July 31, 2001

FURMAN CONSENSUS SECOND IN
PRESEASON SOCON FOOTBALL POLLS

GREENVILLE -- Furman is a consensus second place pick in a pair of Southern Conference preseason polls, which were released today in conjunction with the league's annual football rouser held in Greenville.

The Paladins, who went 9-3 and finished ranked No. 10 a year ago, trailed Georgia Southern, a consensus No. 1 pick and defending national champion, in separate polls conducted by league head coaches and media. The Paladins defeated Georgia Southern 45-10 last year in Greenville.

The Eagles garnered 60 points and five first place votes in the coaches poll followed by Furman with 57 points and two first place votes. Appalachian State was rated third in the coaches poll with 53 points and two first place votes.

In the media poll, the Eagles racked up 36 votes and 403 points. Furman was second with six first place votes and 358 points, and Appalachian State third with four first place votes and 337 points.

Furman opens its 20001 season on Sept. 1 at Wyoming.

2001 Southern Conference Preseason Football Coaches Poll

Rank, Team (First Place Votes), Points
1) Georgia Southern (5) 60
2) FURMAN (2) 57
3) Appalachian State (2) 53
4) Wofford 40
5) East Tennessee State 36
6) Western Carolina 28
7) Chattanooga 27
8) The Citadel 13
9) VMI 10

2001 Southern Conference Preseason Football Media Poll

Rank, Team (First Place Votes), Points
1) Georgia Southern (36) 403
2) FURMAN (6) 358
3) Appalachian State (4) 337
4) Wofford 264
5) East Tennessee State 201
6) Chattanooga 177
7) Western Carolina 176
8) The Citadel 94
9) VMI 60