If up and coming football powerhouses are your thing, then Stony Brook University is the place to be. The Stony Brook football team has won or shared Big South titles in all of its last three seasons, while also finishing a remarkable 16-2 in conference games.

The beginning of last season was a struggle to say the least. Stony Brook lost their first three games during the 2011-2012 season, but they redeemed themselves by winning the next nine.

They hoisted the Big South trophy over their heads after they defeated Liberty 41-31 and it was clear that this football team was improving tremendously with each and every season.

After the Big South championship game, they entered the Division I Football Championship round for the first time in Stony Brook’s history. They beat Albany 31-28 in the first round, but were eliminated by Sam Houston State in round 2, 34-27. Despite the short playoff run, Stony Brook proved that they’re a team to be feared.

Coach Chuck Priore has been preparing his team for the regular season and is impressed with what he has seen thus far.

When asked to describe last season in one word, Priore said that it was “rewarding.” Stony Brook proved last year that they are one of the best teams in the FCS and their running game is a stand-out factor.

Running back Brock Jackolski graduated in May, so newcomer Marcus Coker from Iowa will have to show the team that he can fill the void that Jacksolski’s exit leaves behind.

Miguel Maysonet and Coker will share play time and they are both aggressive players who should finish the season with significant yardage.

“I think they’re two talented players and we’re very lucky to have them and fortunate to have them,” Priore said. “But the running backs are only as good as the offensive line and our preparation.”

The running backs aren’t the only players that stand out on the squad. Quarterback Kyle Essington had a stand-out 2011-2012 season where he finished 111 of 204 passes for 1,919 yards and 20 touchdowns.

“You got a kid that’s played in big games, has done well in big games, but also who can get better,” Priore said. “And I think he has developed his skills since last year.”

Stony Brook will be facing some tough competition early on in the upcoming season. They will be facing teams like Syracuse, Army and Colgate that have impressive football rosters and will be looking to give Stony Brook some fierce competition.

“It’ll be a good month, but it’ll be a tough month,” Priore said in response to how he feels playing such highly respected college football teams this year.

Despite this being Stony Brook’s last year in the Big South Conference, Priore emphasized that he’s still focused on the BSC and will focus on the CAA once next season begins.

“We’re excited about the future in 2013 and beyond,” Priore said. “But right now we play in the Big South and compete and do what we need to do now.”

Stony Brook’s football season begins on Sept. 1 when they take on Central Connecticut at home.

It will be the first of many tough teams the Seawolves will face, but Priore says his squad is ready.

“Preparation is the key to success,” says Priore. “I think we’ve learned how to handle winning and that was proven last year.”