2017 Underrated Sun Belt Teams
The Sun Belt went 1-15 against the Power Five teams in the regular season, but it was an interesting 1-15. South Alabama upset Mississippi State in Starkville, Appalachian State was one quarter away from upsetting Tennessee, Troy gave shaky Clemson a scare, Georgia State nearly upset Wisconsin, and New Mexico State ran with Kentucky for three quarters. Appalachian State, Louisiana, Troy, and Arkansas State faced one another of the two and got a 1-1. Here’s a chart that explains it:
Appalachian State defeated Louisiana, Louisiana defeated Arkansas State, Arkansas State defeated Troy, and Troy defeated Appalachian State. You see the trend?
Anyway, six teams that went bowling won four of those games, and that’s considered an accomplishment. Appalachian State ran the table last season and aims for an outright first place in the conference. Since they only play Louisiana and Idaho, they’re virtually unchallenged by anyone else in the Sun Belt. Troy, Arkansas State, and Louisiana will have to hope something goes wrong for the Mountaineers. Coastal Carolina will get a taste of the Sun Belt opponents and hope they can do like Appalachian State did when they first entered the FBS in 2015. Here’s my two underrated picks since I had difficulty choosing one in a non-championship conference.
IDAHO VANDALS
Last season: 9-4 overall; 6-2 (Tied 3rd)
The Vandals were the biggest surprise in college football. For a team that had losing season after losing season since leaving the WAC conference, head coach Paul Petrino had patience and turned this program into a 9-win team, a first since 1998 in the Big West. A big home state win in the Potato Bowl boosted their confidence going into this season.
Idaho returns quarterback Matt Linehan for his senior season after throwing 3184 yards for 19 touchdowns. They have two returning running backs to share the carries this season. However, they will start over with new receivers after losing four seniors last year, but Alfonso Onunwor and Jacob Sannon should fill those spots. With only two returning linemen, Idaho has a lot of work to do up front. The defense wasn’t impressive, but they showed potential after a +11-turnover margin. They return defensive end Aikeem Coleman, linebackers Tony Lashley and Kaden Elliss, and defensive backs Dorian Clark and Jordan Grabski after their season ending injuries last season. Special teams are still being worked out for kicking and punting.
Idaho is my sleeper pick that should return to a bowl game for their very last season as an FBS team. They will be motivated to play hard all 12 of their games. Matchups against Western Michigan, South Alabama, Missouri, Troy, Louisiana, and Appalachian State will be an obstacle to overcome. The offensive line and passing defense must be addressed if Idaho wants one more winning season and maybe a one and only Sun Belt title.
SOUTH ALABAMA JAGUARS
Last season: 6-7 overall; 2-6 (Tied 8th)
South Alabama’s arrival in the FBS came with some heartache. They were unable to win more than six games and went 0-2 in their bowl appearances in the FBS. But it also wasn’t a disaster because they defeated Western Kentucky in 2013, they upset San Diego State twice when the Aztecs eventually finished 11-3 in 2015 and when they were ranked #19 last year, and they upset Mississippi State in Starkville. You can’t help but think that there’s something about the Jaguars that’s difficult for me to avoid.
South Alabama returns quarterback Dallas Davis, but is unfortunately pushed by backups Cole Garvin and Evan Orth (younger brother of former South Carolina QB Perry). Cole Garvin had one start in a win over San Diego State last year while Davis battled injuries. Running back Xavier Johnson returns after scoring 10 rushing touchdowns. Three starting offensive line return, but they lose four top receivers with only Masseiah Francis as a viable player. The defensive backs were the strength of this squad last year (9th in the nation in passing defense). They allowed 200+ passing yards five times. Safeties Jeremy Reaves and Neiko Robinson, and cornerback Bobby Flott are back, but they will be without leading interceptor Jalen Thompson (Academic issues). Rushing defense was the problem last season and they hope that defensive line’s Tre Alford and Jimmie Gipson III’s return from injuries along with Louisville transfer Finesse Middleton will help clog up the holes.
There are some voids on the Jaguars’ depth chart and their schedule looks difficult, but it’s hard to keep them out of my pick. They showed flashes of success and upset three teams during their five-year stay in the FBS. Look at it this way, with Ole Miss’s offseason issues, Louisiana Tech replacing Ryan Higgins, and Idaho replacing three offensive lineman, there’s no telling what surprises the Jaguars will have in store this season.
