Sun Belt Football Predictions 2020
By Tyler Smith
East
#1 Appalachian State 10-2 (7-1)
Coach: Shawn Clark
Offensive Coordinator: Tony Petersen
Defensive Coordinator: Dale Jones
Stadium: Kidd Brewer Stadium (30,000)
Offensive Coordinator: Tony Petersen
Defensive Coordinator: Dale Jones
Stadium: Kidd Brewer Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 13-1
2018 11-2
2017 9-4
2016 10-3
2015 11-2
2019 13-1
2018 11-2
2017 9-4
2016 10-3
2015 11-2
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Zac Thomas, SR, QB Rushing Marcus Williams Jr., SR, RB Receiving Thomas Hennigan, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Shaun Jolly, JR, CB Sacks Demetrius Taylor, SR, DE Tackles D'Marco Jackson, JR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Wisconsin
Toughest Road Game: At Wisconsin Biggest Conference Game: Louisiana Star Player
Zac Thomas, App State
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Quick Thoughts
2019 was another monster year for the App State offense. This year will be no different, with nine starters being seniors. QB Zac Thomas enters his final season under center and his plenty of weapons around him. The backfield has 3 talented backs. WR is led by Correy Sutton and Thomas Hennigan. He also has a top tier o-line in front of him.
The offense gets a lot of love, but the defense has been just as good. Last season they only gave up 20 ppg. They are down 7 starters from that squad but the Mountaineers reload on D. This year's team will be anchored by their three stars DE Demetrius Taylor, D'Marco Jackson and Shaun Jolly. All of them have first-team all-Sun Belt capabilities.
Three games will decide this season, Louisiana, At Wake Forest, and at Georgia Southern. This team has the talent and experience to sweep these games. Another double-digit win season is on the way in Boone, NC.
The offense gets a lot of love, but the defense has been just as good. Last season they only gave up 20 ppg. They are down 7 starters from that squad but the Mountaineers reload on D. This year's team will be anchored by their three stars DE Demetrius Taylor, D'Marco Jackson and Shaun Jolly. All of them have first-team all-Sun Belt capabilities.
Three games will decide this season, Louisiana, At Wake Forest, and at Georgia Southern. This team has the talent and experience to sweep these games. Another double-digit win season is on the way in Boone, NC.
#2T Troy 7-5 (5-3)
Coach: Chip Lindsey
Offensive Coordinator: Ryan Pugh
Defensive Coordinator: Brandon Hall
Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium (30,000)
Offensive Coordinator: Ryan Pugh
Defensive Coordinator: Brandon Hall
Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 5-7
2018 10-3
2017 11-2
2016 10-3
2015 4-8
2019 5-7
2018 10-3
2017 11-2
2016 10-3
2015 4-8
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Gunnar Watson, SO, QB Rushing DK Billingsley, JR, RB Receiving Kaylon Geiger, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Carlton Martial, JR, MLB Sacks Will Choloh Jr., JR, NT and Carlton Martial, JR, MLB Tackles Carlton Martial, JR, MLB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: NC State
Toughest Road Game: At Appalachian State Biggest Conference Game: At Appalachian State Star Player
Carlton Martial, Troy
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Quick Thoughts
All eyes will be on the QB competition this fall. Troy has a proven track record of pumping out QBs, we have no reason to believe that won't continue. The good news is 8 starters are back, and that includes my #1 rated WR group. All three starters are back including, Kaylon Geiger. Geiger had 77 receptions last season. The Trojans have three capable running backs to unload on defenses. O-line is the weakest unit, but they will be fine.
Troy needs to improve on defense in a big way. They were pathetic last season. Worst in the Sun Belt bad. It starts in the secondary, where they bring back three of five starters. The hope is the youth movement from last season will prove to be worth it this year. The good news is former walk-on Carlton Martial is back at LB. He had 127 tackles last season. Keep an eye on former Auburn DE Richard Jibunor to make an immediate impact on the line.
If they find the right QB, this team could compete with App State, without one, no chance. They get a chance to knock off a P5 team, NC State at home this season (not anymore). Don't sleep on Troy.
Troy needs to improve on defense in a big way. They were pathetic last season. Worst in the Sun Belt bad. It starts in the secondary, where they bring back three of five starters. The hope is the youth movement from last season will prove to be worth it this year. The good news is former walk-on Carlton Martial is back at LB. He had 127 tackles last season. Keep an eye on former Auburn DE Richard Jibunor to make an immediate impact on the line.
If they find the right QB, this team could compete with App State, without one, no chance. They get a chance to knock off a P5 team, NC State at home this season (not anymore). Don't sleep on Troy.
#2T Georgia Southern 6-6 (5-3)
Coach: Chad Lunsford
Offensive Coordinator: Bob DeBesse
Defensive Coordinator: Scot Sloan
Stadium: Paulson Stadium (25,000)
Offensive Coordinator: Bob DeBesse
Defensive Coordinator: Scot Sloan
Stadium: Paulson Stadium (25,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 7-6
2018 10-3
2017 2-10
2016 5-7
2015 9-4
2019 7-6
2018 10-3
2017 2-10
2016 5-7
2015 9-4
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Shai Werts, SR, QB Rushing Wesley Kennedy III, SR, RB Receiving Malik Murray, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Rashard Byrd, SR, LB and Kenderick Duncan Jr., JR, S Sacks Dillon Springer, JR, DE and Randy Wade Jr., SR, LB Tackles Reynard Ellis, JR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: App State
Toughest Road Game: At Boise State Biggest Conference Game: App State Star Player
Wesley Kennedy III, Georgia Southern
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Quick Thoughts
QB Sahi Werts enters his last season. He and the Eagles will need to improve on scoring just 28.2 ppg from 2019. The line will need to improve for this to happen. They were hampered with injuries last season, running back is strong with Wesley Kennedy III and J.D. King back.
Georiga Southern had one of the better defenses in the conference last season. That should continue this year with five of the front seven players returning. The issues fall to the secondary, which gave up 242 ypg last year. With one starter back, it is hard to see a massive improvement in the secondary.
The Eagles didn't catch a break on the schedule with a cross-division game with Louisiana falling on their slate. All eyes are on October 14th when App State comes to town! The Eagles will land in a bowl game in 2020.
Georiga Southern had one of the better defenses in the conference last season. That should continue this year with five of the front seven players returning. The issues fall to the secondary, which gave up 242 ypg last year. With one starter back, it is hard to see a massive improvement in the secondary.
The Eagles didn't catch a break on the schedule with a cross-division game with Louisiana falling on their slate. All eyes are on October 14th when App State comes to town! The Eagles will land in a bowl game in 2020.
#4 Georgia State 4-8 (3-5)
Coach: Shawn Elliott
Offensive Coordinator: Brad Glenn
Defensive Coordinator: Nate Fuqua
Stadium: Georgia State Stadium (24,333)
Offensive Coordinator: Brad Glenn
Defensive Coordinator: Nate Fuqua
Stadium: Georgia State Stadium (24,333)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 7-6
2018 2-10
2017 7-5
2016 3-9
2015 6-7
2019 7-6
2018 2-10
2017 7-5
2016 3-9
2015 6-7
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Cornelious Brown, FR, QB Rushing Destin Coates, JR, RB Receiving Cornelius Brown, JR, WR Defense Interceptions Trajan Stephens-McQueen, SR, LB and Quavian White, JR, CB Sacks Hadrick Willis, JR, DE Tackles Trajan Stephens-McQueen, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Georgia Southern
Toughest Road Game: At Alabama Biggest Conference Game: Georgia Southern Star Player
Trajan Stephens-McQueen, SR, LB
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Quick Thoughts
Shawn Elliot has a top tier offensive line, but QB is a major question mark. Spring practice would have been huge for the Panthers QB situation. Running back is another position that is up for grabs. WR is the second best unit on the team. Cornelius McCoy could put up monster numbers with a quality QB.
It is time for the defense to step up for the offensive woes that will certainly happen this season. Nine starters return from a team that gave up just over 36 ppg. The nine starters are all juniors and seniors. Look for this to be one of the most improved defenses in the country.
Georgia State gets hammered by the Sun Belt with both Arkansas State and Louisiana on the schedule. A barometer of where this team will finish is the ECU game. Win that one, and this team could sneak into bowl consideration.
It is time for the defense to step up for the offensive woes that will certainly happen this season. Nine starters return from a team that gave up just over 36 ppg. The nine starters are all juniors and seniors. Look for this to be one of the most improved defenses in the country.
Georgia State gets hammered by the Sun Belt with both Arkansas State and Louisiana on the schedule. A barometer of where this team will finish is the ECU game. Win that one, and this team could sneak into bowl consideration.
#5 Coastal Carolina 3-10 (2-6)
Coach: Jamey Chadwell
Offensive Coordinator: Newland Issac and Willy Korn
Defensive Coordinator: Chad Staggs
Stadium: Brooks Stadium (20,000)
Offensive Coordinator: Newland Issac and Willy Korn
Defensive Coordinator: Chad Staggs
Stadium: Brooks Stadium (20,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 5-7
2018 5-7
2017 3-9
2016 N/A
2015 N/A
2019 5-7
2018 5-7
2017 3-9
2016 N/A
2015 N/A
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Fred Payton, JR, QB Rushing CJ Marable, SR, RB Receiving Jaivon Heiligh, JR, WR Defense Interceptions Kameron Burton, JR, S Sacks Tarron Jackson, SR, DE Tackles Teddy Gallagher, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Kansas
Toughest Road Game: At App State Biggest Conference Game: Georgia Southern Star Player
CJ Marable, Coastal Carolina
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Quick Thoughts
I am probably too conservative on my prediction for the Chanticleers. They have potential at QB, but I need to see it. CJ Marable is one of the top running backs in the league. He will be running behind an o-line that he is very familiar with as they bring back four starters. WR is a bit thin, so expect CCU to keep it on the ground more often than not this season.
Defensive line play will be top-notch with Tarron Jackson returning. Jackson had 10 sacks a year ago. Linebacker is in good shape with Teddy Gallagher and Silas Kelly back. The secondary got hit hard with departures. Opponents easily moved the ball through the air last year, so expect to see more of that this season.
The Chants get Kansas at home this year after beating them in Lawrence last season. Texas State and Georgia State are key games in how well this season will play out.
Defensive line play will be top-notch with Tarron Jackson returning. Jackson had 10 sacks a year ago. Linebacker is in good shape with Teddy Gallagher and Silas Kelly back. The secondary got hit hard with departures. Opponents easily moved the ball through the air last year, so expect to see more of that this season.
The Chants get Kansas at home this year after beating them in Lawrence last season. Texas State and Georgia State are key games in how well this season will play out.
West
#1 Louisiana 11-1 (8-0)
Coach: Billy Napier
Offensive Coordinator: Rob Sale
Defensive Coordinator: Patrick Toney
Stadium: Cajun Field (41,426)
Offensive Coordinator: Rob Sale
Defensive Coordinator: Patrick Toney
Stadium: Cajun Field (41,426)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 11-3
2018 7-7
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 4-8
2019 11-3
2018 7-7
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 4-8
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Levi Lewis, SR, QB Rushing Elijah Mitchell, SR, RB Receiving Jamal Bell, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Asjlin Washington, CB, JR Sacks Joe Dillon, SR, JACK Tackles Lorenzo NcCaskill, JR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At App State
Toughest Road Game: At App State Biggest Conference Game: At App State Star Player
Elijah Mitchell, Louisiana
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Quick Thoughts
The Cajuns offense was top ten in ppg and ypg last season. Expect more of the same this season as they have seven starters back. Levi Lewis is back under center after having a great junior campaign. Running back is in great shape with Elijah Mitchell and Trey Regas back to dominate once again. WR is the weakest unit, but this offense isn't built around the passing attack. They have experience here, as the majority of the two-deep depth chart are seniors. The line is top-notch and has potential NFL talent.
The defense was just as good as the offense giving up just under 20 ppg. Seven starters are back with plenty of experience in the two-deep depth chart. One the line look for newcomer Tayland Humphrey to be a difference-maker. A lot will be expected of cornerback Asjlin Washington in a talented secondary. After a massive improvement last season, look for more of the same in 2020.
Louisiana will be tested early with Georgia Southern and App State within their first three conference games. The only loss I have on the schedule is at Missouri. Honestly, they probably win that one too.
The defense was just as good as the offense giving up just under 20 ppg. Seven starters are back with plenty of experience in the two-deep depth chart. One the line look for newcomer Tayland Humphrey to be a difference-maker. A lot will be expected of cornerback Asjlin Washington in a talented secondary. After a massive improvement last season, look for more of the same in 2020.
Louisiana will be tested early with Georgia Southern and App State within their first three conference games. The only loss I have on the schedule is at Missouri. Honestly, they probably win that one too.
#2 Arkansas State 8-4 (6-2)
Coach: Blake Anderson
Offensive Coordinator: Keith Heckendorf
Defensive Coordinator: David Duggan
Stadium: Centennial Bank Stadium (30,964)
Offensive Coordinator: Keith Heckendorf
Defensive Coordinator: David Duggan
Stadium: Centennial Bank Stadium (30,964)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 8-5
2018 8-5
2017 7-5
2016 8-5
2015 9-4
2019 8-5
2018 8-5
2017 7-5
2016 8-5
2015 9-4
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Layne Hatcher, SO, QB Rushing Marcel Murray, JR, RB Receiving Jonathan Adams Jr., SR, WR Defense Interceptions Caleb Bonner, SR, LB and Jarius Reimonenq, SO, CB Sacks Forrest Merrill, SR, NT Tackles Caleb Bonner, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Louisiana
Toughest Road Game: At Michigan Biggest Conference Game: At Louisiana Star Player
Jonathan Adams Jr., Arkansas State
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Quick Thoughts
Arkansas State has two talented quarterbacks Logan Bonner and Layne Hatcher. Both players saw action last season and thrived. My guess is Bonner gets the edge, but we will see which way Anderson goes. The Red Wolves are still in good shape at WR despite the loss of Omar Bayless and Kirk Merritt. Jonathan Adams Jr. had 851 yards even with two of the best WRs in the conference on his team last season. Dahu Green could break out this season after being injured often the past two seasons. All five starters return on the offensive line, paving the way for returning RB, Marcel Murray.
The defense struggled last season. This season Arkansas State should turn it around after they switched to a 3 man front mid-way through last season. They are led by two potential first-team all-sbc players LB Caleb Bonner and NT Forrest Merrill. The issue is only one other starter returns. If the secondary can improve with a new influx of talent, they should be able to compete for the West division.
Arkansas State draws both Troy and Appalachian State from the East. Had App State been left off their schedule odds of winning the West would be much stronger with Louisiana having to play them as well. This team should get back to 8 wins once again.
The defense struggled last season. This season Arkansas State should turn it around after they switched to a 3 man front mid-way through last season. They are led by two potential first-team all-sbc players LB Caleb Bonner and NT Forrest Merrill. The issue is only one other starter returns. If the secondary can improve with a new influx of talent, they should be able to compete for the West division.
Arkansas State draws both Troy and Appalachian State from the East. Had App State been left off their schedule odds of winning the West would be much stronger with Louisiana having to play them as well. This team should get back to 8 wins once again.
#3T South Alabama 3-9 (2-6)
Coach: Steve Campbell
Offensive Coordinator: Kenny Edenfield
Defensive Coordinator: Greg Stewart
Stadium: Hancock Whitney Stadium
Offensive Coordinator: Kenny Edenfield
Defensive Coordinator: Greg Stewart
Stadium: Hancock Whitney Stadium
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 2-10
2018 3-9
2017 4-8
2016 6-7
2015 5-7
2019 2-10
2018 3-9
2017 4-8
2016 6-7
2015 5-7
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Desmond trotter, SO, QB Rushing Carlos Davis, SO, RB Receiving Kawaan Baker, SR, WR Defense Interceptions 4 Tied With 1 Sacks Riley Cole, SR, LB Tackles Nick Mobley, JR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Grambling State
Toughest Road Game: At Florida Biggest Conference Game: Texas State Star Player
Riley Cole, South Alabama
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Quick Thoughts
This year will go as QB Desmond Totter plays. The offense was in much better shape in the last four games, which were led by Trotter. Trotter won't have the luxury of handing the ball off to Tra Minter this season. The RB position is a wild card at this point, 3 to 4 players likely earning the bulk of the carries this fall. WR has a chance to be the offenses best unit this season. Tolbert and Baker both showed flashes last season. The line has 4 starters back, but they aren't top-tier talent.
The worst defensive line in the SBC resides in Mobile. That doesn't translate into a lot of wins. The good news is they are in good shape in the secondary. Creating more turnovers will be a focus for this team after being -6 in turnover margin last season. Linebacker is in good hands with Riley Cole and Nick Mobley back.
South Alabama needs to take a step forward in year 3 under Steve Campbell. In year three, they don't need to get to 6 wins, but major strides on offense would be a huge plus rolling into year 4. If that doesn't happen, Campbell could be out.
The worst defensive line in the SBC resides in Mobile. That doesn't translate into a lot of wins. The good news is they are in good shape in the secondary. Creating more turnovers will be a focus for this team after being -6 in turnover margin last season. Linebacker is in good hands with Riley Cole and Nick Mobley back.
South Alabama needs to take a step forward in year 3 under Steve Campbell. In year three, they don't need to get to 6 wins, but major strides on offense would be a huge plus rolling into year 4. If that doesn't happen, Campbell could be out.
#3T Texas State 4-8 (2-6)
Coach: Jake Spavital
Offensive Coordinator: Jacob Peeler
Defensive Coordinator: Archie McDaniel and Zac Spavital
Stadium: Bobcat Stadium (30,000)
Offensive Coordinator: Jacob Peeler
Defensive Coordinator: Archie McDaniel and Zac Spavital
Stadium: Bobcat Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 3-9
2018 3-9
2017 2-10
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
2019 3-9
2018 3-9
2017 2-10
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Tyler Vitt, JR, QB Rushing Caleb Twyford, SR, RB Receiving Javen Banks, JR, WR Defense Interceptions Jarron Morris, JR, CB Sacks Nico Ezidore, JR, DE Tackles Jarron Morris, JR, CB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: UTSA
Toughest Road Game: At Troy Biggest Conference Game: At ULM Star Player
Javen Banks, Texas State
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Quick Thoughts
Head Coach Jake Spavital will call plays this season for Texas State. This is good news for an offense that was one of the worst in the nation last season. Look for Memphis transfer Brady McBride to start at QB over former starter Tyler Vitt. Vitt simply doesn't have it. This offense might have a hard time turning things around if the offensive line doesn't improve. They are my worst o-line unit in the conference. The star of the team is WR Javen Banks.
Teams hammered the Bobcats on the ground last season. They will look to their JUCO recruits to make an impact across the board on defense. They desperately need someone to make plays on this team. They totaled 13 sacks last season, and 1.5 of those sacks are from players returning this season. Not good.
Don't expect a big change from year one to year two. Texas State is still in full rebuild mode.
Teams hammered the Bobcats on the ground last season. They will look to their JUCO recruits to make an impact across the board on defense. They desperately need someone to make plays on this team. They totaled 13 sacks last season, and 1.5 of those sacks are from players returning this season. Not good.
Don't expect a big change from year one to year two. Texas State is still in full rebuild mode.
#5 ULM 1-11 (0-8)
Coach: Matt Viator
Offensive Coordinator: Eman Naghavi
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Collins
Stadium: Malone Stadium
Offensive Coordinator: Eman Naghavi
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Collins
Stadium: Malone Stadium
Last Five Year Win Totals
2019 5-7
2018 6-6
2017 4-8
2016 4-8
2015 2-11
2019 5-7
2018 6-6
2017 4-8
2016 4-8
2015 2-11
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Colby Suits, SO, QB Rushing Josh Johnson, SR, RB Receiving Josh Pederson. SR, TE Defense Interceptions Corey Straughter, SR, CB Sacks Kerry Starks, SR, DE Tackles Tyler Glass, SR, S Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Texas State
Toughest Road Game: At Georgia Biggest Conference Game: Texas State Star Player
Josh Johnson, ULM
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Quick Thoughts
Caleb Evans is gone which, leaves a major void at QB. While RB Josh Johnson returns, he will be running behind a depleted left side of the line. Add in that the passing attack won't be nearly as good, look for teams to flood the box this season. They do welcome back the best TE in the SBC, Josh Pederson.
It is easy to improve on defense when you hit rock bottom. Things won't change this season if the line and linebacker units remain poor. Giving up big plays was their biggest problem last season. They have a strong secondary, but that doesn't mean a whole lot when they have issues everywhere else.
ULM got hit hard by the SBC scheduling department. Their homes games are Louisiana, App State, Ga Southern, and Texas State. That's brutal. Matt Viator will see a down year in 2020.
It is easy to improve on defense when you hit rock bottom. Things won't change this season if the line and linebacker units remain poor. Giving up big plays was their biggest problem last season. They have a strong secondary, but that doesn't mean a whole lot when they have issues everywhere else.
ULM got hit hard by the SBC scheduling department. Their homes games are Louisiana, App State, Ga Southern, and Texas State. That's brutal. Matt Viator will see a down year in 2020.