Sun Belt Football Preview 2019
By Tyler Smith
East
#1T Appalachian State 9-3 (7-1)
Coach: Eli Drinkwitz
Offensive Coordinator: Eli Drinkwitz
Defensive Coordinator: Ted Roof
Stadium: Kidd Brewer Stadium (24,050)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 11-2
2017 9-4
2016 10-3
2015 11-2
2014 7-5
Offensive Coordinator: Eli Drinkwitz
Defensive Coordinator: Ted Roof
Stadium: Kidd Brewer Stadium (24,050)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 11-2
2017 9-4
2016 10-3
2015 11-2
2014 7-5
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Zach Thomas, JR, QB Rushing Darrynton Evans, JR, RB Receiving Corey Sutton, JR, WR Defense Interceptions Desmond Franklin, SR, S and Josh Thomas, S, SR Sacks Jordan Fehr, SR, LB Tackles Akeem Davis-Gaither, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Troy
Toughest Road Game: At South Carolina Biggest Conference Game: At Troy |
Quick Thoughts
The best offense in the league is in Boone, NC. The offense is led by, QB, Zac Thomas. Look for Thomas to put up massive numbers in App State's new offensive scheme. He has the targets to make it happen too. Correy Sutton, Malik Williams, and Thomas Hennigan all return. The line is always ready to pave the way for running backs in Boone, NC. So expect another big year out of RB Darynton Evans.
Will this year's defense only give up an average of 15.5ppg? Probably not. Will they be the best defense in the league? Yes. The Mountaineers LB Unit is one of the best in the country. The secondary and defensive line aren't quite to that level yet, but both units will cause problems in this league. Both safeties had four interceptions last season. If they continue to win the turnover battle, this team will do big things.
I wish I could be bolder and pick an undefeated season. I should have taken the Mountaineers over UNC. I likely will come week 4. Just couldn't pull the trigger. The three conference games that will determine their season are at Louisiana, at Troy, and Georgia Southern. All in all another big year for App State!
Will this year's defense only give up an average of 15.5ppg? Probably not. Will they be the best defense in the league? Yes. The Mountaineers LB Unit is one of the best in the country. The secondary and defensive line aren't quite to that level yet, but both units will cause problems in this league. Both safeties had four interceptions last season. If they continue to win the turnover battle, this team will do big things.
I wish I could be bolder and pick an undefeated season. I should have taken the Mountaineers over UNC. I likely will come week 4. Just couldn't pull the trigger. The three conference games that will determine their season are at Louisiana, at Troy, and Georgia Southern. All in all another big year for App State!
#1T Troy 10-2 (7-1)
Coach: Chip Lindsey
Offensive Coordinator: Ryan Pugh
Defensive Coordinator: Brandon Hall
Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 10-3
2017 11-2
2016 10-3
2015 4-8
2014 3-9
Offensive Coordinator: Ryan Pugh
Defensive Coordinator: Brandon Hall
Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 10-3
2017 11-2
2016 10-3
2015 4-8
2014 3-9
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Sawyer Smith, JR, QB (Transferred) Kaleb Barker, SR, QB Rushing B.J. Smith, SR, RB Receiving Tray Eafford, JR, WR Defense Interceptions Tyler Murray, JR, NB Sacks Antonie Barker, SR, DE and Jarvis Hayes, SR, DE Tackles Carlton Martial, SO, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: App State
Toughest Road Game: At Missouri Biggest Conference Game: App State |
Quick Thoughts
Troy has been on a historic run the past few years. I don't see that slowing down this year. The Trojans have two capable QBs, but I see Barker being the one with the most success in this system. Whoever is under center will have the luxury of handing off to B.J. Smith, who totaled over 1,000 yards and 13 scores. Troy does lose a lot of talent, but they will reload.
The defense lost a lot of talented players, but they should continue their dominance. A lot of anticipation surrounds the return of linebacker Zo Bridges. He went down with an injury that kept out of the 2018 season. With Bridges and Jarvis Hayes at DE, this team will bring plenty of pressure.
Early September contest with USM and Arkansas State will be telling. Both are respectable opponents who will challenge Troy. I have them 2-0 in those games.
The defense lost a lot of talented players, but they should continue their dominance. A lot of anticipation surrounds the return of linebacker Zo Bridges. He went down with an injury that kept out of the 2018 season. With Bridges and Jarvis Hayes at DE, this team will bring plenty of pressure.
Early September contest with USM and Arkansas State will be telling. Both are respectable opponents who will challenge Troy. I have them 2-0 in those games.
#3 Georgia Southern 7-4 (5-3)
Coach: Chad Lunsford
Offensive Coordinator: Bob DeBesse
Defensive Coordinator: Scot Sloan
Stadium: Paulson Stadium (25,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 10-3
2017 2-10
2016 5-7
2015 9-4
2014 9-3
Offensive Coordinator: Bob DeBesse
Defensive Coordinator: Scot Sloan
Stadium: Paulson Stadium (25,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 10-3
2017 2-10
2016 5-7
2015 9-4
2014 9-3
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Shai Werts, JR, QB Rushing Shai Werts, JR, QB Receiving Wesley Kennedy III, JR, WR Defense Interceptions Kindle Vildor, SR, CB Sacks Raymond Johnson III, JR, DE Tackles Monquavion Brinson, SR, CB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Louisiana
Toughest Road Game: At LSU Biggest Conference Game: Louisiana |
Quick Thoughts
Georgia Southern had one of the biggest turnarounds in FBS last year. To continue that momentum they will have to navigate a much tougher schedule. They have road games at LSU, Minnesota, Arkansas State, Troy, and App State. The offense should be fine with do-everything QB Shai Werts back. There are questions at RB and O-line. If they can get things figured out by the start of Sun Belt play, they should be fine.
Georgia Southern's defense might take a step back due to their schedule. The talent is still there, though. They are above average at all levels. A large part of their success last season was winning the turnover battle. They led the nation in that category.
The schedule starts with road trips to LSU and Minnesota.
They start Sun Belt play vs Louisiana at home. If they win that game, they have a shot to win the division. Games at Troy and App State, in back-to-back weeks, is brutal.
Georgia Southern's defense might take a step back due to their schedule. The talent is still there, though. They are above average at all levels. A large part of their success last season was winning the turnover battle. They led the nation in that category.
The schedule starts with road trips to LSU and Minnesota.
They start Sun Belt play vs Louisiana at home. If they win that game, they have a shot to win the division. Games at Troy and App State, in back-to-back weeks, is brutal.
#4 Georgia State 4-8 (3-5)
Coach: Shawn Elliott
Offensive Coordinator: Brad Glenn
Defensive Coordinator: Nate Fuqua
Stadium: Georgia State Stadium (22,000)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 2-10
2017 7-5
2016 3-9
2015 6-7
2014 1-11
Offensive Coordinator: Brad Glenn
Defensive Coordinator: Nate Fuqua
Stadium: Georgia State Stadium (22,000)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 2-10
2017 7-5
2016 3-9
2015 6-7
2014 1-11
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Dan Ellington, SR, QB Rushing Dan Ellington, SR, QB Receiving Cornelius McCoy, SO, WR Defense Interceptions 5 players tied at 1 Sacks Javonte Lain, JR, DE Tackles Ed Curney, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Coastal Carolina
Toughest Road Game: At Tennessee Biggest Conference Game: At Coastal Carolina |
Quick Thoughts
QB Dan Ellington solidified himself as the starter last season. He losses Penny Hart, but brings back sophomore Cornelius McCoy. Running back doesn't have a standout star, but should be able to keep teams honest. The line is strong on the left side. The right side has major question marks.
Last year's defense was one of the worst in the country. Seven players return from that group. The line has the most promise to take a step forward with DE Terry Thomas back. Linebacker is the biggest weakness on the team. If they don't improve there, the struggles will continue.
Their first 3 Sun Belt match-ups will give you a good indication of how well this team will finish this season. If they can beat Texas State and Coastal, they have a shot at 6 wins, if not forget about it.
Last year's defense was one of the worst in the country. Seven players return from that group. The line has the most promise to take a step forward with DE Terry Thomas back. Linebacker is the biggest weakness on the team. If they don't improve there, the struggles will continue.
Their first 3 Sun Belt match-ups will give you a good indication of how well this team will finish this season. If they can beat Texas State and Coastal, they have a shot at 6 wins, if not forget about it.
#5 Coastal Carolina 1-11 (0-8)
Coach: Jamey Chadwell
Offensive Coordinator: Will Korn, Newland Issac
Defensive Coordinator: Marvin Sanders
Stadium: Brooks Stadium (15,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals:
2018 5-7
2017 3-9
2016 N/A
2015 N/A
2014 N/A
Offensive Coordinator: Will Korn, Newland Issac
Defensive Coordinator: Marvin Sanders
Stadium: Brooks Stadium (15,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals:
2018 5-7
2017 3-9
2016 N/A
2015 N/A
2014 N/A
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Fred Payton, SO, QB Rushing CJ Marable, JR, RB Receiving Ky'Jon Tyler, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Derambez Drinkard, JR, CB and Chandler Kryst, SR, SR Sacks Tarron Jackson, JR, DE and Sterling Johnson, SR, NT Tackles Silas Kelly, JR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At UMass
Toughest Road Game: At App State Biggest Conference Game: Georgia State |
Quick Thoughts
Last season, Coastal Carolina made waves with their win over UAB. This season you may not see that level of play out of the Chanticleers. They have no clear cut QB. Plus the O-line took major step-backs with two players not returning to the line. They do bring back RB CJ Marble, who is a big play waiting to happen. Same goes for WR Ky'Jon Tyler.
You can't give up 450 ypg and expect to win 5 games again this season. They are making the switch to a 3-4 defense. The new 3 man line would be in better shape had their best defender not transferred to NC State. The secondary is depleted, with only one starter back. Linebacker could be better than my projection, but I'm not seeing it.
CCU has winnable games on their schedule. The problem is, the offense and defense, look to be taking steps back. Returning to 5 wins seems extremely difficult.
You can't give up 450 ypg and expect to win 5 games again this season. They are making the switch to a 3-4 defense. The new 3 man line would be in better shape had their best defender not transferred to NC State. The secondary is depleted, with only one starter back. Linebacker could be better than my projection, but I'm not seeing it.
CCU has winnable games on their schedule. The problem is, the offense and defense, look to be taking steps back. Returning to 5 wins seems extremely difficult.
WEST
#1T Arkansas State 7-5 (6-2)
Coach: Blake Anderson
Offensive Coordinator: Keith Heckendorf
Defensive Coordinator: David Duggan
Stadium: Centennial Bank Stadium (30,964)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 8-5
2017 7-5
2016 8-5
2015 9-4
2014 7-6
Offensive Coordinator: Keith Heckendorf
Defensive Coordinator: David Duggan
Stadium: Centennial Bank Stadium (30,964)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 8-5
2017 7-5
2016 8-5
2015 9-4
2014 7-6
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Logan Bonner, JR, QB Rushing Marcel Murray, SO, RB Receiving Kirk Merritt, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Jerry Jacobs, JR, CB Sacks William Bradley-King, JR, DE Tackles Darreon Jackson, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: SMU
Toughest Road Game: At Georgia Biggest Conference Game: At Troy |
Quick Thoughts
I was all in on the Red Wolves last season. They ended up with an 8-5 record. This year I have Arkansas State pegged for a 7-5 record. QB is the biggest question across the board. Logan Bonner is the likely favorite on a thin depth chart. The good news is he has the most talented receiving group in the SBC. He has a nice option in the backfield as well in Marcel Murray.
The defense will be strong upfront and in the back end. Linebacker has concerns. That unit could be stronger than expected with the emergence of Derrick Bean. The Red Wolves ability to turnover teams has been a key contributor in their recent success. They should do well there again with their stour front plus Jerry Jacobs returning at corner.
The non-conference slate is full of opportunity. With a new QB under center, those games will be more of a challenge.
The defense will be strong upfront and in the back end. Linebacker has concerns. That unit could be stronger than expected with the emergence of Derrick Bean. The Red Wolves ability to turnover teams has been a key contributor in their recent success. They should do well there again with their stour front plus Jerry Jacobs returning at corner.
The non-conference slate is full of opportunity. With a new QB under center, those games will be more of a challenge.
#1T Louisiana 8-4 (6-2)
Coach: Billy Napier
Offensive Coordinator: Rob Sale
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Roberts
Stadium: Cajun Field (36,900)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 7-7
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 4-8
2014 9-4
Offensive Coordinator: Rob Sale
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Roberts
Stadium: Cajun Field (36,900)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 7-7
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 4-8
2014 9-4
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Levi Lewis, JR, QB Rushing Tray Ragas, JR, RB Receiving Ja'Marcus Bradley, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Eric Garror, SO, CB and Micheal Jacquet III, SR, CB Sacks Bennie Higgins, SR, DE and Chauncey Manac, JR, LB Tackles Jacques Boudreaux, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Appalachian State
Toughest Road Game: At Ohio Biggest Conference Game: Appalachian State |
Quick Thoughts
I have high hopes for this years Louisiana team. They have plenty of talent on offense. They are loaded at RB with three players making big contributions. The one thing all Ragin' Cajun fans will be watching for is who starts under center. As of now, Levi Lewis seems to be the guy, but they have several incomers who are gunning for the spot. With the best line in the league, whoever starts will have the best opportunity to succeed.
Louisiana struggled on defense last season. There is hope for improvement. They have seven starters back, a talented incoming class, and the return of Freshman All-American LB Joe Dillon. This defense could be the most improved in the nation by the end of the year.
Billy Napier had people believing again in Lafayette after winning the West division. He has a damn good chance of doing it again. They do draw a tough SBC slate with Troy, Georgia Southern, and App State.
Louisiana struggled on defense last season. There is hope for improvement. They have seven starters back, a talented incoming class, and the return of Freshman All-American LB Joe Dillon. This defense could be the most improved in the nation by the end of the year.
Billy Napier had people believing again in Lafayette after winning the West division. He has a damn good chance of doing it again. They do draw a tough SBC slate with Troy, Georgia Southern, and App State.
#3 Louisiana Monroe 5-7 (4-4)
Coach: Matt Viator
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Kubik
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Collins
Stadium: Malone Stadium (30,427)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 6-6
2017 4-8
2016 4-8
2015 2-11
2014 4-8
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Kubik
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Collins
Stadium: Malone Stadium (30,427)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 6-6
2017 4-8
2016 4-8
2015 2-11
2014 4-8
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Caleb Evans, SR, RB Rushing Caleb Evans, SR, RB Receiving Zachari Jackson, SO, WR Defense Interceptions Corey Straughter, SO, CB Sacks Donald Louis, SR, DE Tackles Cortez Sisco, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Memphis
Toughest Road Game: At Iowa State Biggest Conference Game: At Georgia Southern |
Quick Thoughts
This will likely be everyone's sleeper team in the Sun Belt. The most realistic spot for them to end up is third. Caleb Evans has to be better passing the ball this season for this team elevate. That could be challenging with a depleted WR corps. Running back was a non-factor last season, that needs to change this year to help Evans.
The defense is getting better. The defensive line is the best in the conference. This defense has one big issue they don't turnover teams. If they can fix that, this team takes another step forward.
Matt Viator turned this program around. His next challenge is making this team a threat to win the division. This will be his final year with QB Caleb Evans. That leaves a lot of questions after this year. It may be hard to duplicate last year's record. The Warhawks have a very challenging non-conference slate. This team will be dangerous week in and week out.
The defense is getting better. The defensive line is the best in the conference. This defense has one big issue they don't turnover teams. If they can fix that, this team takes another step forward.
Matt Viator turned this program around. His next challenge is making this team a threat to win the division. This will be his final year with QB Caleb Evans. That leaves a lot of questions after this year. It may be hard to duplicate last year's record. The Warhawks have a very challenging non-conference slate. This team will be dangerous week in and week out.
#4 Texas State 3-9 (2-6)
Coach: Jake Spavital
Offensive Coordinator: Bob Stitt
Defensive Coordinator: Archie McDaniel, Zac Spavital
Stadium: Bobcat Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 2-10
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
2014 7-5
Offensive Coordinator: Bob Stitt
Defensive Coordinator: Archie McDaniel, Zac Spavital
Stadium: Bobcat Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Years Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 2-10
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
2014 7-5
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Tyler Vitt, SO, QB Rushing Anthony Taylor, SR, RB Receiving Hutch white, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Kordell Rodgers, JR, CB Sacks Ishmael Davis, SR, DE Tackles Bryan London, SR, LB Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Georgia State
Toughest Road Game: At Texas A&M Biggest Conference Game: Georgia State |
Quick Thoughts
While my record projection doesn't show it, this team should be much better. The roster has plenty of experience on both sides of the ball. The biggest concern is QB. If you don't have a QB, you won't go far. I think that Gresch Jensen the answer at QB.
With ten starters back, this defense could be one of the best in the conference. The Bobcats are my top-rated secondary with all four starters back. They gave up over 200 ypg last season. They are stacked at linebacker too with Bryan London II and Nikolas Daniels. Both players had over 100 tackles last year.
I can't stress enough how big the Georgia State game is. At home, to open conference play, in a very winnable game. If they win that game, I could see this team making waves in year one under Spavital.
With ten starters back, this defense could be one of the best in the conference. The Bobcats are my top-rated secondary with all four starters back. They gave up over 200 ypg last season. They are stacked at linebacker too with Bryan London II and Nikolas Daniels. Both players had over 100 tackles last year.
I can't stress enough how big the Georgia State game is. At home, to open conference play, in a very winnable game. If they win that game, I could see this team making waves in year one under Spavital.
#5 South Alabama 1-11 (0-8)
Coach: Steve Campbell
Offensive Coordinator: Kenny Edenfield
Defensive Coordinator: Greg Stewart
Stadium: Ladd Peebles (33,500)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 4-8
2016 6-7
2015 5-7
2014 6-7
Offensive Coordinator: Kenny Edenfield
Defensive Coordinator: Greg Stewart
Stadium: Ladd Peebles (33,500)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 4-8
2016 6-7
2015 5-7
2014 6-7
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Cephus Johnson, SO, QB Rushing Tra Minter, JR, RB Receiving Kewaan Baker, WR, JR Defense Interceptions Jalen Thompson, SR, CB Sacks Tyree Turner, JR, DT Tackles Nick Mobley, SO, Unit Rankings
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Schedule
Scheduled AnalysisBiggest Game: Jackson State
Toughest Road Game: At Nebraska Biggest Conference Game: At Texas State |
Quick Thoughts
The Jaguars are stuck in a hole right now. It doesn't look like they are going to get out anytime soon. The offense and defense are in a rut. RB Tra Minter is the lone bright spot on offense, but he can't do it alone. QB is once again up for grabs. Pair that with a poor offensive line and this offense is going nowhere.
Defensively, they were one of the worst in the nation last season. The line could make some noise this season with Tyree Turner back. Hard to see this team making any progress on defense this season.
The only hope for this season to be positive is if all the JUCO commits make immediate impacts. The carryover from last years team isn't going to get it done. South Alabama didn't luck out in the scheduling department. They face all the top tier SBC opponents at home.
Defensively, they were one of the worst in the nation last season. The line could make some noise this season with Tyree Turner back. Hard to see this team making any progress on defense this season.
The only hope for this season to be positive is if all the JUCO commits make immediate impacts. The carryover from last years team isn't going to get it done. South Alabama didn't luck out in the scheduling department. They face all the top tier SBC opponents at home.