Scanning the SoCon - Week Two

Each week, our SoCon bloggers/message boarders (one representing each team) will vote on Power Rankings, a Game of the Week, and Player of the Week. At least three will answer a series of questions on their team and things of interest around the SoCon.

Below is Purple & Gold's submission to this weeks consolidated Power Ranking, Game of the Week and Player of the week, plus our answers to the questions.  To read the entire column with the input from the entire crew, visit MocsMania.

Scanning the SoCon - Week Two

Power Rankings
1 - Wofford
2 - Chattanooga
3 - ETSU
4 - VMI
5 - Mercer
6 - Western Carolina
7 - UNCG
8 - Furman
9 - The Citadel
10- Samford

Player of the Week
Jalen Riley - ETSU

Game of the Week
Appalachian State at Furman

Sum up your team 
Western Carolina payed a visit to Mississippi State on Friday with a realistic shot to pick up a win over the SEC school in the season opener for both teams. In the first half, even though the Bulldogs shot 52%, thanks to 12 turnovers by MSU, and 5 for 10 three point shooting, the Cats went to the locker room down only one point, 31-30. However, the undersized Cats could not contain the inside game in the second half, sending the Bulldogs to the charity strip for 37 attempts, making 28 points from the free throw line. The final score was 56-66, with senior James Sinclair leading all scorers with 20 points and Rhett Harrelson adding 14.

What team surprised you this weekend?
I'd say VMI is my surprise team. While the Keydets went 1-1 in the All-Military Classic, I didn't see the scoring I'd expected from this team. 66 points against the Citadel and 86 versus Army is not quite the scoring machine I was expecting from VMI.

Wofford plays Iona on ESPN2 at 7 AM in the 24 Hour Tip Off Marathon. What do you think of playing at that time? 
I think I'd have taken a pass on playing in the Tip Off Marathon. I don't think any meek publicity the team gained from playing in the marathon at 7 am, would be with the disruption in the teams normal schedule that an early morning game would create.

What are your thoughts and reactions to the SoCon Digital Network? 
In my opinion, this is the best thing that's happened tin the Southern Conference that I can remember. Giving the average fan free access to all home football, basketball, etc. games will pay huge dividends for the conference and each individual team in the long run. The SDN will give the conference exposure like we've never had in the past. As the public learns about the ability to see games for free, this asset will only grow in scope.



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