Two-time defending Football Championship Subdivision champion Appalachian State is ranked No. 1 in Lindy’s Preseason Poll, it was announced. In addition, two other Southern Conference teams are recognized in the publication’s listing. Wofford is ranked No. 5 and Furman is ranked No. 15 according to Lindy’s preseason magazine.

 

Appalachian State (14-1 in 2006) won the Southern Conference crown and downed Massachusetts in the championship game to win its second straight national championship. Veteran coach Jerry Moore earned national Coach of the Year honors.

 

Wofford (7-4 in 2006) closed out the 2006 campaign with five straight wins under coach Mike Ayers. Furman (8-4 in 2006) finished second in the Southern Conference a year ago and earned a berth in the playoffs.

 

Appalachian State in followed in the poll by Montana, Massachusetts, McNeese State and Wofford. Rounding out the top 10 are New Hampshire, Portland State, Illinois State, North Dakota State and South Dakota State.

 

The Southern Conference opens the 2007 season when Carson-Newman plays at Chattanooga on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Lindy’s Preseason Poll

1. Appalachian State

2. Montana

3. Massachusetts

4. McNeese State

5. Wofford

6. New Hampshire

7. Portland State

8. Illinois State

9. North Dakota State

10. South Dakota State

11. Youngstown State

12. Southern Illinois

13. Central Arkansas

14. Delaware

15. Furman

16. James Madison

17. Tennessee-Martin

18. Montana State

19. Eastern Illinois

20. Northern Iowa

21. Coastal Carolina

22. Hampton

23. Texas State

24. Richmond

25. Liberty