FAVORITE TEAMS

The newly stacked Sun Belt might still end with the East team winning the conference. Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina lead off with plenty of experience returning.

Who could likely win the East between App State and Coastal?

I like Coastal and the amount of progress they made in their program since joining the FBS in 2016, but Appalachian State has an edge in players returning with loads of experience. App State does face Coastal on the road this season. It’s been said, according to Lindy’s Sports, that both face some rebuilding. But when it’s all said and done, Appalachian State comes out of this with the win.

Louisiana loses a lot of players from a 41-12 run, including Billy Napier to Florida and Levi Lewis to the NFL. Can they still own the West?

That’s a lot of wins lost after coach Billy Napier took the Florida job and quarterback Levi Lewis departed for the NFL. They can still challenge for the West with running back Chris Smith and company, but it won’t be the same team.

What about the rest of the division?

The East could have some surprises after App State and Coastal, but they all have glaring weaknesses that might not match up.

Georgia State may have the most returning players in their division to compete for the East. They had opportunities to steal it, but their downfall came against two Sun Belt title competitors App State and Louisiana. Pass coverage must improve before their road date with App State.

Marshall’s offense should be fine with Texas Tech/Utah State transfer QB Henry Colombi. Rush defense must take a step forward to ensure this team surprises in Year 1 of their Sun Belt appearance.

Newcomer James Madison receives Colorado State transfer quarterback Todd Centeio, but the quarterback battle is ongoing. JMU has winning experience, but can that translate smoothly to the FBS level like Liberty and App State?

Another Sun Belt newcomer Old Dominion could take another step and be bowl-eligible this season.

Georgia Southern changes from triple option to a balanced offense. That could take time.

As for the rest?

Troy (former East division co-hort) could take control with the amount of returners at every level of their roster. The West will be easier for them but they need the offense to take the next step.

Arkansas State will play for bowl-eligibility, but it all hinges on QB James Blackman and the offensive line. Sounds similar to his time at Florida State.

Southern Miss could surprise in the Sun Belt if their offense has a quarterback and the team doesn’t solely rely on Frank Gore Jr. and the run game.

South Alabama came up short in a lot of close games last season (5 losses by 10 points or less). If their run game improves and they have a consistent quarterback, those losses turns into wins.

UL Monroe has experience on offense, but the offensive line still looks green as grass. Where they are with the defense is a total mystery.

Jake Spavital and Texas State are finally in Year 4. Arkansas State transfer Layne Hatcher may help the offense kick start their opportunity. Their schedule also gives them every chance of being bowl-eligible for the first time since joining the FBS.

Does the “Fun” Belt have something in store for the rest of the nation?

Always. Appalachian State may shock the world if they defeat Texas A&M at College Station.

Coastal Carolina has Army and Virginia, but the rest isn’t tough and double-digit wins are possible again.

Louisiana could upset Florida State if the Seminoles’ offensive line doesn’t shape up.

Georgia State could jump the Carolinas (South and North) in the first two weeks.

Troy must have ball control and hope Ole Miss comes out flat.

James Madison could surprise if they bring the winning consistency and competitiveness to the FBS level.