1. Carson Newman
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Mike Turner (2nd season, 8-3)

Five year history
2017: 8-3, 5-2
2016: 4-7, 2-5
2015: 9-3, 5-2 (NCAA Playoffs)
2014: 7-3, 5-2
2013: 10-3, 5-2 (NCAA Playoffs)

The newThe knownThe unknownThe Final word
If Carson-Newman is the best team in the SAC, they will have no shortage of chances to prove it. The schedule is loaded with difficult matchups and four of the first five games are on the road. They have the experience to handle it, but it will be a very difficult road to a championship.

2. Wingate
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Joe Reich (18th season, 110-75)

Five year history
2017: 8-2, 6-1
2016: 8-3, 5-2
2015: 6-5, 2-3
2014: 6-5, 3-2
2013: 4-6, 2-3

The newThe known
The defense, which was consistently strong last year, returns many key players including four preseason All-SAC selections. Look for the Bulldogs to continue to be very stout on the defensive side of the ball.

The unknownThe final word
The Bulldogs have a lot of proven talent coming back on both sides of the ball. Enough to make you feel very confident. But the spots they must replace are all extremely critical. They will be very green at quarterback, young at running back and lacking depth in some spots on defense. They have experience to carry them, but a lot depends on young players stepping up.

3. Newberry
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Todd Knight (10th season, 55-44)

Five year history
2017: 5-6, 3-4
2016: 10-2, 7-0 (SAC Champions, NCAA Playoffs)
2015: 7-5, 4-2 (NCAA Playoffs)
2014: 5-6, 3-4
2013: 9-3, 5-2 (NCAA Playoffs)

The new
The Wolves have a new offensive coordinator in Todd Varn, who joined the staff in February. Varn defected to the Wolves from local rival Presbyterian where he served as offensive coordinator for the past eight years and assistant head coach for six. Varn is no stranger to Newberry. He coached the Wolves in various assistant roles on two separate occasions with his more recent stint ending in 2009. Varn replaces Bennett Swygert, who left for South Carolina State.

The known
The Wolves graduated 29 seniors last year, so there will be a lot of newer faces seeing reps. But the defensive front should be one of the most dependable units on the team. They have two of the best defensive linemen in the SAC in Jamarcus Henderson and Keito Jordan. They also have strong support from linebackers Joe Blue and Anfernee Moffett. All four are first team All-SAC selections.

The unknown
The Final Word4. Catawba
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Curtis Walker (6th season)

Five year history
2017: 9-2, 5-2
2016: 5-6, 5-2
2015: 9-3, 6-1 (NCAA Playoffs)
2014: 6-5, 3-4
2013: 6-5, 3-4

The newThe knownThe unknownThe final word5. Tusculum
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Jerry Odom (3rd season, 9-12)

Five year history
2017: 5-5, 3-4
2016: 4-7, 3-4
2015: 4-7, 2-5
2014: 6-5, 4-3
2013: 4-7, 2-5

The newThe known
Four offensive linemen with significant starting experience will be back. The Pioneers had size and strength in the line last year and with more experience playing together, they are going to be a much stronger unit in 2018.

The unknownThe Final word6. Lenoir-Rhyne
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Drew Cronic (1st season)

Five year historyThe new
For the third time since 2014, the Bears enter the season with a new coaching staff. Former head coach Mike Kellar was dismissed after just two seasons in Hickory and was replaced by former Furman assistant Drew Cronic.

The knownThe unknownThe Final word7. Limestone
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Tony Ierulli (1st season)

Five year history
2017: 4-6, 3-4
2016: 5-6
2015: 2-8
2014: 2-9

The newThe knownThe unknownThe Final Word8. Mars Hill
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Tim Clifton (26th season, 130-123)

Five year History
2017: 3-8, 1-6
2016: 5-6, 3-4
2015: 6-5, 5-2
2014: 4-6, 3-4
2013: 3-8, 1-6


The new
Off the field, a new era of athletics is coming to Mars Hill in the near future. Construction of the Jo Ellen Ammons Athletic Complex is in progress and will continue throughout the season. When completed, it will be a beautiful new home for football at Mars Hill.

The known
Coach Clifton knows offense. No matter what the team looks like, no matter who is in place, the Lions will have an offense that can move the ball.

The unknown
The Final Word9. UNC-Pembroke
Team Website
Schedule
Roster
2017 Stats
Head Coach: Shane Richardson (5th season, 20-22)

The newThe known
2017 was a rebuilding year but UNCP will be much more experienced in 2018. They lost only five seniors from the 2017 roster, which was loaded with redshirt freshmen and true freshmen. A handful of other players departed the program with eligibility remaining, but overall, a lot of young players that gained valuable experience are back.

The unknownThe Final Word
2018 should be a better year for Pembroke, but they will still be relying on a lot of young players for depth. If they can stay healthy on defense they can stay in games. But there are lot of questions on offense.

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2017 SAC Football Photos