D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--PEACH BELT MEN'S SOCCER

NOTE: Our fall previews wrap-up with a look at the men's soccer teams in the Peach Belt Conference. Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the PBC.

1. Clayton State

2. USC Upstate

3. UNC Pembroke

4. Lander

5. Francis Marion

6. USC Aiken

7. North Georgia

Analysis: Clayton State starts the 2005 season not only as the favorite to win the PBC regular-season title, the Lakers will also begin the year ranked 14th in the nation, according to the Adidas/NSCAA Division II poll. USC Upstate also hopes to make a serious run for the title, although the Spartans missed the NCAA tournament last year despite a 15-4 record. Surprisingly, UNCP was picked to finish third in the PBC poll despite being ranked fourth in the nation. Of course, the Braves swept both the PBC regular season and tournament titles in 2004, not to mention a trip to the Final Four. That fact alone proves just tough the PBC will be in men's soccer this season, despite having just seven of its 11 member schools sponsoring the sport.