Georgia Southern has been selected the Southern Conference’s preseason football favorite in balloting conducted by the league’s media. The Eagles (266) earned 25 of 30 first-place votes after winning the conference crown in 2011 with a 7-1 record.

The Eagles also were named the favorite in preseason voting by league coaches. Georgia Southern finished the 2011 season at 11-3.

Wofford narrowly edged Appalachian State for second place in the media balloting. The Terriers and Mountaineers finished with identical 6-2 records a year ago and both teams earned berths in the FCS playoffs. Wofford picked up four first-place votes and 225 total points, while ASU was close behind with 223 total points and one first-place vote.

Chattanooga was tabbed fourth with 163 points. The Mocs were 3-5 in league play last season, but lost four games by a total of five points. Furman was slotted fifth (152) in preseason balloting.

Samford (105) narrowly edged Elon (104) for sixth place. The Bulldogs finished the 2011 season 4-4 in league play with Elon a game behind at 3-5.

The Citadel was picked eighth by the league’s media with 79 points, while Western Carolina (39), under first-year head coach Mark Speir, rounded out the preseason balloting.

SoCon Preaseason Media Poll
School (First-place votes)    Points
1. Georgia Southern (25)    266
2. Wofford (4)     225
3. Appalachian State (1)    223
4. Chattanooga    163
5. Furman    152
6. Samford    105
7. Elon     104
8. The Citadel    79
9. Western Carolina    36