Sun Fun Belt Conference – founded 1976 (first football sponsored in 2001)
Teams: 14
Divisions: 2
(The East/West divisions are now separated by the Alabama/Georgia line
Who’s in/Who’s out in 2023:
No one. JMU, ODU, Marshall, Southern Miss all joined in 2022 to make it a 14-team league
Schedule features:
6 division foes plus 2 crossover games
Biggest stadium:
Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana with a capacity of 41,264
Themes:
Every coach is back except for Jamey Chadwell who left for Liberty. BIG name coaches at some schools here I did not know about. Plus two former Nittany Lion coaches.
1. South Alabama Jaguars
- Head coach: Kane Wommack
- Total wins: O/U 8 wins
- Odds to win conference: +330 (opened as conference favorite)
- 2022 record: 10-3 (7-6 ATS) *3 losses by a total of 5 points last year
- Bowl game result: lost to WKU 23-44 in the New Orleans Bowl
- 2022 total offense: 38th
- 2022 total defense: 25th
Offense: QB and RB back: Carter Bradley (3400 yards 28 TDs) and Ladamian Webb, bringing almost everyone back on O (Added 2 former Sec guys in the portal up front)
Defense: essentially entire defense returns from a top 25 unit
Schedule notes: at Tulane 9/2, at JMU 9/30, at Troy 11/2
Takeaways: Their acronym is USA so this is America’s team or at least an honorary military academy team to me. I love this team with how much they bring back and I think they win the Sun Belt this year. I also love them catching 7.5 points in week 1 vs Tulane so adding that to my Week 1 plays.
2. Troy Trojans
- Head coach: Jon Sumrall
- Total wins: O/U 8.5 wins
- Odds to win conference: +320
- 2022 record: 12-2 (11-3 ATS)
- Bowl game result: Defeated UTSA 18-12 in the Duluth Care Bowl (finished top #25)
- 2022 total offense: 95th
- 2022 total defense: 19th
Offense: QB Gunnar Watson and leading rusher Kimani Vidal both back, losing 3 O linemen including 2 all conference players
Defense: Bring back some ammo on D – particularly a couple interior lineman who can get to the QB but they also lose the NCAA’s all time-leading tackler Carlton Martial (a former walk-on who is currently an NFL free agent)
Schedule notes: host JMU 9/16, host WKU 9/23, host USA 11/2
Takeaways: I think it is hard to repeat when you are no longer the hunter but are now the hunted. Although Troy is now the favorite to win the conference, I like USA’s pieces (and name) a bit more so I am leaning towards the Jaguars in the rematch this year. Troy does host several of their swing games which should help as far as their team total goes. Unless for whatever reason he is content in Troy, Alabama, I think this may be the year we see their coach make the jump up to the Power 5 level.
3. James Madison Dukes
- Head coach: Curt Cignetti (unsurprisingly a Pittsburgh guy)
- Total wins: O/U 7.5 wins
- Odds to win conference: Ineligible
- Bowl game result: Ineligible
- 2022 record/ATS: 8-3 (7-4 ATS) *East champion last year but ineligible for championship game
- 2022 total offense: 29th
- 2022 total defense: 5th
Offense: Losing QB (Todd Centeio), top rusher, 4 of top 5 receivers but from what I am reading, there really should not be much of a stepback (QB is going to be either a transfer from Arizona or the guy who filled in for Sam Hartman briefly last year at Wake)
Defense: return a lot from exceptional defense last year, DE’s announced he is transferring to Ole Miss (episode on the Athletic pod) but rest of defensive line remains intact
Schedule notes: at UVA 9/9, at Troy 9/16, host USA 9/30
Takeaway: They cannot win their division, but if they could, I would strongly consider JMU to do so. This feels like a lame duck year to me and it may be hard to get up for some of their games late in the season particularly if dropping a couple of games in September. I love JMU and will be keeping my eye on them but no plays here from me.
4. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
- Head coach: Tim Beck
- Total wins: O/U 8 wins
- Odds to win conference: +550
- Bowl game result: Defeated by East Carolina 29-53 in Birmingham Bowl
- 2022 record: 9-4 (4-8-1 ATS)
- 2022 total offense: 51st
- 2022 total defense: 102nd
Offense: Grayson McCall (with a TD:INT ratio of almost 10:1) and CJ Beasley are back to lead the offense along with 3 of his top targets back
Defense: lead by JT Killen (looks like he should have a neck roll) as well as 4 of top 5 tacklers are back. The problem is the consensus seems to be where those tacklers are making their tackles, little talent in secondary
Schedule notes: at UCLA 9/2, host Marshall 10/28, host JMU 11/25
Takeaways: Seems like a great over team – no total on the opener yet but I will be in heavy. Tim Beck is way too boring of a name and there are too many question marks for me on defense to be in on the Chanticleers this year.
5. Marshall Thundering Herd
- Head coach: Charles Huff
- Total wins: O/U 7 wins
- Odds to win conference: +800
- 2022 record: 9-4 (7-6 ATS) *beat ND and had 5 straight wins to end season
- Bowl game result: Defeated UConn 28-14 in Myrtle Beach Bowl
- 2022 total offense: 58th
- 2022 total defense: 8th
Offense: Incumbent Cam Fancher vs TJ McMahon (Rice transfer) at QB, Rasheen Ali back from injury after 1400 yards and 23 (!!!) TDs in 2021, 4 OL returning
Defense: bringing back majority of starters but did lose the DC
Schedule notes: host VA Tech 9/23, host JMU 10/19, at Coastal Carolina 10/28, at App State 11/4
Takeaways: Charles Huff looking to build on 9 wins. Consider me a believer as I did take these guys to win the Sun Belt East despite being picked 4th in the preseason poll. I loved their momentum at the end of last year and with JMU not in play, they just have to be better than Coastal and App State (which I believe they are). The last week of October and first week of November will likely decide it. The catch here is they might need both as they do have a crossover game with South Alabama.
6. Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
- Head coach: Michael Desormeaux
- Total wins: O/U 6.5 wins
- Odds to win conference: +1000
- 2022 record: 6-7 last year (7-6 ATS)
- Bowl game result: Defeated by Houston 16-23 in Independence Bowl
- 2022 total offense: 90th
- 2022 total defense:50th
Offense: Looks like last year’s start Ben Woolbridge will start again, not impressive last year (56.5% passing last year)
Defense: Losing over half of their 11 guys with 300+ snaps on defense last year. Two top guys in the secondary to Alabama and Tulane
Schedule notes: hosting Buffalo week 9/23, at Minnesota Week 9/30
Takeaways: Not much here to like here for the Ragin’ Cajuns. I suspect their offense struggles again and I do not think they are a factor in the Sun Belt.
7. Appalachian State Mountaineers
- Head coach: Shawn Clark
- Total wins: O/U 6.5 wins
- Odds to win conference: +800
- 2022 record: 6-6 (3-9 ATS) *5 of the 6 losses by one score
- Bowl game result: DNQ (2 wins against FCS schools)
- 2022 total offense: 26th
- 2022 total defense: 37th
Notes: Crazy start last year with the loss vs UNC, beat Texas A&M on the road, beat Troy on the Hail mary and then just sort of ran out of gas including losing 3 of 4 and their last 5 ATS
Offense: Chase Brice graduated (finally) and looks like Ryan Burger is suspected starter, Nate Noel is the running back – almost 7 yards a carry last year but was frequently banged up (smaller side 5-10 185), Offensive line and receiving corps back
Defense: turnover at almost every position on defense
Schedule notes: host Coastal Carolina 10/10, host Marhsall 11/4, at JMU 11/18
Takeaways: I am not high on the Mountaineers but maybe I should be. Crossover matches between ULM and Southern Miss are a nice touch to this schedule. .
8. Georgia Southern Eagles
- Head coach: Clay Helton
- Total wins: O/U 6 wins
- Odds to win conference: +1800
- 2022 record: 6-7 (7-6 ATS)
- Bowl game result: Defeated by Buffalo 21-23 in Camellia Bowl
- 2022 total offense: 18th
- 2022 total defense: 129th (3rd to last in defense last year)
Notes: Helton doubled the previous season’s win total to 6 wins last year in first year including W’s over JMU, App St, and Nebraska to get Scott Frost fired
Offense: Davis Brin – transferred in to start here. He started off 460, 322, 424 to kick off last season but did not have another 300 yard passing game the rest of the season (finished 80th in passing yards). Khaleb Hood is their stud receiver – 87 grabs last year but only 3 TDs. Also brought in 3 more power 5 receivers through the portal.
Defense: New DC held them to 21 points in the bowl game while at Buffalo last year. 3rd to last in defense last year and only 3 guys return on D. Lost all 6 guys in the secondary with over 300 snaps.
Schedule notes: travel to face App State, JMU, and Marshall on the road; Travel to Wisconsin Week 3
Takeaways: Wanted to take a waiver on these guys to win the Sun Belt but seems like just way too much to overcome on the defensive side of the ball (almost 32 ppg last season). That being said, keep your eyes on them to knock somebody off as an underdog in a meaningful game at some point. And also yet another excellent over team.
9. Georgia State Panthers
- Head coach: Shawn Elliott
- Total wins: O/U 5.5 wins
- Odds to win conference: +2200
- 2022 record: 4-8 (ATS 6-5-1)
- Bowl game result: DNQ
- 2022 total offense: 43rd
- 2022 total defense: 83rd
Offense: Darren Grainger is the dynamic QB who is returning. Ran for almost 1000 yards and was 10th in yardage per completion (14.04 yards). Basically all you need to know here.
Defense: Replacing the whole line and everyone but the linebacking corp on defense
Schedule notes: at Rhode Island Week 2, at GA State 10/26, at LSU 11/18
Takeaways: Nothing to see here. By far the shittier of the GA State vs GA Southern match up this year barring DJ Grainger winning the game by himself.
10. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
- Head coach: Will Hall
- Total wins: O/U 5 wins
- Odds to win conference: +2500
- 2022 record: 7-6 (10-3 ATS)
- Bowl game result: Defeated Rice 38-24 in Lending Tree Bowl
- 2022 total offense: 83
- 2022 total defense:45
Notes: Jumped from 3 to 7 wins last year including beating Tulane on the road – however 5 of 7 wins against losing teams or FCS schools
Offense: Frank Gore, Jr of course. Also brought in a transfer from Memphis to help share the load. Freshmen qb returning and battling with a Houston and a Clemson transfer – gut says its the Clemson guy Billy Wiles but the returning starter may get first dibs. 7 of their 9 most used linemen are back
Defense: 6 starters are back on a top 50 defense last year
Schedule notes: At Florida State 9/2, at Mississippi State 11/18, host Troy 11/25
Takeaways: If Billy Wiles is a player, and the new defensive coordinator can pick-up where the old one left off, it is not inconceivable Southern Miss could be in the mix for the top of the second tier in the Sun Belt West. No strong feelings either way for me personally.
11. Old Dominion Monarchs
- Head coach: Ricky Rahne
- Total wins: O/U 4 wins
- Odds to win conference: +8000
- 2022 record: 3-9 (5-7 ATS)
- Bowl game result: DNQ
- 2022 total offense: 116th
- 2022 total defense: 65th
Offense: The past two seasons Starting QB Hayden Wolff decided to transfer this spring meaning we will have someone new at QB and it may be Fordham Transfer Grant Wilson who came with his OC to Norfolk. Top RB and WR transferred out as well.
Defense: Nation’s leading tackler Jason Henderson is back – (somewhere between 164 – 183 tackles). Second team All-American last year.
Schedule notes – host VA Tech week 1, host Wake Forest week 3
Takeaways: I want to root for Ricky Rahne but after going from 6 wins to 3 last year and this appearing to be a rebuilding year, things are not looking great.
12. Arkansas State Red Wolves
- Head coach: Butch Jones
- Total Wins: O/U 4.5 wins
- Odds to win conference: +6000
- 2022 record: 3-9 (7-5 ATS)
- Bowl game result: DNQ
- 2022 total offense: 83
- 2022 total defense:45
Notes: Only 7 total starters back on both sides of the ball so a lot of inexperience on both sides of the ball.
Offense: James Blackmon graduated as well as 4 of his top 5 targets and 3 of his linemen. JT Shrout – last year Buff’s QB – is battling with a redshirt freshman who has thrown 10 career passes for the job.
Defense: two solid safeties and LBs return, defensive line is thin
Schedule notes – at Oklahoma
Takeaways -Their two crossover games against east teams are Marshall and Coastal Carolina which doesn’t help at all. Do not expect much fireworks from Butch Jones and co given what sounds like a very inexperienced group.
13. Texas State Bobcats
- Head coach: G.J. Kinne
- Total wins: O/U 4.5 wins
- Odds to win conference: +8000
- 2022 record: 4-8 (5-7 ATS)
- Bowl game result: DNQ
- 2022 total offense: 111
- 2022 total defense: 63
Notes: Bringing in a ton of transfers from FCS Incarnate Word – lost in the semis to NDSU last year including the coach GJ Kinne. For what it’s worth, San Marcos, Texas is in the greater Austin, Texas area.
Offense: Bringing in KJ Jefferson’s back-up dual threat Malik Hornsby from Arkansas to play QB, zero starting O-linemen returning but the coach is bringing 5 lineman with him
Defense: Only 3 defensive guys back on defense
Schedule notes: Opening at Baylor and at UTSA, Playing South Alabama and Troy at home which is helpful but likely a lost cause
Takeaways: Not much here really. It may be a couple of years before Texas State is a serious player in the Sun Belt.
14. University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
- Head coach: Terry Bowden
- Total wins: O/U 3 wins
- Odds to win conference: +15000
- 2022 record: 4-8 (5-7)
- Bowl game result: DNQ
- 2022 total offense: 103
- 2022 total defense:122
Notes: 1 winning season since 1994
Offense: JUCO transfer Jiya Wright starting at QB, leading receiver back with 50 grabs last year, LT left for Ohio State
Defense: allowed 6+ yards per play every season for the past 7 years, lots of turnover for bottom 10 defense last year, secondary should be strength, massive questions up front
Schedule notes: Army 9/2, Lamar 9/9, Texas A&M 9/16, at Ole Miss 11/18
Takeaways: I think they beat Lamar and I think beating Texas State at home on homecoming is feasible. Besides that, I do not see a win on this schedule. Strong lean under 3 wins here from me.
Sun Belt conference recap:
Plays: Marshall (1.25 units) +375 to win Sun Belt East, USA to win Sun Belt (1 unit) +330 (FanDuel), USA +7.5 vs Tulane Week 1, USA vs Troy under 11/2
Keep an eye on: Georgia Southern overs, Coastal Carolina overs
Leans: UL Monroe UNDER 3 wins, Georgia Southern OVER 6.5 wins
Sun Belt Prediction: South Alabama (West) over Marshall (East)
Conference preview disclaimer:
Most of my information was obtained from Bill Connelly’s conference previews on ESPN and the Cover 3 Podcast’s Summer School hosted by Bud Elliott. Thanks to them for saving me an abundance of time in accumulating information on each team. This is all for fun and pure enjoyment so apologies in advance for any incorrect information including misspellings in names, changes in odds, or players listed on the wrong team as the revolving door on the transfer portal never stops. Lastly, sorry if any bias is present in any of my takes, but if it seems like I hate one team more than another, it is probably because I hate one team more than another.