GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The media members who cover Southern Conference football today selected Appalachian State University to finish third in the 2003 SoCon football race. Having finished in the top 10 in each of the last five Division I-AA final polls and made five straight I-AA playoff appearances, Appalachian received first place vote. Georgia Southern was named the favorite to win the 2003 conference football championship. Of the 33 media members who participated in the voting, 30 selected Georgia Southern to finish first. The Eagles received a total of 293 points. Furman was picked to finish second with 250 points including two first place votes. Wofford was selected fourth with 170 points and Western Carolina was picked fifth with 168 points. Rounding out the poll were The Citadel (150 points) in sixth place, East Tennessee State (81) in seventh followed by Chattanooga (76) in eighth and league newcomer Elon picked ninth with 61 points.) 2003 Southern Conference MEDIA Football Poll Place Team (1st place votes) Points 1. Georgia Southern (30) 293 2. Furman (2) 250 3. Appalachian State (1) 236 4. Wofford 170 5. Western Carolina 168 6. The Citadel 150 7. East Tennessee State 81 8. Chattanooga 76 9. Elon 61