Will App State finish higher than 3rd in the SOCON??

[jstclmet]

Can a 3rd place ASU team make the new expaned playoffs???

[ASUG8]

I like the way you did the poll to help gauge the amount of homerism.

[bobbythekidd]

No. All the non AQ slots go to CAA teams.

[dbackjon]

I say yes - 3rd or higher.

[93henfan]

Can a 3rd place ASU team make the new expaned playoffs???

So is that the question we're supposed to answer, or are we supposed to answer the question posed in the title?

ASU could conceivably finish second in the SoCon and not make the expanded playoffs.

[SpeedkingATL]

AE is gone but the most of the team is back with some excellent additions. Not saying ASU will be quite as dynamic on offense but overall the team could be almost as good. I still don't see another SoCon team that on paper is better and the schedule favors ASU this year with Elon, Furman, and Wofford at the Rock and 2 very winnable non conference FCS games. Changes on the coaching staff might have some effect either good or bad. I see a one loss team in the SoCon, at the most two which would keep them in the top 2. The potential is there for another SoCon Championship (of course I am an optimistic homer).

[jstclmet]

Can a 3rd place ASU team make the new expaned playoffs???

So is that the question we're supposed to answer, or are we supposed to answer the question posed in the title?

ASU could conceivably finish second in the SoCon and not make the expanded playoffs.

The question in the poll is "Will ASU finish higher than 3rd in the SOCON?". I threw in the question about whether or not a 3rd place ASU team can make the playoffs as a discussion piece.

[93henfan]

So is that the question we're supposed to answer, or are we supposed to answer the question posed in the title?

ASU could conceivably finish second in the SoCon and not make the expanded playoffs.

The question in the poll is "Will ASU finish higher than 3rd in the SOCON?". I threw in the question about whether or not a 3rd place ASU team can make the playoffs as a discussion piece.

Thanks - I voted "yes".

[OL FU]

Yes and Yes

[Silenoz]

I don't see how they could finish out of the top 2 spots.

[G&B]

I don't see how they could finish out of the top 2 spots.

My thoughts exactly.

[Saint3333]

The defense and offensive line should be better with all the skill players minus AE back, yes.

[appsfan]

In a word: YES.

[BigApp]

3rd in the SoCon? Not this year, it'll take a couple of seasons before Buzz gets the bball program back to where it should be.

[CrackerRiley]

3rd in the SoCon? Not this year, it'll take a couple of seasons before Buzz gets the bball program back to where it should be.

I sense your sarcasm but we are in the Football discussion part of the forum.

[ASUMountaineer]

I, as a complete homer, would answer yes to both questions.

ASU has lost a lot with AE and a couple of coaches. However, with all the receivers, running backs, and a very strong recruiting class--ASU will still be in the hunt. SpeedkingATL's assessment seems pretty spot on.

[JConnolly]

I just don't see App State falling far enough to be out of the top 3 in the conference. Their 3 biggest conference tests are all going to be played at home, and they didn't lose much, other than AE and a few coaches, as many have already said. It wouldn't surprise me if they won the SoCon again this year, but Wofford looks good too.

[Pwns]

I'm saying yes only because every team in the SoCon either has question marks or just isn't likely to be good enough to finish ahead of them.

[uofmman1122]

I don't see how they wouldn't. I think even minus AE they're still best or second best team in the SoCon.

[89Hen]

No. All the non AQ slots go to CAA teams.

As it should be.

[AppMan]

The only real issue with the defense has been solved by bringing in a 3 juco DL's (2 of them three star recruits coming out of high school) into the fold. On offense we will never replace #14, but will be good enough with 9 starters returning. Take it to the bank. The Apps will win the SoCon again and challenge for the national championship. The Beat Goes On!

[AppStateAlumQC]

Yes. With Wofford, Elon, and Furman all coming to The Rock the schedule is definitely in the APPS favor. App may lose a game in the SoCon, but I honestly think this team will win the conference and depending on how the quarterback position and defensive line pans out, hopefully in the national title hunt. Appalachian will sign Elijah Adamiak (Central HS - West Georgia) to compete for QB. Adamiak, a three-year starter for the Lions under center, threw for 957 yards and rushed for 688 more this past season, while scoring 15 touchdowns - he also played safety. Looks very fast and is elusive. Chose ASU over Mid Tennessee State, Jacksonville State, Chattanooga, Georgia Southern, Southern Miss, Valdosta State, and Troy.

[Pigskin Steve]

What a DUMB question to begin with.

Who the Hell in the Southern Conference is even close to Appalachian State?
Answer: No one.

[JMUpurplehazed]

App is not going to go down the tubes b/c of AE's exit...APP will still be a good team capable of beating any FCS team...

[woffordgrad94]

Can a 3rd place ASU team make the new expaned playoffs???

YES!! A program like ASU would get in after a 3rd-place SoCon finish.

But they won't finish that low to begin with. After all, they are ASU!