July 30, 2002

FURMAN CONSENSUS THIRD
IN SOCON PRESEASON POLLS

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Furman Paladins are a consensus third place selection according to a pair of Southern Conference preseason polls conducted by head coaches and media at the league's annual football rouser, which concluded today in Greenville.

Furman, which returns 11 starters off a team that posted a 12-3 record, conference title, and NCAA I-AA national runner-up finish, trailed Appalachian State and Georgia Southern in both polls. League coaches named the Mountaineers No. 1 on all eight ballots, followed by the Eagles and Paladins.

In the media poll, Appalachian State garnered 35 of 39 first place votes, followed by Georgia Southern and Furman, who both received two first place tabs.

East Tennessee State and Western Carolina tied for fourth in the coaches poll while the Catamounts edged the Buccaneers 218-217 for fourth place among the media. The Citadel was selected sixth, Wofford seventh, Chattanooga eighth, and VMI ninth in both polls.

Furman, which is under the direction of first year head coach Bobby Lamb, opens its season on Sept. 7 at Vanderbilt.

2002 SOCON FOOTBALL COACHES POLL

Place Team Points
1) Appalachian State (8) 64
2) Georgia Southern 48
3) Furman 46
4) East Tennessee State 44
Western Carolina 44
6) The Citadel 27
7) Wofford 25
8) Chattanooga 18
9) VMI 8

Note: Coaches could not vote for own team

2002 SOCON FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL

Place Team Points
1) Appalachian State (35) 346
2) Georgia Southern (2) 278
3) Furman (2) 260
4) Western Carolina 218
5) East Tennessee State 217
6) The Citadel 157
7) Wofford 126
8) Chattanooga 105
9) VMI 48