1. North Texas (7-0 in conference, 8-3 overall)
Offense: The Mean Green offense rode the coattails of the defense a few years ago, and now things have changed big-time with what should be the Sun Belt's best offense. Where's the weakness? Four starters return to what was a stunningly good offensive line, the receiving corps is experienced and makes deep plays, there are two quarterbacks with Sun Belt titles on their r?sum?, and, of course, there's the nation's leader in rushing yards per game in Patrick Cobbs.
Defense: The defensive line should shine again even though Brandon Kennedy is gone, and the secondary will be a wall even though Craig Jones graduated. The key will be the linebacking corps after losing all three starters and with little to no production or experience returning.
2. Troy (7-1, 6-5) - Offense: The offense has been horrendous for the last few years, but that could change with a ton of returning experience. The running backs and receivers will be outstanding by Sun Belt standards, and now the line has to stay healthy and produce while Aaron Leak needs to become a productive quarterback.
Defense: The Troy defense filled in the holes last year and turned out to be fantastic allowing less than 350 yards and 24 points per game. It'll be even better this season with nine starters returning and good newcomers to the mix like Georgia Tech DT Alfred Malone. DE Demarcus Ware and FS Derrick Ansley could play for anyone in America.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. New Mexico State at North Texas, Oct. 23
2. MTSU at North Texas, Oct. 2
3. Troy at New Mexico State, Sept. 18
4. MTSU at Troy, Nov. 20
4. North Texas at Arkansas State Nov. 16
Team that will surprise
Troy
Team that will disappoint
Utah State
Coach that must produce
Tony Samuel, New Mexico State
Best head coach
Darrell Dickey, North Texas
The potentially huge Sun Belt upset might be ... Utah State over North Texas, Oct. 9
The potentially worst Sun Belt game might be ... Idaho at North Texas, Nov. 13
Best player no one pays attention to ... Idaho DE Mike Anderson
3. MTSU (5-3, 6-5) - Offense: There are several things that need to happen, but the potential is there for this to be one of MTSU's most explosive offenses ever. However, there are some huge, gaping question marks on the offensive line, in the quarterback race between three prospects, and the health of the running back depth.
Defense: Things are changing up for a defense that allowed 31.5 points per game last year. New defensive coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto has some tremendous tools to work with welcoming back enough experience on the front seven to expect a dramatic improvement. The secondary is a problem with little size or experience.
4. New Mexico State (5-3, 5-6) - Offense: Only three starters return to an offense that was consistent in its mediocrity. The attack moved the ball without a problem averaging 410 yards per game, but it had a nightmare of a time putting points on the board averaging 21.8 points per game. The Aggie ground game will be more than fine with experienced back Tony Joseph running behind the massive right side of the line led by OG Steve Subia and OT Nick Cole. The 1-2 punch of Buck Pierce and Paul Dombrowski at quarterback provides experience and athleticism.
Defense: The defense never came through with the big play last year even though it was one of the best overall defenses in the Sun Belt. Now it has the chance to be the best in the league with ten returning starters and decent depth everywhere. There are several All-Sun Belt caliber players led by top tackling linebackers Richard Glover and Jimmy Cottrell.
T5. Arkansas State (2-5, 2-9) - Offense: The offense needs more pop and steady production from all areas. The running backs are good and the line is fine, so there's no excuse for there to not be more rushing production. The receiving corps is fast and there are several options to get the ball to, and now QB Elliot Jacobs has to be the player who makes it all happen.
Defense: The 4-2-5 alignment worked at times and got absolutely roasted at others. There are only three returning starters, but things aren't going to completely fall apart as there's good athleticism, especially in the secondary, and speedy linebackers to fly all over the place. The pass rush will be surprisingly good. The biggest concern is in the secondary starting three redshirt freshmen and on the line with unproven tackles.
T5. Idaho (2-5, 2-10) - Offense: Idaho's offense occasionally exploded, but not enough to make it the scary attack it used to be. This year's version has a strong receiving corps, but has issues with the offensive line and little to experience among the running backs. Junior QB Michael Harrington needs to be successful right now utilizing his receivers in the new spread, one-back formation.
Defense: Head coach Nick Holt is a defensive coach by nature, and his first task will be to find a way to make Idaho stop someone's running game. The pass defense improved last year and should be decent with several good Sun Belt players, but the real concern is going to be among the front seven needing the average linebacking corps to be strong and hoping the line can hold at the point of attack.
T5. UL Lafayette (2-5, 3-8) - Offense: There aren't many starters returning, but there's enough overall experience to hope for more production this year. The emergence of QB Jerry Babb as a clutch performer at the end of last year showed that the offense could actually score. Now it'll be important for the team to produce throughout games and not just when pressed late.
Defense: The defense wasn't all that bad last season compared to past years and should be better if it can be stronger against the run. That will be a slight problem with too many new players needing to shine on the line. The secondary should be strong with everyone returning.
T5. UL Monroe (2-5, 3-8) - Offense: The Indian offense was stuck in the mud most of last year only averaging 19.9 points and 319.8 yards per game. It was rarely clutch and never consistent as the ground game only averaged 98.8 yards per game, even though it featured RB Kevin Payne and running QB Steven Jyles, and didn't come up with enough big passing plays. Enough starters return to hope for more pop and there are more than enough receiver options to expect more overall production, but don't expect miracles.
Defense: The defense had major problems last year unable to slow down anyone allowing 414.6 yards and 39 points per game. There's hope for a major turnaround with nine returning starters and more overall depth than the program has had in years. There are several options to play around with at almost every position, and it will be a work in progress to find the right fit.
T5. Utah State (2-5, 2-9) - Offense: The offense took a while to get going, and it failed to score much at the end of last year. Now the attack should be great thanks to the return of QB Travis Cox to spread the ball around to his quick receiving corps. The concern going into the season will be the running game with no established rusher working behind an average, but big, line. Several new running backs will be added to the mix this summer and one needs to stand out.
Defense: Utah State's defense improved by leaps and bounds last year going from 111th in the nation in total defense to 45th. Don't expect a drop as the secondary should be outstanding, the line should be even better, and the linebackers will be good if the outside players can feed off of Robert Watts in the middle. The Aggies play a 3-4, but it's really 4-3 with a hybrid player seeing time on the line. Whatever it is, it works.
Offense: The Mean Green offense rode the coattails of the defense a few years ago, and now things have changed big-time with what should be the Sun Belt's best offense. Where's the weakness? Four starters return to what was a stunningly good offensive line, the receiving corps is experienced and makes deep plays, there are two quarterbacks with Sun Belt titles on their r?sum?, and, of course, there's the nation's leader in rushing yards per game in Patrick Cobbs.
Defense: The defensive line should shine again even though Brandon Kennedy is gone, and the secondary will be a wall even though Craig Jones graduated. The key will be the linebacking corps after losing all three starters and with little to no production or experience returning.
2. Troy (7-1, 6-5) - Offense: The offense has been horrendous for the last few years, but that could change with a ton of returning experience. The running backs and receivers will be outstanding by Sun Belt standards, and now the line has to stay healthy and produce while Aaron Leak needs to become a productive quarterback.
Defense: The Troy defense filled in the holes last year and turned out to be fantastic allowing less than 350 yards and 24 points per game. It'll be even better this season with nine starters returning and good newcomers to the mix like Georgia Tech DT Alfred Malone. DE Demarcus Ware and FS Derrick Ansley could play for anyone in America.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. New Mexico State at North Texas, Oct. 23
2. MTSU at North Texas, Oct. 2
3. Troy at New Mexico State, Sept. 18
4. MTSU at Troy, Nov. 20
4. North Texas at Arkansas State Nov. 16
Team that will surprise
Troy
Team that will disappoint
Utah State
Coach that must produce
Tony Samuel, New Mexico State
Best head coach
Darrell Dickey, North Texas
The potentially huge Sun Belt upset might be ... Utah State over North Texas, Oct. 9
The potentially worst Sun Belt game might be ... Idaho at North Texas, Nov. 13
Best player no one pays attention to ... Idaho DE Mike Anderson
3. MTSU (5-3, 6-5) - Offense: There are several things that need to happen, but the potential is there for this to be one of MTSU's most explosive offenses ever. However, there are some huge, gaping question marks on the offensive line, in the quarterback race between three prospects, and the health of the running back depth.
Defense: Things are changing up for a defense that allowed 31.5 points per game last year. New defensive coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto has some tremendous tools to work with welcoming back enough experience on the front seven to expect a dramatic improvement. The secondary is a problem with little size or experience.
4. New Mexico State (5-3, 5-6) - Offense: Only three starters return to an offense that was consistent in its mediocrity. The attack moved the ball without a problem averaging 410 yards per game, but it had a nightmare of a time putting points on the board averaging 21.8 points per game. The Aggie ground game will be more than fine with experienced back Tony Joseph running behind the massive right side of the line led by OG Steve Subia and OT Nick Cole. The 1-2 punch of Buck Pierce and Paul Dombrowski at quarterback provides experience and athleticism.
Defense: The defense never came through with the big play last year even though it was one of the best overall defenses in the Sun Belt. Now it has the chance to be the best in the league with ten returning starters and decent depth everywhere. There are several All-Sun Belt caliber players led by top tackling linebackers Richard Glover and Jimmy Cottrell.
T5. Arkansas State (2-5, 2-9) - Offense: The offense needs more pop and steady production from all areas. The running backs are good and the line is fine, so there's no excuse for there to not be more rushing production. The receiving corps is fast and there are several options to get the ball to, and now QB Elliot Jacobs has to be the player who makes it all happen.
Defense: The 4-2-5 alignment worked at times and got absolutely roasted at others. There are only three returning starters, but things aren't going to completely fall apart as there's good athleticism, especially in the secondary, and speedy linebackers to fly all over the place. The pass rush will be surprisingly good. The biggest concern is in the secondary starting three redshirt freshmen and on the line with unproven tackles.
T5. Idaho (2-5, 2-10) - Offense: Idaho's offense occasionally exploded, but not enough to make it the scary attack it used to be. This year's version has a strong receiving corps, but has issues with the offensive line and little to experience among the running backs. Junior QB Michael Harrington needs to be successful right now utilizing his receivers in the new spread, one-back formation.
Defense: Head coach Nick Holt is a defensive coach by nature, and his first task will be to find a way to make Idaho stop someone's running game. The pass defense improved last year and should be decent with several good Sun Belt players, but the real concern is going to be among the front seven needing the average linebacking corps to be strong and hoping the line can hold at the point of attack.
T5. UL Lafayette (2-5, 3-8) - Offense: There aren't many starters returning, but there's enough overall experience to hope for more production this year. The emergence of QB Jerry Babb as a clutch performer at the end of last year showed that the offense could actually score. Now it'll be important for the team to produce throughout games and not just when pressed late.
Defense: The defense wasn't all that bad last season compared to past years and should be better if it can be stronger against the run. That will be a slight problem with too many new players needing to shine on the line. The secondary should be strong with everyone returning.
T5. UL Monroe (2-5, 3-8) - Offense: The Indian offense was stuck in the mud most of last year only averaging 19.9 points and 319.8 yards per game. It was rarely clutch and never consistent as the ground game only averaged 98.8 yards per game, even though it featured RB Kevin Payne and running QB Steven Jyles, and didn't come up with enough big passing plays. Enough starters return to hope for more pop and there are more than enough receiver options to expect more overall production, but don't expect miracles.
Defense: The defense had major problems last year unable to slow down anyone allowing 414.6 yards and 39 points per game. There's hope for a major turnaround with nine returning starters and more overall depth than the program has had in years. There are several options to play around with at almost every position, and it will be a work in progress to find the right fit.
T5. Utah State (2-5, 2-9) - Offense: The offense took a while to get going, and it failed to score much at the end of last year. Now the attack should be great thanks to the return of QB Travis Cox to spread the ball around to his quick receiving corps. The concern going into the season will be the running game with no established rusher working behind an average, but big, line. Several new running backs will be added to the mix this summer and one needs to stand out.
Defense: Utah State's defense improved by leaps and bounds last year going from 111th in the nation in total defense to 45th. Don't expect a drop as the secondary should be outstanding, the line should be even better, and the linebackers will be good if the outside players can feed off of Robert Watts in the middle. The Aggies play a 3-4, but it's really 4-3 with a hybrid player seeing time on the line. Whatever it is, it works.
