OL; Byron Williams, OL; Justin Owens, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Zach Conque, QB, Sr. (177-for-303, 1,933 yards, 16 TDs, 8 INTs; 139 carries, 554 yards, 11 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: John Franklin, DE, Jr. (32 TT, 8.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 5 QBH)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Loren Easly, RB, Jr.; Joshawa West, RB, Sr.; Aaron Piper, WR, Jr.; Robert Sylvester, WR/KR, Jr.; Justice Liggins, WR, Sr.; DeQuann Ruffin, WR, Sr.; Anthony Pullins, C, Sr.; Kedrick Harrison, DE, Sr.; Mitchel Zimmerle, DT, Jr.; Price Miller, LB, Sr.; George Stone, LB, Sr.; Tre Rosser, CB, Sr.; Zack Starnes, CB, Sr.; Patrick Martin, S, Sr.; Ahmad Muhammad, S, Jr.; Marlon Walls, S, Jr.OUTLOOK: A plethora of returnees in the skills position figure to push SFA back to a winning season. The Lumberjacks were undone by an 0-5 start last season, less than a year removed from having a playoff team. QB Zach Conque figures to have a special senior campaign under his father Clint, who also took Central Arkansas to the playoffs in 2011 and 12. The key for the offense is to overcome three senior losses up front. If the Jacks do, Zach Conque will be part of a strong run game that is led by RBs Easly (759 yards, 4 TDs) and West (617 yards, 1 TD). The teams five leading receivers are back as well, including Piper (41 receptions, 382 yards, 4 TDs) and Sylvester (39 receptions, 364 yards, 1 TD). The defense surrendered 33 points per game and was ravaged by the pass last season. With DE Franklin making a difference in the pass rush, the defense is counting on improvement. The Jacks jump right into the Southland fray with McNeese, Abilene Christian and Sam Houston to begin conference play.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Texas TechSept. 10, West AlabamaSept. 17, at McNeese*Sept. 24, Abilene Christian*Oct. 1, Sam Houston State* (at NRG Stadium, Houston)Oct. 8, at Nicholls*Oct. 15, Southeastern Louisiana*Oct. 29, at Incarnate Word*Nov. 5, Central Arkansas*Nov. 12, at Houston Baptist*Nov. 19, Northwestern State** -- Southland game---=5. LAMAR CARDINALS=LOCATION: Beaumont, TexasSTADIUM: Provost Umphrey StadiumCOACH: Ray Woodard (31-38 in six seasons at Lamar)LAST SEASON: 5-6 overall, 4-5 Southland (Tie/5th)STARTERS RETURNING: 10 (6 offense/4 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Reggie Begelton, WR; Cody Elenz, OL; Ronnie Jones, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Kade Harrington, RB, Sr. (266 carries, 2,092 yards, 21 TDs; 15 receptions, 216 yards, 2 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Xavier Bethany, DB, Sr. (87 TT, 2.5 TFL, 2 INTs, 2 PBU, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Carson Earp, QB, Sr.; Martell Hawthorne, WR, So.; Marcus Daggs, WR, Jr.; DeAndre Jennings, TE, Sr.; Bret Treadway, OL, Sr.; John Craven, OL, R-Jr.; Matt Oubre, OL, Jr.; Omar Tebo, DT, Sr.; Manasseh Miles, DE, Jr.; Larry Carroll, DL, Sr.; Cameron Hampton, LB, So.; Dedrick Garner, LB, So.; Rodney Randle Jr., DB/KR, So.; Brendan Langley, DB, Sr.; Lloyd Julian, DB, Sr.OUTLOOK: Harrington, the FCS rushing leader last season and runner-up for STATS FCS Offensive Player of the Year, is primed for a huge senior season, but that shouldnt overshadow how the Cardinals will be good as a team. After being hit hard by injuries last season, they welcome back the likes of QB Earp, OL Craven a