FAVORITE TEAMS

The Sun Belt’s first annual division and conference title last season was a big one. For the first time in conference history, they had three teams won 10 plus games from the same division (East) and all won their bowl games. Louisiana, from the West, stole the division and UL Monroe finally took a step forward after four losing seasons.

Appalachian State are East division favorites and could win 10 plus games once again. Troy is right behind them and quarterback Kaleb Barker is the new quarterback to lead this team. Georgia Southern looks to have a good season again, but winning 10 games again isn’t likely. Coastal Carolina is an interesting team to watch for. They started 5-3 before losing the last four games. Georgia State returns quarterback Dan Ellington, but it’s too difficult for their roster to improve with a tough schedule.

Arkansas State’s looking to win the West division after surprisingly finishing 2nd place behind Louisiana last season. Louisiana tries to win their second straight division, but their middle schedule proves difficult to repeat. UL Monroe surprised with six wins last season, but now everyone must step up behind quarterback Caleb Evans to upset a couple of teams. Texas State coach Jake Spavital has work cut out for him, but he does have nine returning defensive players to see what happens. South Alabama still needs time to rebuild and hope quarterback Cephus Johnson is the answer.

APPALACHIAN STATE

Appalachian State returns everyone on offense and the majority of their starters on defense. With an easy schedule, they’ll win 10 plus games again, but if they’re that prepared for 2019, they have an opportunity to go undefeated if they defeat North Carolina and South Carolina, but that’s too high of an expectation. Quarterback Zac Thomas looks to do more for this offense after throwing 2,039 yards for 21 touchdowns while completing 62 percent of his passes. Appalachian State’s defense should be as good, but their run defense will decline because of their size up front. New coach Eliah Drinkwitz arrived at Boone at the right time, but can he keep a handle this opportunity in Year 1? Appalachian State will compete for a division title, conference title, and possibly a New Year’s Six Bowl berth.

ARKANSAS STATE

Arkansas State has the weapons to challenge teams in the conference, but their first task is winning their division. I heard good things about quarterback Logan Bonner after his showing at the spring game. He played less than sparingly behind Justice Hansen for the first two seasons, but his passing percentage should go up as long as he stays healthy. He has reliable receivers and running back Marcel Murray should produce more after outrunning his former teammate Warren Wand last season. Nine players return on defense and should take a step forward. Their passing defense should be a problem for passing teams and hopefully defensive end William Bradley-King is 100% healthy. Special teams will be the question for kick and punt returns after losing Warren Wand. Arkansas State has the roster to compete for the West division. Their schedule gives them that opportunity with only tough road games at Georgia and Troy. If they survive September and their key players stay healthy, watch out Sun Belt challengers!