Brad’s 2010 Sun Belt Conference Predictions
Posted by deaconcat08 on July 8, 2010
We’ll start with the worst of the conferences and work our way up from there. The Sun Belt does seem to gradually make steps forward, as it now possesses two top teams I believe will finish in the top 65 in the country and three teams who will play in bowl games. Still, the conference has a long way to go to catch-up with the rest of Division 1-A football, as far as its overall depth is concerned.
I’d also like to briefly explain the meaning of the numbers and terms used in reference to each team. The number to the left of each team name is their predicted conference ranking with the conference champion displayed in all caps. The number in parentheses to the right of each team name is their predicted rank nationally. Also, after my written analysis for each team, I have provided my prediction of where each team will end up spending their postseason. Furthermore, I have underlined my ten surprise picks and italicized my ten disappointment picks. Separate entries for my surprise and disappointment picks will be posted later on, which will compare my preseason predictions with the average of the “alleged” expert predictions from Athlon, the Sporting News, and Phil Steele.
1. MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE (50)- I was really impressed with the Blue Raiders when I saw them in person last year at the New Orleans Bowl. Dasher may be the most underrated QB in the country, and I think he can finally lead his squad to a victory over Troy and a Sun Belt Championship. (Postseason Prediction: New Orleans Bowl vs. UTEP)
2. Troy (63)- The Trojans will be good as usual, but having to replace their talented QB Levi Brown will result in a few losses. (Postseason Prediction: GMAC Bowl vs. Ohio)
3. UL-Lafayette (97)- Apparently the Ragin’ Cajuns have changed their university name once again and now are simply referred to as the University of Louisiana. I’m not really sure how they were able to claim that distinction over UL-Monroe, so I will just call them Lafayette for now. At any rate, this team has been knocking on the door of a bowl game for a while, and I believe they finally breakthrough this season. Though it is kind of sad that a team ranked 97th in the nation may get to play in a bowl game. (Postseason Prediction: Little Caesars Bowl vs. Temple; this is a Big 10 slot that will open up).
4. Florida Atlantic (108)- Schnellenberger just hasn’t been able to sustain the success FAU achieved a few years ago. This program seems to have fallen flat and will continue to be a middle tier Sun Belt team. (Postseason Prediction: No Bowl)
5. UL-Monroe (111)- The Warhawks not only had their bowl chances ruined by the Ragin’ Cajuns last year, but they also got upstaged in the naming process, as UL-Lafayette now claims the distinction of being the official University of Louisiana. I believe that Monroe will also lose to Lafayette this year and finish in the middle of the Sun Belt standings. (Postseason Prediction: No Bowl)
6. Arkansas State (113)- The Red Wolves shocked everyone last year by finishing near the bottom of the conference standings after being a consensus preseason conference title contender. I actually had them lower than most, as I pegged them to finish third. This year, I expect them to continue their struggles. (Postseason Prediction: No Bowl)
7. FIU (115)- QB controversy, brutal schedule and weak defense will present major problems. (Postseason Prediction: No Bowl)
8. Western Kentucky (117)- I think the Hilltoppers will become a powerhouse sooner than later in this conference. They have a great deal of fan and institutional support as well as a new coach who runs an up-tempo west coast offense. I think the improvements will begin this year, as this team manages to get out of the college football basement this season. (Postseason Prediction: No Bowl)
9. North Texas (119)- I will again retain my motto from last year in regard to the Mean Green: “I’ll believe it when I see it.” A lot of people were predicting them to surprise last year and finally achieve some success under Todd Dodge. Well, after a promising start, they again struggled in conference play finishing 1-7. Now, Phil Steele is calling for them to contend for the conference crown and a bowl game. I just don’t see it happening, especially without Riley Dodge at QB. (Postseason Prediction: No Bowl)