Wilkommen bei den Schatten » The jump into the SoCon is a big step for a

Englands batting versus spinR Ashwin tweeted his congratulations after Bangladesh secured their historic Test win over England last month - but the details of Englands collapse on the third evening in Dhaka, when they lost 10 wickets in a session, surely excited him even more. The teenaged Mehedi Hasan, an orthodox offspinner, picked up his third six-for in four innings to be named Man of the Series and left England in no doubt about the size of the challenge facing them on the subcontinent. Ashwin recently claimed 27 wickets at 17.77 in three Tests against New Zealand, while Ravindra Jadeja is a metronomic menace on helpful surfaces, and they are primed to pick apart English techniques against spin; among the top seven, only Alastair Cook (who averages 61.85 in India) has significant experience of the conditions. Englands batsmen face not so much a learning curve as a cliff if they are to avoid getting turned over.The leading lights: Kohli and RootIndias captain, Virat Kohli, sets the tone in the field and with bat in hand, while England will seek inspiration from Joe Root, the highest-ranked batsman on either side. For both, this could be a defining series. Kohli has banked more than his share of failures against England, averaging 20.12 in 17 Test innings, but has a vastly improved record since taking over from MS Dhoni, which includes two double-hundreds in the last four months. Root, meanwhile, has established himself among the best in his generation since making 73 on debut in Nagpur four years ago - but is still awaiting a first Test hundred in Asia. Sam Billings, one of the few Englishmen to play in the IPL, says Kohli and Root share a work ethic that sets them apart. Theyre both seriously, seriously good, he said. Id go as far as to say theyre freaks, but with a kind of un-freakish nature. May the best freak win.India versus Moeen Ali: Round TwoDuring the summer of 2014, England faced a dilemma about how to replace Graeme Swann. Moeen Ali was picked and, despite an underwhelming debut series against Sri Lanka, he suckered India spectacularly on the way to 19 wickets at 23.00 as England came from behind for a 3-1 series win. A couple of years on and England still have plenty of problems in the spin department but Moeen is sure to have a key role (not least because of his batting). He admitted in Bangladesh that he is still nowhere near where I want to be as a spinner and has struggled with the demands of leading an inexperienced spin attack: wicket-taking deliveries will doubtless materialise but control remains an issue. Bangladesh and, in particular, Pakistan have found success in attacking Moeen but that was Indias downfall in their last meeting. If Moeen maintains his mozz, things could get interesting.The role of the rookiesIndia have three uncapped players in their 15-man squad, while England head into the first Test having fielded a debutant in their previous two matches. Indias young guns, Hardik Pandya and Karun Nair, may be in a shootout for one place but the absence of Rohit Sharma means an inexperienced pivot at No. 6 (unless they go for a five-man attack); there is also the possibility of KL Rahul returning from injury to win his 10th Test cap, should Gautam Gambhirs latest comeback not go to plan. For the tourists, there is a decision to make on whether to stick Ben Duckett and his reverse-sweep stylings at the top of the order - after one fifty in four innings in Bangladesh - or bring in another new face in Haseeb Hameed. England may also stick with Zafar Ansari, on the grounds that he will turn the ball away from Indias right-handers. By Christmas, some of those names might ring a few more bells.Batsman-wicketkeeper versus wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow is two-thirds of the way through a record-breaking year as Englands Test wicketkeeper. In Bangladesh, he first passed Andy Flowers mark for the most runs by a wicketkeeper in a calendar year (and could still eclipse Michael Vaughans overall England record); then he moved ahead of Matt Prior with the most calendar year dismissals for England. And yet… as soon as Bairstow drops a chance, as he did in the Chittagong Test, the murmurs about whether he merits the gloves will return. Five matches in six weeks in India will stretch him in every way imaginable and the scrutiny will be sharpened by the contrast with the oppositions man. Wriddhiman Saha is something of a throwback, a wicketkeeper first and batsman second (although he can certainly hold his own), tidying up assiduously behind the stumps. He was only required to take two catches in three Tests against New Zealand but, after almost two years in the job, he has achieved the wicketkeepers grail: not being talked about. Danilo Jersey . It is a cliché dragged out by fans and pundits regularly when discussions take place around which teams are better than others. Luke Bolton Manchester City Jersey . "Theyve both been real good," said Babcock. "Havent changed our minds." A decision has seemingly been made - Sundays Group B-deciding tilt against Finland ahead - but it could not have been an easy one. Price opened the tournament with a sturdy 19-save performance against the Norwegians, yielding just one goal. http://www.authenticmanchestercityshop.com/Authentic-Kevin-De-Bruyne-Manchester-City-Jersey/ . JOHNS, N. Aymeric Laporte Jersey . Siddikur, whose previous win on the circuit came in Brunei three years ago, finished his bogey-free round with a birdie on the 18th for a total of 17-under 199. Indias Shiv Chowrasia, who has finished runner-up in this tournament twice, was in second place after a 66. Blank Jersey . Paul Pierce couldnt believe he missed at the end. Young scored a season-high 26 points to spark a huge effort from the leagues most productive bench, and Los Angeles beat the Brooklyn Nets 99-94 on Wednesday night after blowing a 27-point lead. (STATS) -- The Citadel had one of the best, and most surprising seasons in program history last year.Count star linebacker Tevin Floyd among those who say its time to move on.It definitely was a great time, it definitely was something great to build off of, the all-Southern Conference preseason selection said. But youve got to kind of put it to rest with the new season coming up. You have to take things from what you did great last year and bring it on board this year. With all great things that you do, theres always room for improvement, and thats been our main goal this offseason.The offseason has been both different and similar to last year, when The Citadel improved from 5-7 to 9-4, earned a share of its first conference title, secured its first FCS playoff berth since 1992, achieved its second-highest single-season win total and upset SEC member South Carolina.All of that led to coach Mike Houston earning the head coaching position at James Madison. But The Citadel kept continuity within its program by elevating Brent Thompson from offensive coordinator to the top spot.Its a tough act to follow right now, Thompson said. But we believe that the plan that weve had in place, the plan that we do have in place moving forward, our players are starting to believe in what were doing. Really its all about execution at this point.Its a deep season in the SoCon title race, with the other defending co-champion, Chattanooga, favored to win a fourth straight title. The Citadel wont sneak up on anybody this time, putting a lot of pressure on the Bulldogs to stay on such a high level.Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2016 Southern Conference race and STATS predicted order of finish:1. Chattanooga2. The Citadel3. Wofford4. Western Carolina5. Samford6. Mercer7. Furman8. VMI9. East Tennessee State---=TEAM CAPSULES=1. CHATTANOOGA MOCS=LOCATION: Chattanooga, TennesseeSTADIUM: Finley StadiumCOACH: Russ Huesman (50-33 in seven seasons at Chattanooga)LAST SEASON: 9-4 overall, 6-1 Southern (Tie/1st)STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (8 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Jacob Huesman, QB; Synjen Herren, RG; A.J. Hampton, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Derrick Craine, RB, Sr. (230 carries, 1,251 yards, 13 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Keionta Davis, DE, Sr. (39 TT, 17 TFL, 13.5 sacks, 6 PBU, 7 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Alejandro Bennifield, QB, Jr.; Richardre Bagley, RB, Jr.; C.J. Board, WR/PR, Sr.; James Stovall, WR, Jr.; Xavier Borishade, WR, Sr.; Corey Levin, OL, Sr.; Josh Cardiello, OL, Jr.; Isaiah Mack, DL, So.; Vantrel McMillan, DL, Sr.; Nakevion Leslie, LB, Sr.; Cedric Nettles, DB, Sr.; Lucas Webb, DB, Jr.; Henrique Ribeiro, PK, Sr.OUTLOOK: The preseason favorites seek their fourth straight SoCon title and third consecutive appearance in the FCS playoffs. Russ Huesman no longer has his son, Jacob, running the offense after the four-year starting quarterback captured three straight SoCon offensive player of the year awards. But the Mocs love the strong arm and running ability of Bennifield. They supply him with a strong offensive line and last years conference leader in rushing yards, Craine. The defense will stay fierce with Davis among the best pass rushers in the FCS and excellent athletes filling the units. They will even be strong on special teams, with PK Ribeiro coming off All-SoCon first-team honors. This season will be different without Jacob Huesman, but the Mocs have reloaded well for another title run. They wrap up the regular season with a visit to FBS champion Alabama.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, ShorterSept. 10, PresbyterianSept. 17, at Furman*Sept. 24, Samford*Oct. 1, at East Tennessee State*Oct. 8, Mercer*Oct. 15, at The Citadel*Oct. 22, VMI*Oct. 29, at Western Carolina*Nov. 12, Wofford*Nov. 19, at Alabama*- Southern Conference game---=2. THE CITADEL BULLDOGS=LOCATION: Charleston, South CarolinaSTADIUM: Johnson Hagood StadiumCOACH: Brent Thompson (first season at The Citadel)LAST SEASON: 9-4 overall, 6-1 Southern (Tie/1st)STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (7 offense/7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Mitchell Jeter, DL; James Riley, LB; Eric Goins, PKONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Tyler Renew, B-Back, Sr. (162 carries, 839 yards, 5 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Dee Delaney, CB, Jr. (46 TT, 1 TFL, 5 INTs, 8 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BK)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Dominique Allen, QB, Jr.; Cam Jackson, A-Back, Jr.; Isiaha Smith, B-Back, Jr.; Isaiah Pinson, OL, Jr.; Kyle Weaver, OL, Sr.; Ryan Bednar, OL, Sr.; Kevin Graham, DL, So.; Dondray Copeland, LB, Sr.; Joe Crochet, DE/OLB, Sr.; Tevin Floyd, LB, Sr.; Quinlan Washington, LB, So.; Malik Diggs, DB, Sr.; Kailik Williams, DB, Jr.; Cody Clark, PK, Sr., (Middle Tennessee State transfer)OUTLOOK: Coming off a surprising share of their first SoCon title since 1992, the Bulldogs face the pressure of higher expectations. Thompson was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach after Mike Houston departed for James Madison. Despite the change, the feeling in Charleston is that this is simply the third year of the Bulldogs initial plan. But the Bulldogs must try to win their SoCon (and season) opener at Mercer without QB Allen, who was suspended for the game because of a violation of team rules. With Allen (958 yards), Renew and Jackson (751) back in the triple option offense, they have three players who went over 750 rushing yards last season, and Smith went for another 563 yards. The defense suffered bigger losses, including Jeter, who was the SoCon co-defensive player of the year. But there is a standout in each line of defense with Crochet, Floyd and Delaney. The unit forced 22 interceptions and 31 turnovers last season.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Mercer*Sept. 10, Furman*Sept. 17, at Gardner-WebbOct. 1, at Western Carolina*Oct. 8, North GreenvilleOct. 15, Chattanooga*Oct. 22, at Wofford*Oct. 29, East Tennessee State*Nov. 5, Samford*Nov. 12, at VMI*Nov. 19, at North Carolina*- Southern Conference game---=3. WOFFORD TERRIERS=LOCATION: Spartanburg, South CarolinaSTADIUM: Gibbs StadiumCOACH: Mike Ayers (187-132-1 in 28 seasons at Wofford; 198-153-2 overall)LAST SEASON: 5-6 overall, 3-4 Southern (Tie/4th)STARTERS RETURNING: 17 (8 offense/9 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Ray Smith, HB; Drake Michaelson, LB; Brion Anderson, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Anton Wahrby, RT, Sr. (SoCon preseason first team)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: John Patterson, LB, Jr. (78 TT, 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Evan Jacks, QB, Sr.; Lorenzo Long, FB, Sr.; Will Gay, HB, Sr.; R.J. Taylor, WR, Jr.; Dequan Miller, OL, Sr.; Bradley Way, OL, Sr.; Steven Cornellier, DL, Sr.; Boston Bryant, DL, Sr.; Miles Brown, DL, So.; Daryl Vining, LB, Jr.; Terrance Morris, LB, Jr.; Michael Roach, LB, Jr.; Jaleel Green, SS, Sr.; David Marvin, PK, Jr.OUTLOOK: Ayers, the dean of SoCon coaches, feels the Terriers are ready to get back to the playoffs after a three-year absence. His veteran team comes back healthier after being ravaged by injuries. The Terriers triple option offense ranked fourth in the FCS in rushing yards per game (300.2). QB Jacks has made at least five starts in each of his first three seasons and is a threat when hes not getting the ball to Long (962 yards, 8 TDs) and Gay, who was among the injured last season. The offensive line, anchored by Wahrby, will be one of the best in the SoCon. In a conference of terrific rushers, the defense ranked first in rushing defense, but it will again have to get the job done by committee because its not full of stars. Graduation will make the secondary look different, so safeties JoJo Tillery and Nick Ward have to take big steps this season. The Terriers will want to cut down on the 27.7 points they surrendered each game. Schedule-wise, they have to overcome some difficult road tests in the SoCon.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, at Tennessee TechSept. 10, at Ole MissSept. 17, Johnson C. SmithSept. 24, East Tennessee State*Oct. 1, at Samford*Oct. 8, at Western Carolina*Oct. 22, The Citadel*Oct. 29, Mercer*Nov. 5, at Furman*Nov. 12, at Chattanooga*Nov. 19, VMI**- Southern Conference game---=4. WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS=LOCATION: Cullowhee, North CarolinaSTADIUM: E.J. Whitmire StadiumCOACH: Mark Speir (17-29 in four seasons at Western Carolina)LAST SEASON: 7-4 overall, 5-2 Southern (3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (6 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Troy Mitchell, QB; Karnorris Benson, WR; Sertonuse Harris, DBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Detrez Newsome, RB/KR, Jr. (190 carries, 1,109 yards, 9 TDs; 37 receptions, 281 yards, 3 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Daniel Riddle, LB, R-Jr. (129 TT, 3 TFL, 2 INTs, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Wes Holcombe, QB, Jr.; Spearman Robinson, WR, R-Sr.; Terryon Robinson, WR, R-Jr.; Tyler Sexton, TE, Jr.; Zach Weeks, OL, R-So.; Nathan Dalton, OL, R-So.; Tanner Poindexter, OL, R-Jr.; Ezavian Dunn, DT, Jr.; Tyler Junius, DT, Jr.; Tyson Dickson, LB, Sr.; Fred Payne, DB, Sr.; Trey Morgan, DB, Sr.; Marvin Tillman, DB, So.; Al Newman Jr., DB, Jr.; Logan Howard, PK, So.; Ian Berryman, P, R-So.OUTLOOK: Speir has revitalized the Catamounts program to the point that it will remain strong even with the big loss of QB Mitchell, the programs all-time leader in total offense. Holcombe emerged from spring practices at No. 1, but theres competition at the position. While hurt by the loss of three starters on the offensive line, the new QB will have excellent weapons around him in RB Newsome, who was the Catamounts first 1,000-yard rusher since 2006, and WRs Spearman Robinson and Terryon Robinson, who missed last season with a wrist injury. The defense, under new coordinator Dustin Landry, returns its top four tacklers, led by LBs Riddle and Dickson. It helps to have The Citadel, Wofford and Chattanooga visiting E.J. Whitmire Stadium.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at East CarolinaSept. 10, Gardner-WebbSept. 17, at East Tennessee State* (Bristol, Tennessee)Oct. 1, The Citadel*Oct. 8, Wofford*Oct. 15, at Mercer*Oct. 22, at Samford*Oct. 29, Chattanooga*Nov. 5, VMI*Nov. 12, at Furman*Nov. 19, at South Carolina*- Southern Conference game---=5. SAMFORD BULLDOGS=LOCATION: Birmingham, AlabamaSTADIUM: Seibert StadiumCOACH: Chris Hatcher (6-5 in one season att Samford; 127-62 overall)LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 3-4 Southern (Tie/4th)STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (8 offense/7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Denzel Williams, RB; Michael Pierce, DL; James Bradberry, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Devlin Hodges, QB, So.dddddddddddd (200-for-288, 2,230 yards, 12 TDs, 6 INTs; 74 carries, 327 yards, 2 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Jamerson Blount, FS, Sr. (75 TT, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 8 PBU, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Krondi Larry, RB/KR, Jr.; Karel Hamilton, WR, Sr.; Kelvin McKnight, WR/PR, So.; Emmanuel Obajimi, WR, Sr.; Armando Bonheur, OL, Sr.; Gordon Crozier, C, Sr.; Antwan Johnson, OL, So.; Horace Roberts, DL, So.; Ahmad Gooden, DL, So.; Xavier Forrest, DL, Jr.; Roosevelt Donaldson, DL, Sr.; Shaheed Salmon, LB, Jr.; Tonne Osaigbovo, LB, Sr.; Omari Williams, CB, Jr.OUTLOOK: While the Bulldogs lost some big-time individual talent, they believe they can be better collectively. After unleashing QB Hodges on the SoCon in the second half of last season, the future arrived for the Bulldogs. As a dual-threat, he is developing into a top talent. The offense, which led the SoCon with 479.7 yards per game, has to overcome the loss of RB Williams, but it returns three wide receivers, Hamilton (75 receptions, 880 yards, 4 TDs), McKnight and Obajimi, who each surpassed 50 receptions last season. The defensive losses were a little bigger, but FS Blount is the latest in a run of outstanding defensive backs. While the Bulldogs have Top 25 and playoff aspirations, they might fall just short in a strong season for the SoCon.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, Mars HillSept. 10, at Central ArkansasSept. 24, at Chattanooga*Oct. 1, Wofford*Oct. 8, at Furman*Oct. 15, VMI*Oct. 22, Western Carolina*Oct. 29, at Mississippi StateNov. 5, at The Citadel*Nov. 12, Mercer*Nov. 19, at East Tennessee State**- Southern Conference game---=6. MERCER BEARS=LOCATION: Macon, GeorgiaSTADIUM: Moye ComplexCOACH: Bobby Lamb (21-14 in three seasons at Mercer; 88-54 overall)LAST SEASON: 5-6 overall, 2-5 Southern (Tie/6th)STARTERS RETURNING: 20 (10 offense/10 defense)KEY LOSSES: NoneONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: John Russ, QB, Sr. (170-292, 2,141 yards, 18 TDs, 3 INTs; 110 carries, 382 yards, 7 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Tosin Aquebor, DE/OLB, Sr. (39 TT, 10.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Alex Lakes, RB, Jr.; Tee Mitchell, RB, Jr.; Chandler Curtis, WR/RS, Jr.; Jimmie Robinson, WR/KR, So.; Marquise Irvin, WR, So.; Avery Ward, WR, Jr.; Sam Walker, TE, So.; Robert Brown, TE, Sr.; Bret Niederreither, OL, Sr.; Isaiah Buehler, DE, So.; LeMarkus Bailey, LB, So.; Tyler Ward, LB, Sr.; Tripp Patterson, LB, Sr.; Lee Bennett, LB, Jr.; Mike Gray, DB, Sr.; Lendell Arnold, DB, Sr.; Zach Jackson, DB, Sr.; Jeremy James, DB, Jr.; Jagger Lieb, PK, Jr.OUTLOOK: A win over Chattanooga last season emphasized the growth of Mercers program, and year four of the return to football brings a highly experienced squad. The Bears lost only one starter on each side of the ball and many of the key returnees are seniors and juniors. Efficient QB Russ is in his fourth season as the starter and the offense boasts a lot in the skill positions, including RBs Mitchell (946 yards, 6 TDs) and Lakes (699 yards, 7 TDs). Understandably, the offensive line has had to mature over time, but theres a noticeable anchor in SoCon preseason pick Niederreither. Injuries hurt the Bears last season, but one of the key players back is LB Bailey, who was off to a great start before he was lost in the third game. DEs Aquebor and Buehler should keep offenses busy when they come from the edge. The Bears have been scheduling future FBS matchups, with the Sept. 10 visit to Georgia Tech their first one.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, The Citadel*Sept. 10, at Georgia TechSept. 17, Tennessee TechOct. 1, at VMI*Oct. 8, at Chattanooga*Oct. 15, Western Carolina*Oct. 22, at Austin PeayOct. 29, at Wofford*Nov. 5, East Tennessee State*Nov. 12, at Samford*Nov. 19, Furman**- Southern Conference game---=7. FURMAN PALADINS=LOCATION: Greenville, South CarolinaSTADIUM: Paladin StadiumCOACH: Bruce Fowler (24-35 in five seasons at Furman)LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 2-5 Southern (Tie/6th)STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (6 offense/7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Joe Turner, OG; Cory Magwood, LB; Reggie Thomas, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Andrej Suttles, FL, R-Sr. (43 receptions, 621 yards, 4 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Trey Robinson, S, Sr. (68 TT, 4 INTs, 3 PBU)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Reese Hannon, QB, R-Sr.; P.J. Blazejowski, QB, Jr.; Antonio Wilcox, RB, Jr.Triston Luke, RB, So.; Duncan Fletcher, TE, Sr.; Matthew Schmidt, OT, Jr.; Jackson Buonomia, OT, Sr.; Jordan Hawkins, NT, Sr.; Brad Minter, DE, Sr.; T.J. Warren, DE, R-Sr.; Brian Ross, DE, R-Sr.; Carl Rider, LB, R-Sr.; Byron Johnson, SS, Sr.; Jamarri Milliken, CB, R-Sr.; Aaquil Annoor, CB, So.; Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, Jr.OUTLOOK: Boasting an excellent class of seniors, the Paladins hope to reverse last years disappointing season, which seemed promising early with a win at UCF. However, their September schedule is brutally tough, including games against last years SoCon co-champs, The Citadel and Chattanooga. Fowler wants his offense to get back to running the ball consistently -- long a staple in the program. Hannon (126-for-228, 1,409 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs) is the returning quarterback, but Blazejowski has played a lot in his first two seasons. WR Suttles and TE Duncan provide a solid pair of receiving options. Magwood is a big loss on defense and the Paladins struggled to stop the run while managing only eight sacks last season, but a solid secondary (Robinson and Annoor) suggests improvement is on the way. The Paladins seventh-place prediction in the SoCons two preseason polls was warranted, but they can be a better team than that.SCHEDULE:Sept. 2, at Michigan StateSept. 10, at The Citadel*Sept. 17, Chattanooga*Sept. 24, at Coastal CarolinaOct. 1, Kennesaw StateOct. 8, Samford*Oct. 15, at East Tennessee State*Oct. 29, at VMI*Nov. 5, Wofford*Nov. 12, Western Carolina*Nov. 19, at Mercer**- Southern Conference game---=8. VMI KEYDETS=LOCATION: Lexington, VirginiaSTADIUM: Alumni Memorial FieldCOACH: Scott Wachenheim (2-9 in one season at VMI)LAST SEASON: 2-9 overall, 1-6 Southern (8th)STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (7 offense/8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Derrick Ziglar, RB; Joe Nelson, DL; Hayden Alford, PONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Al Cobb, QB, R-Jr. (238-for-389, 2,736 yards, 14 TDs, 18 INTs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Ryan Francis, LB, R-Jr. (115 TT, 9.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 PBU, 1 FR, 3 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Brice Tucker, RB, R-So.; Aaron Sanders, WR, Sr.; Dane Forlines, WR/RS, Sr.; Andrew Lewis, OL, Sr.; Allan Cratsenberg, LB, Jr.; Alijah Robinson, OLB, Sr.; Tony Richardson, OLB, Jr.; Brian Lipscomb, OLB, R-So.; Greg Sanders, DB, Jr.; Jon Strozyk, DB, R-Jr.; Damian Jones, DB, R-Sr.; Dillon Christopher, PK, Sr.OUTLOOK: Competing well in the SoCon is never easy for the military academy, but VMI has an experienced team ready for improvement in Wachenheims second season. Four of the Keydets losses were by six points or less a year ago, so they werent far off from more success. They return the all-SoCon preseason quarterback in Cobb, who has passed for 5,677 yards in his first two seasons. But he has to cut down on interceptions after tying for the national high (18) last season. Top WR Sanders is coming off an 84-catch season. The defense was improved last year, but it needs better play on the line. The strength is at linebacker, where Francis and Cratsenberg both went over 100 tackles last season. By playing all three non-conference games on the road, the Keydets have only four games at Foster Stadium.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at AkronSept. 10, at Morehead StateSept. 24, at BucknellOct. 1, Mercer*Oct. 8, East Tennessee State*Oct. 15, at Samford*Oct. 22, at Chattanooga*Oct. 29, Furman*Nov. 5, at Western Carolina*Nov. 12, The Citadel*Nov. 19, at Wofford**- Southern Conference game---=9. EAST TENNESSEE STATE BUCCANEERS=LOCATION: Johnson City, TennesseeSTADIUM: Science Hill High SchoolCOACH: Carl Torbush (first season at East Tennessee State; 17-18 overall)LAST SEASON: 2-9 as FCS independentSTARTERS RETURNING: 21 (10 offense/11 defense)KEY LOSS: Demetrius Anthony, WRONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Jajuan Stinson, RB, R-So. (117 carries, 586 yards, 5 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Dylan Weigel, LB, R-So. (127 TT, 10.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 3 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Austin Herink, QB, R-So.; Falon Lee, RB, R-Jr.; Dalton Ponchillia, WR, R-Jr.; Drake Powell, WR, So.; Matt Brewer, OL, R-So.; Greg McCloud, OL, R-So.; Matt Pyke, OL, R-So.; Nasir Player, DL, R-Fr.; Joe Dossett, DL, So.; Chris Bouyer, DL, So.; Tremond Ferrell, DL, So.; Austin Gatewood, LB, R-So.; River Boruff, LB, R-So.; Trey Quillin, LB, R-So.; Daren Ardis, DB, Jr.; Paul Hunter, DB, Jr. (Trinity Valley CC transfer); Domenique Williams, DB/KR, So.; J.J. Jerman, PK, So.OUTLOOK: The jump into the SoCon is a big step for an ETSU program that last year returned to football for the first time since 2003. They were outscored 416-180, beating only sub-Division I programs Warner and Kentucky Wesleyan. But last year, only one starter was older than a sophomore. Plus, a number of players who were redshirts are challenging for positions. As the Buccaneers continue to grow as a program, Torbush is relying on his offensive and defensive linemen to be noticeably bigger and better. The teams standout is Weigel, who had 56 more stops than the second-leading tackler, Boruff. QB Herink will keep getting better, and that will come with an improved running game featuring Stinson and Lee. The seasons second game -- Sept. 17 versus Western Carolina -- will be played at Bristol Motor Speedway.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Kennesaw StateSept. 17, Western Carolina* (at Bristol, Tennessee)Sept. 24, at Wofford*Oct. 1, Chattanooga*Oct. 8, at VMI*Oct. 15, Furman*Oct. 20, West Virginia WesleyanOct. 29, at The Citadel*Nov. 5, at Mercer*Nov. 12, Cumberland UniversityNov. 19, Samford**- Southern Conference game ' ' '