HOUSTON – The Southland Conference unveiled its predicted order of finish for the 2018 season on Thursday with the Sam Houston State Bearkats selected as the preseason favorite to take the league crown.
Sam Houston, who went 12-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs in 2017, received 10 of the 22 available first-place votes and picked up 187 total voting points to come in as the league favorite.
Fellow 2017 FCS playoff qualifier Nicholls was picked second, receiving six first-place votes and 173 total voting points. Reigning SLC champion Central Arkansas picked up 170 total points and five first-place votes to be selected third, while McNeese picked up the final available first-place vote and 159 total points to be predicted for a fourth-place finish.
Southeastern Louisiana (119 points), Stephen F. Austin (90 points), Abilene Christian (89 points) and Northwestern State (86 points) rounded out the top eight. UIW (53 points), Lamar (52) and Houston Baptist (32) were selected ninth through eleventh.
In all, the Bearkats return 14 starters from 2017, including seven on each side of the ball. Seven players were named to the preseason all-Southland team announced last week, including five on the first team.
Davion Davis was named a preseason all-conference first team choice as a wide receiver, punt returner and all-purpose player after claiming the SLC Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. Fellow all-America wide out Nathan Stewart was also chosen for that team after leading the FCS in receiving yards as a sophomore.
The Kats also placed three offensive linemen – Mitchell Watanabe, Eric David and Tristan Wendt – on the first team. Defensive lineman Chris Stewart and defensive back Zyon McCollum were also preseason second team choices.
Sam Houston will open up the 2018 season on Sept. 8 when it hosts Prairie View at Bowers Stadium.
Sam Houston will kick off the 2018 season on Sept. 8 when it hosts Prairie View at Bowers Stadium. Season tickets are on sale for the entire 2018 season by clicking HERE or by calling (936) 294-1729.