Stephen F. Austin picked to win Southland

McNeese picked 2nd

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Southland coach of the year J.C. Harper and the Lumberjacks return 16 starters and 39 letterwinners, including senior quarterback Jeremy Moses, the 2009 Southland co-player of the year and senior defensive back Andre Banks, last year's newcomer of the year. Stephen F. Austin, which finished 10-3 overall and 6-1 in Southland play, will look to record its first two consecutive conference titles in school history and a return trip to the FCS playoffs.

McNeese State, which won a share of its 13th overall conference title, is picked second in both the coaches' and SID polls receiving 43 and 40 points, respectively. The Cowboys, who received one first-place vote in each poll, have won six titles in the past 10 seasons and return 15 starters and 50 letterwinners including 2009 conference freshman of the year Malcolm Bronson.

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McNeese returns 12 starters on defense. Yes, 12. All-SLC LB Deron Minor was hurt 3 games in and received a medical redshirt. McNeese gets SFA in Lake Charles this year. But on offense, we lose two record setting offensive playmakers in Todd Pendland and Derrick Fourroux. Jacob Bower, a transfer from Tulsa, steps in at QB so there will be some experience.

I've seen alot of people mention SLU in the race, but until they can step up and meet expectations, they'll continue to chase McNeese at the top.

Southland Conference Pre-Season Team

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McNeese State led all universities with 14 selections, including a conference-best seven first-team honorees.

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