FAVORITE TEAMS

THE SUN BELT IS MAKING WAVES

Yes! The Sun Belt conference is worth watching. Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, and Louisiana are 3-0 against the Big 12, including Louisiana defeating ranked Iowa State on the road for the first time. Texas State competed and had their shot against SMU and Boston College and lost by 10 points combined in two games. Georgia State (while 1-2) went toe-to-toe with Louisiana and Arkansas State to the very end, which made for great television. Louisiana was dominating the Sun Belt and got the nation’s attention after their win over Iowa State. Then here comes the Chantileers of Coastal Carolina. They battle the Ragin’ Cajuns and make history. They win their first game against a ranked team and is ranked for the first time in the same season. Oh, and they’re also 2-0 in Louisiana’s place all-time. This conference deserves more attention next to the AAC and Mountain West.

BYU AND LIBERTY KEEP ROLLING

The FBS Independent are currently 15-2 between four teams, but the majority of the success goes to BYU and Liberty. While BYU hasn’t faced a Power 5 opponent, they rolled through their schedule with ease at 5-0. Quarterback Zach Wilson is on the Heisman trail while throwing for 79 percent and 12 touchdowns. With the Mountain West’s return this week, Boise State and San Diego State could be potential quality opponents. Liberty is also 5-0 and have a win over Syracuse as a Power 5 opponent. The Flames are good and quarterback Malik Willis (Auburn-transfer) is one of the reason’s for their success. Their next three of the last five games gets beefy and thanks to Coastal Carolina and NC State being ranked, Liberty could be ranked for the first time in program history since joining the FBS. A huge resume-builder for coach Hugh Freeze indeed.

ALABAMA STANDS ALONE IN THE SEC

Alabama wins big in the second half to remain behind Clemson in the AP Top 25. While Georgia, Florida, and maybe Texas A&M with some help still have a chance for an SEC title appearance, South Carolina and Arkansas have been competitive in their division. I’m unsure about Kentucky, Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn as they have their own issues to deal with. Right now, Georgia still has the path to a rematch with Bama unless Florida and South Carolina throw a wrench in their opportunity. In my opinion, Georgia can’t lose again or they can say goodbye to their playoff opportunity.

CLEMSON ALSO STANDS ALONE IN THE ACC. BUT WHAT ABOUT NOTRE DAME???

There’s no need to talk about Clemson. Their path is clear and North Carolina’s performance in that loss makes it much easier. They still have road games against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech along with a rivalry game at Florida State. Notre Dame could be the best competition next to North Carolina, but they were in an offensive struggle with Louisville last week so lets hope that was an anomaly. NC State is ranked and 4-1. Their next three games will be oh-so tough starting with a road game at North Carolina before they’re home at Miami and Florida State. UNC has six more games to bounce back and they won’t be easy either. Whether they’re ranked or rivals, expect them to battle through no matter what. The Hurricanes lost to Clemson, but it’s not over. If they win out, they control their own destiny to a rematch with Clemson. Virginia Tech’s flying under the radar and could put themselves in position for an ACC championship preview with Clemson on December 5th.

INCOMING CONFERENCES THIS WEEKEND: BIG TEN AND MOUNTAIN WEST

The Big Ten and Mountain West make their debut this weekend starting with Illinois vs. Wisconsin this Friday. Every college fan, including my mom, look forward to Justin Fields and Ohio State taking the field again in hopes for a playoff return. Penn State and Indiana should be an interesting game to watch. Rutgers’ Greg Schiano and Michigan State’s Mel Tucker make their coaching debut, and Michigan and Minnesota will be on the spotlight this Saturday afternoon/night.

The west coast has their football again and I am happy that my alma mater Nevada plays again after a surprising run last season. Boise State’s favored to win the Mountain West but watch out for teams like Wyoming, Nevada, Fresno State, Colorado State, Air Force, Hawai’i, and San Diego State. Also, with no divisions, second place is up for grabs. Half of the conference underwent new head coaches, including San Diego State’s Brady Hoke, Hawai’i’s Todd Graham, and Colorado State’s Steve Addazio.