OSG College Football Preview: The Sun Belt Conference

As long as the SEC is the mack daddy of college football the SBC will always be fighting for any kind of attention. Those who pay attention know the SBC has some damn good football teams. How many times has Troy brought down a BCS team on their turf? Middle Tennessee State has slayed a big boy or two. The pucker factor should go up if an SBC team is on your schedule.

Troy Trojans
2010 Record: 8-5 – Defeated Ohio 48-21 In New Orleans Bowl

Things To Like About Troy:
Quarterback: Corey Robinson was impressive last season as a freshman. Robinson owned the Sun Belt in passing throwing for a conference best 3,707 yards, almost 800 yards more than any other quarterback in the conference. Robinson also tossed 28 touchdowns to lead the conference as well. Robinson capped off his fabulous freshman season putting on a show against Ohio in the New Orleans Bowl going 32-42 passing for 387 yards and four touchdowns. That earned Robinson bowl MVP honors. Robinson is a rising star.

Massaquoi The QB’s Worst Nightmare: Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi lived the opponent’s backfield last season. The numbers prove it leading the Sun Belt in quarterback sacks with 13 and tackles for loss with 21.5. Massaquoi showed a national TV audience watching the New Orleans Bowl the havoc he can create with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss totaling 8 against Ohio.

Things Not To Like About Troy:
No Defense Won A Championship: Last season Troy bucked the trend of offense wins games, defense wins championships. The Trojan defense was not that good ranked last against the pass and next to last in total defense in the Sun Belt Conference. The secondary was decimated by injuries and was torched much of the season. As great as Jonathan Massaquoi is he can’t do it all.

Who Will Be Corey Robinson’s Targets: Chip Reeves and Jamel Johnson were ruled ineligible after spring practice. That was a big blow to the receiving corps. Jerrel Jernigan, Tebiarus Gill and Jason Bruce, Troy’s top three pass catchers last season have graduated. Who will emerge as Robinson’s go-to guy?

OSG’s Take On Troy
Wilkie: It’s a good thing the Trojans have a talented quarterback because with the question marks on defense Troy may have to win a few shootouts in 2011. Defense was a point of emphasis during recruiting. Head coach Larry Blakeney and his staff combed the JUCO’s and picked up some players that should make an immediate impact especially Brynden Trawick in the secondary who began his college career at Michigan State with had 58 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 9 tackles for losses, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 recovered fumbles as a Spartan.
Overall, If Corey Robinson doesn’t experience a sophomore slump, the offensive line jells and the defense shows some improvement than another Sun Belt Championship is possible.

Phil: Always a shootout team, that won’t change here. They are still one of the class teams in this conference. Solid, not spectacular season. 8-4.

Jon: : I think the title gets determined on October 25th when Troy takes on FIU. Who ever thought I would say that…??? Having Corey Robinson as a talented freshman means Larry Blakeney gets him for THREE MORE YEARS!!! Replacing Jernigan will be tough, but the 6th SBC title in a row should come to south Alabama.



Florida International Golden Panthers
2010 Record: 7-6, Defeated Toledo 34-32 in the Little Caesars Bowl

Things To Like About FIU:
Hilton’s Rewards: Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has NFL talent and could have gone early but choose to stay at FIU. By staying put the Sun Belt’s best offensive weapon remains in the Golden Panthers arsenal. Hilton totaled 848 yards receiving yards averaging 14.4 yards per catch last season. Hilton accommodates FIU with his kick and punt returning skills, he lead the SBC in kick returns with 833 yards and two touchdowns. Hilton will have plenty of opportunity to get his hands on the ball.

Lock Down Defense: Last season FIU had the best defense in the Sun Belt Conference and even though they lost do it all linebacker Toronto Smith, 2010 team sack leader defensive end Jarvis Wilson, and super aggressive safety Anthony Gaitor, the Golden Panthers will be dominant again. Defensive end Tourek Williams and tackle Josh Forney return to anchor this talented squad. Williams had six sacks last year. Head coach Marco Crisobal recruited some big time talent on defense. Incoming freshman linebacker Lyndon Edwards has star potential. A pair of JUCO transfers linebacker Jordan Hunt and safety Tevin Blanchard will play right away.

Things Not To Like About FIU:
Poor Punting: Marco Cristobal might want to consider going for it on fourth down after FIU averaged a weak 31.0 yards per punt last season, next to last in the NCAA. Josh Brisk the job is still yours unless Cristobal has student tryouts, it just may come to that.

OGS’s Take
Wilkie: FIU looks to be the most complete team in the SBC. If quarterback Wesley Carroll, a Mississippi State transfer, can run the offense efficiently (in other words, get the ball in Hilton’s hands and let him go.) and the defense pressures opponents the Golden Panthers might raise the championship trophy at the end of the season. They are my pick to do that.

Phil: How can you go wrong with the fightin’ Cristobals? They’ve steadily improved each year and this should be the year it bubbles over. I agree with Wilkie, this is your conference champ...9-3 this season.

Jon: Winning more than 7 should be the quest for the Fighting Cristobals this year- and they’ll get there. Every rusher returns for FIU from last year’s top 7- including Hilton and QB Wesley Carroll. 15 starters return and the Goldens could make it to New Orleans instead of Detroit.


Arkansas State Red Wolves
2010 Record: 4-8

Things To Like About Arkansas State:
Best 7-on-7 Offense In The Sun Belt: Arkansas State’s skill players are, well skilled. Quarterback Ryan Aplin set school records for completions (252), passing yards (2,939), total offense (3,416), touchdowns (21) and led the SBC in total offense as a sophomore. As a junior and with a year of Hugh Freeze’s high octane offense under his belt Aplin will be lethal. Oh by the way he has a plethora of offensive weapons to choose from. Combined starting wide outs Dwayne Frampton, Allen Muse and Taylor Stockemer totaled 1,933 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010. The running backs are solid too. Chewing up yards and scoring points doesn’t appear to be an issue in Jonesboro this year unless……….

Things To Not Like About Arkansas State:
Offensive Line: Center Tom Castilaw is the only Red Wolf offensive lineman with any kind of playing experience to return and that’s because the NCAA granted Castilaw a sixth season of eligibility. There is hope in the O-line with five JUCO transfers ready to step in. They will have to jell quickly for this offense to soar.

Where’s The Defense? Bad doesn’t begin to describe the 2010 ASU defense. The Red Wolves couldn’t stop the run and could barely stop the pass becoming the worst defense in the Sun Belt Conference. New head coach Hugh Freeze has brought in coaching veteran Dave Wommack to fix that mess. Wommack has held the defensive coordinator titles at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Southern Miss, UNLV, Missouri State and Bemidji State. Wommack’s defenses have always been fundamentally sound and opportunistic. Just basic tackling might be a good start in Jonesboro.

OSG’s Take on Arkansas State:
Wilkie: Arkansas State might just put up offensive numbers that are off the charts but then again the Red Wolves may have to if they are going to win games. The defense has nowhere to go but up and any improvement there might be enough to be in the race but don’t expect much more than that.

Phil: They will be fun to watch. We don’t buy Wommack or his defense, but the offense here is good enough to outscore most SunBelt teams. 8-4 isn’t unrealistic, but highly unlikely.

Jon: One of the best names in the college ranks- Sirgregory Thornton is part of an offense that brings back 7 top rushers and 7 of the 8 top receivers from 2010. Hugh Freeze takes over as Head Coach and his offense will put up big numbers. The only thing keeping them from a bowl will be Troy and FIU.



Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
2010 Record: 5-7

Things To Like About ULM
Young And Experience: In his first year as head coach Todd Berry went on a youth movement for the 2010 season playing underclassman. The Warhawks were inconsistent but didn’t tank it either. With a year under their belt ULM’s youngin’s will be better and veterans of the Sun Belt wars.

Everyone Is Back On Offense: The entire starting 11 on ULM’s offense returns including sophomore quarterback Kolton Browning who bolted unto the SBC scene as a freshman last season and put up some eye popping numbers, 2,552 yards passing last season and 18 touchdowns, third best in the SBC. The running back position is as deep and talented as it gets in the SBC. Key contributors from last season Jyruss Edwards and Centarius Donald return and they will be joined by Arkansas transfer Mitchell Bailey. Luther Ambrose returns as the go-to guy from the receiving corps. Ambrose was third in the SBC last year in receptions and is one of the fastest players in college football, he is the two time SBC 100 meter champion.

Things To Not Like About ULM:
Offensive Line Must Protect The Quarterback: While the entire offensive line returns its pass protecting skills need to improve. The unit gave up 33 sacks in 2010, Warhawk fans must really like that Kolton Browning is mobile but running for your life doesn’t always bring out the best results.

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: Louisiana-Monroe’s defense was the best in the SBC against the run and third best against the pass, that’s a solid group. If the offense has consistency there’s no reason why ULM won’t compete for the conference title. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Warhawks went to a bowl game either.

Phil: Sucks to start the season at Florida State. Having the entire offense coming back should help. They are a threat to win every conference team, but probably won’t. Look for them to have a good season by their standards: 7-5

Jon: Todd Berry’s idea of taking the names off the jerseys until they get a bowl bid was a nice touch for a squad that was one game south of .500 last year. They’ll still be off this year, but the team could finish at .500 after games at FSU, TCU, and Iowa.



Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
2010 Record: 6-7: Lost To Miami (Oh) 35-21 In The GoDaddy.com Bowl

Things To Like About MTSU:
Addition By Subtraction: Dwight Dasher is gone but that might be a good thing because during his suspension last season the offense found out its just fine without the all-world talent. Logan Kilgore and Jeff Murphy are competing for the starting quarterback job. Kilgore threw for 168 yards in the spring game, Murphy added 127 yards in the spring game. Kilgore has the arm that can stretch the field, something the Blue Raiders have lacked along with a dearth of big plays.

Things Not To Like About MTSU:
Too Much Subtraction On Defense: Last year MTSU’s defensive front was solid however that entire unit must be replaced. Only three starters return on defense for the Blue Raiders.
OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: MTSU gave up the ball way too much last year ending in year with 36 turnovers and a nation’s worst -19 in turnover margin, that’s got to improve. The expectations will be low at MTSU and 2011 might be mediocre at best for the Blue Raiders.

Phil: Uh...it may be a long season in Murfreesboro this year. They weren’t great last year and lost a lot of players. I am amazed they got Ga.Tech to come to the ‘Boro. Don’t look for anything special here: 4-8

Jon: Those 8 starters lost on defense will come up and bite Rick Stockstill in a huge manner. How quickly they get adjusted to life in the SBC will determine their on-the-field success- as will their game 3 at Troy. Maybe .500…???

Florida Atlantic Owls
2010 Record: 4-8

Things To Like About FAU:
I’m Searching: Sorry but there’s not much to like about the Owls except running back Alfred Morris. At 5-11, 222 pounds Morris has the size and speed you covet in a running back. Morris just can’t get it going because the offensive line was awful and there’s not much help from the passing game to keep defenses honest. The quarterbacks competing have thrown a total of 13 passes on the collegiate level and the receiving corps lost its two best receivers. And then there’s the defense. Can they stop the run?:

Things Not To Like About FAU:
(See above)

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: FAU has my favorite name in all of college football right now, starting linebacker Yourhighness Morgan. Well your high ness, the Owls will be lucky to win a few games this season. At least FAU moves into a brand new stadium on campus this year.

Phil: This could get ugly...fast. They start with Florida, Michigan State and Auburn. Ouch! We still get a kick out of Howard Schnellenberger being the coach here...but for how much longer? 3-9 this season.

Jon: Jeff Van Camp and Rusty Smith are gone as are the top three receivers and 5 of the 6 top tacklers from a team that went 4-8. Another year below .500 Yourhighness…


Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
2010 Record: 3-9
Things To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:

Clean Slate: New coaching staff, fresh approach. Always needed when you program stagnates then regresses.

No Cutting Corners: New Rajin’ Cagin head coach Mark Hudspeth called the defensive backs the strength of the defense. Cornerbacks Melvin White and Dwight Bentley are big pluses and can make plays should the front seven put the pressure on the passer.

Things Not To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:
The Lines: Louisiana’s offensive line must replace three starters from last season. The defensive line was 111th in the country against the run. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out if you can’t win the battle in the trenches winning football games becomes extremely difficult.

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: The coaching change means jobs will be on the line so the effort will be there. A sub .500 year again.

Phil: I can’t be too mean since the Lovely Bride is a grad here. But they aren’t going to be good. At least they aren’t a sacrificial lamb for LSU this season.

Jon: This team might surprise with everyone returning on offense, but they won’t surprise too much. More than 3-9, but not much more…


North Texas Mean Green
2010 Record: 3-9

What To Like About North Texas:
No More B.S.: That’s because new North Texas head coach Dan McCarney is all about business and will tell it like it is. As far as McCarney is concerned, it’s put up or shut up in Denton, TX. This is the same head coach that took over as head coach at Iowa State in 1995 that was pathetic and led the Cyclones to five, yes that’s right, five bowl games. McCarney has his work cut out for him at North Texas.

Let Lance Run It: Lance Dunbar might be the best player in college football you have never heard of. Dunbar was fourth in the nation with 1,885 all-purpose yards last season including 1,553 rushing yards, second in the SBC. Dunbar carried the ball 275 times last season so he can take the workload. You can bet McCarney is going to give Dunbar the ball until he pukes.

What Not To Like About North Texas:
Mean Green Defense Not So Mean: McCarney made his reputation coaching defensive lines and though he admits North Texas’ front is one of the most undersized he’s seen for UNT to be better they have to develop a pass rush. McCarney and defensive coordinator Clint Bowen feel they have some good parts to work with especially with Brandon Akpunku, whose been UNT’s best pass rusher of late. The secondary has been the strength of the defense and would benefit greatly from an improved pass rush. McCarney and Bowen will be on top of it.

OSG’s Take
Wilkie: I can’t see any more than five wins from UNT this season but I like what is going on in Denton.

Phil: Dan McCarney will be a coaching god if he can resurrect this program. And he is on his way. There’s some potential here. And far worse teams in the conference. If they are lucky, 6-6, if not 4-8.

Jon: Agreed… like the McCarney hire, don’t like what McCarney has to work with… better than 3-9 for sure… but not much more…


Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2010 Record: 2-10What To Like About Western Kentucky:
WKU Loves A “Rainey” Day: Though only 5-8 Bobby Rainey is the biggest part of the Hilltopper offense. Rainey carried the ball 340 times last season and averaged 137.4 yards per game, third in the nation. Needless to say Rainey must stay healthy.

What Not To Like About Western Kentucky:
More Offensive Weapons: WKU can’t go all Barney Fife and use their one bullet, Bobby Rainey, all year. The Hilltoppers need another offensive weapon to step up to take some pressure off Rainey.

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: I love the passion of head coach Willie Taggart. He’s a WKU guy whose doing what he can do to improve the fortunes of the football program. Taggart has rolled up the sleeves and improved the talent. The fruits of that labor might be realized this year. At least five wins is possible and I wouldn’t be surprised if six wins is achieved.

Phil: Hey, last year was a success just because they won their first D-1 games ever. Don’t look for craziness, but they’ll win 4 this year. Wonder why they are playing Kentucky...in Nashville though...

Jon: win… maybe…??? Indiana State and that’s all I see…

Sun Belt Champion
Wilkie: Florida International
Phil: Agreed, FIU
Nelson: Troy

SBC’s Best Offensive Player:
Wilkie: Bobby Rainey – Western Kentucky
Phil: Corey Robinson, Troy
Nelson: Cory Robinson - Troy

SBC’s Best Defensive Player:
Wilkie: Jonathan Massaquoi – Troy
Phil: Massaquoi
Nelson: Massaquoi

Grieving North Texas Loses A Heartbreaker To UL-Lafayette

A day after the tragic death of freshman receiver Josh Rake North Texas showed all the heart of a team playing for more that just a win but for their fallen teammate.

Down 28-14 North Texas stormed back to score a pair of touchdowns and an extra point away from tieing the game. It was then things for North Texas turned cruel when Trent Deans' point-after try was blocked by ULL's Jermaine Rogers to save the night for the Rajin' Cajin's 28-27.

Here's the block. (Thanks ESPN)

2010 Sun Belt Conference College Football Preview

This is your Sun Belt Conference Preview for the 2010 season...
The HQ thought about putting the above phrase in some kind of bold lettering or something of that effect, but we decided against it...

Middle Tennessee State
2009 Finish: 10-3, 7-1 in Sun Belt
Defeated Southern Miss 42-32 in New Orleans Bowl

Things To Like: QB Dwight Dasher, 8 offensive starters returning, 2009 Lou Groza Award semifinalist K Alan Gendreau

Things Not To Like: The lack of experience on defense- especially up front where only three starters come back

OSG's Take: The HQ has been familiar with Dasher ever since he was a high schooler at Charlton County High in south Georgia. He's one of the most dangerous players in all of D1 football and, this is odd to say, a game in week 5 will decide everything for this conference. If the front seven can come around early enough, that game in week 5 should lock down a trip to New Orleans in December.

Nelson: 10-2 and a trip to New Orleans to beat up on a Conference USA team...

Brother Phil: Agreed with Jon, it starts...and ends with Dasher. 10-2 is realistic. Rick Stockstill won't be the coach there much longer...movin' on up soon.

Oh, that game in Week 5...??? It's a home game against....... Troy

Wilkie: Blue Raider fans, go ahead and make your hotel reservations for New Orleans. Middle Tennessee has the best quarterback in the SBC and a friendly schedule with Troy and North Texas coming to Murfreesboro. The Blue Raiders can make a statement opening night hosting Minnesota from the Big Ten.

Troy
2009 Record: 9-4, 8-0 in Sun Belt
Lost to Central Michigan 44-41 ((OT)) in the GMAC Bowl

Things To Like: The idea of QB Jamie Hampton taking over for all-conference gunslinger Levi Brown. RB Shawn Southward and WR Jerrel Jernigan can score from anywhere.

Things Not To Like: Everyone who left after the 2009 season. Brown, 6-of-the-7 up front- including their top three tacklers and top three pass rushers.

Think that's enough...???

OSG's Take: The only thing that will keep Troy from getting another conference title is that game in Murfreesboro. A lot will depend on Hampton and how quickly he integrates with the rest of the offense- 3rd in Division 1 last season. The game at Oklahoma State and the game the week before the MTSU game against Arkansas State should put the Men of Troy in place for the rest of their Sun Belt run. Don't be surprised if another run to Mobile is in play.

Nelson: 10-2 and another trip to Mobile

Brother Phil: This team is always about the "O". That won't change. Do they have enough to fight off MTSU? Not this year. 9-3

Wilkie: The quarterback situation is a concern as is Troy's inexperience. Troy's got the best talent in the SBC but its just young. The showdown at MTSU October 5th is huge. The Blue Raiders haven't beaten Troy in 5 years. If the Trojans get by the Blue Raiders the SBC title is theirs.

Arkansas State
2009 Finish: 4-8, 3-5 in Sun Belt

Things We Like: The offensive line returns everyone, which will help a first-year QB in Ryan Aplin (or Phillip Butterfield) staying upright most of the season. First-year OC Hugh Freeze comes in from Lambuth in the NAIA to wake up the 95th-ranked offense with his spread looks. The top four tacklers return as well on defense- including safeties Kelcie McCray and MD Jennings.

Things We Don't Like: The inexperience at quarterback. While the top two tacklers in the secondary are back, half of the starters from last year are not. That defense was 41st in D1 and Alex Carrington was one of the ones that left. Can all the freshman and JuCo newcomers contribute to keep this team from losing 8 of 9 like last year...? Needing a new kicker and punter won't help, either.

OSG's Take: The team will be successful if they make it to .500- a two-game improvement over 2009. That might be pushing it a little bit. 2011 is a better focus for marked improvement in the Sun Belt.

Nelson: Maybe 5-7

Phil: Some rebuilding needs to be finished now that it has started. Up and coming, but not there yet. Look for 4-8 or slightly better.

Wilkie: 2009 was a bitter disappointment for the fans in Jonesboro. ASU could have a nice bounce back since their offensive line is solid and the linebackers are the core of the Red Wolf defense. ASU might sneak up the SBC ladder after underachieveing last year. 6-6 is probably the best ASU can do this year.

Florida Atlantic
2009 Finish: 5-7, 5-3 in Sun Belt

Things We Like: Most of the defense is returning- 8 starters, including all of the secondary. Jeff Van Camp gets a full year as a starter at QB.

Things We Don't Like: Last year's defense was 112th in D1. Only two other starters are back on offense. The whole O-Line needs remodeling.

OSG's Take: While the game at Michigan State should be interesting (for the wrong reasons) as an early indicator, it looks like all the losses to graduation are catching up with Coach Schnellenberger. New DC Kurt Van Valkenburgh has his work cut out for him. More of the same means more of 5-7...

Nelson: 5-7

Phil: Until they fix the D, they'll never be more than what they are. 4-8 sounds good.

Wilkie: Nelson and Phil aren't very high on the Owls but there is some talent there. Yes the offensive line is a huge concern but the skill players are outstanding on offense and FAU defense isn't bad either. FAU only has "4" home games too, 3 road games against BCS teams, one being Texas. I guess FAU needs to pay some bills. I'm going to say 6-6.

Louisiana-Monroe
2009 Finish: 6-6, 5-3 in Sun Belt

What We Like: Frank Goodin's running game- 1,126 yards and 13 TD's had him one short of the school record as a junior. Nate Brown and Darius Prelow in the secondary. They may have to carry the squad for a while.

What We Don't Like: The red-shirt freshman who may be QB in Kolton Browning. New head coach Todd Berry may hear about this decision if it doesn't pan out. A small D-line in the 3-3-5 defense that averages 270 pounds. Guess what teams will do this year on ULM...?

OSG's Take: ULM lost four of their last six to finish at 6-6 in 2009. That was with a bunch of seniors on defense that was ranked Top 20 in the country against the run. The skill positions on offense may help out, but they'll need to help out quickly. Early games against Arkansas and Auburn won't help psyches, either. Close to .500, but not at .500.

Nelson: 5-7

Phil: Always a good skill team that lacks discipline. Decent, not great. 6-6 = baby steps.

Wilkie: New coach, Todd Berry, new schemes, Only 10 returning starters, smells like a rebuilding season in Monroe. Patience Warhawk fans. 4-7

Louisiana-Lafayette
2009 Finish: 6-6, 4-4 in Sun Belt

What We Like: A lot of the defense (7 starters) and both special teamers return. TE Ladarius Green will be a big target on offense for QB Chris Masson. Three starters are back in the secondary that was 13th in D1 in interceptions in 2009.

What We Don't Like: The inexperience at RB and on the offensive line. In 2009, the OL only gave up 13 sacks. There should be more this year. The Cajuns only averaged 22 points per game last year- 92rd in D1. Who replaces MLB Antwyne Zanders and his 103 tackles from last year...? And when did they go to just the "Louisiana Rajun Cajuns?"

OSG's Take: Another one of those close to .500 or .500 years for the Bustles... even though odds are the HQ will be there in person for the season opener at Georgia...

Did we mention that we wrote a book on UGA...???

Nelson: Agree... 5-7, probably...

Phil: If the O-Line holds up good, if not...not so much. Tough way to start the year. 7-5

Wilkie: With two road games against SEC teams, at Georgia and at Ole Miss, another road game at Ohio and hosting Oklahoma State the Ragin' Cajuns may have way overscheduled which will keep Louisiana from bowl eligibilty. A strong team but 5-7 is in the cards.

Florida International
2009 Finish: 3-9, 3-5 in Sun Belt

What We Like: RB Jerimiah Harden transferring from Syracuse, the depth at wideout with Hilton, Times, Ellingson, and Frierson...

What We Don't Like: The defense returning only three players from a 119th ranked group in D1 in 2009. On second thought, maybe that's a good thing... The Goldens needs to replace three O-Linemen and their entire front four on D.

OSG's Take: The team is still trying to find a way to cope with the loss of RB Kendall Berry in an on-campus stabbing. There are, simply, too may holes to fill with a brutal schedule to start: Rutgers, at Texas A&M, at Maryland, and at Pitt. Another 3-9 year seems about right with one of the best names in all of football on defense- LB Pooh Bear Mars...

Nelson: I think FIU will steal one on the road so they can get to 3-9

Phil: Major rebuild in progress, they'll struggle. 3-9

Wilkie: FIU will be 0-4 to start the season. Then who knows. Mario Cristobal gets South Florida talent, second-tier talent, which might steal a win here or there but if the Golden Panthers match last year's win total that's a big accomplishment. 3-9 for FIU

North Texas
2009 Finish: 2-10, 1-7 in Sun Belt

What We Like: Head Coach Todd Dodge returns his top 6 pass catchers- including Lance Dunbar. Dunbar was second in the conference in rushing yards last year (1,378) in only 8 games. Practically, everyone on the offensive side returns.
Most of the defense is back including LB Craig Robertson.

What We Don't Like: Injuries to Riley Dodge, the coach's son, moved him to WR, so it will be a contest to see who starts now- Nathan Tune or Derek Thompson. Todd Dodge thinks he needs to finish at .500 to stay after his son graduates this year.

OSG's Take: First, we don't see where the Mean Green will get 6 wins. They could be 1-3 out of the box with that lone win at Army. Which means Todd Dodge will be leaving campus with Riley Dodge if they don't finish 5-3 in conference.

Save the puns written by 5-year-olds...

Nelson: 2-10 and Dodge is done...

Phil: Why do I keep thinking of "Dodgeball: The Movie" only with out the redemption. 1-11

Wilkie: I don't share the same opinion. I think North Texas will be the most improved team in the SBC. Lance Dunbar is a tremendous offensive weapon for the Mean Green. The defense has some players for a change but still needs to continue to make strides. I wouldn't be suprised if North Texas goes 6-6 this year.

Western Kentucky
2009 Finish: 0-12, 0-8 in Sun Belt

What We Like: The hiring of Willie Taggart to take over for the departed David Elson

What We Don't Like: Taggart's inexperience at the head coaching level. He's never been a coordinator, much less a head guy. The team is on a nation's-best 20-game losing streak at present and go to Nebraska, Kentucky, and South Florida before conference play. The Toppers were 115th in turnover margin, 101st in total offense, and 118th in total defense in 2009. A great deal of this isn't changing in WKU's second D1 year.

OSG's Take: Maybe an outside chance at a win against UNT at home, and that's about it.

Nelson: The streak reaches 32 by the end of the year...

Phil: Again a perennial Bottom of the Barrel Team, that won't change. 1-11

Wilkie: Another long year in Bowling Green, KY. 0-12

SBC Champion:
Nelson: Mit-soo
Phil: 2 for MTSU

Wilkie: MTSU

Offensive Player of the Year:
Nelson: Dwight Dasher, Middle Tennessee State
Phil: Dasher

Wilkie: Dwight Dasher

Defensive Player of the Year:
Nelson: Jamari Lattimore, MTSU
Phil: Lattimore

Wilkie: Jamari Lattimore, MTSU

Wittels Hit Streak Now At 50

Florida International's Garrett Wittels hit streak is now at 50 games after a third-inning single against Western Kentucky in a Sun Belt Conference tournament elimination game.

Wittels moved within eight games Thursday of matching the NCAA Division I record of Robin Ventura's 58, set in 1987.

FIU beat Western Kentucky 7-3 in the double-elimination tournament, and FIU will play another elimination game Friday, needing to win that one to remain in the tournament.

Under NCAA rules, Wittels' streak would carry over into 2011 if his season ends.

Here's the single...
((HT: Sun Belt Conference/JumpTV))

National Signing Day HQ- Southeastern Version

Okay... here's everything you need to know about the unofficial national holiday known as "National Signing Day..."

Da'Rick Rogers went from committing to Georgia to Tennessee- surprising no one who understood the idea that he and his high school QB, Nash Nance, were a package deal. Vols head coach Derek Dooley knew this and got them both. Nance comes in from Vanderbilt...

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the state of Georgia covered here...

Mr. SEC has his run down here...

For those of you who like other conferences:
The ACC is here...
Conference USA is here...
The Sun Belt is here...
The Southern Conference is here...
The Colonial Conference is here...

If there's anyone we forgot, let us know... and let us know what happened...
More when we know more...

UNO Quietly Withdraws From Sun Belt

((HT: WWL-TV))

In what a lot of people thought was an unfortunate inevitability, the University of New Orleans has asked for and was granted a withdrawal from the Division I Sun Belt Conference. It's part of their process to drop from Division I to Division III for the remaining six sports on campus.

"It is unfortunate that UNO finds itself in financial constraints that have necessitated such drastic measures, but there is a time when tough decisions must be made. While we are proud of our past membership in the Sun Belt Conference, the University has to make changes that will allow NCAA sanctioned athletics to continue at the Division III level," said University of New Orleans Chancellor Tim Ryan.

A combination of dwindling student body numbers, the resulting lack of student activity funds available from the 50-percent drop, budget cuts, and the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina forced the decision.

Back in November, the school got serious about investigating the drop and this is the end game. The conference Executive Committee, wisely, dropped the $500,000 early withdrawal fee and let the school go into the sunset on their own.

"The last several years have been unquestionably difficult on the University and the athletics department," said Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters. "The University's assessment that has led to its withdrawal from the Sun Belt Conference has assuredly also been another difficult chapter for UNO. UNO is our third longest tenured member and they will be sorely missed. The hard work put in by Chancellor Ryan and numerous other administrators on campus over the last several years of uncertainty is to be commended."

The University originally suspended nine of its 15 sports, and has been operating under a waiver of the NCAA requirement that Division I institutions that do not play football sponsor a minimum of 14 sports. The University is currently sponsoring nine sports.

And that number is pretty generous... it's really six with eight squads- baseball, basketball ((men's and women's)), golf, swimming and diving, tennis ((men's and women's)), and volleyball.

Here's how our friends at WWL-TV looked at the initial idea of dropping to D3.
Bigad Shaban caught up with some folks who were understandably disappointed...


The HQ still doesn't know how the Privateers are going to add three sports to get to the D3 mandated 9. The plan is to elevate the football, softball, and soccer club teams. But the school gets four years to figure out the financing.

WWL's Scott Cody took a look at football on campus during the season past...


The HQ sends its support to UNO, but we're still thinking the long-term prospects are pretty bleak. Support UNO athletes here at their Athletic Foundation website...

They need it...

TWTW: South Alabama Ends Season 7-0

OSG adoptee South Alabama ended their football season with a 35-0 over Huntingdon College at Ladd Peebles Stadium.

The Jags end the 2009 season 7-0.
Brandon Ross scored 2 touchdowns and Samtuan McGee scored 3 touchdowns...

And there's your 35 points...

Here's your highlights and post of Head Coach Joey Jones
((HT: WKRG-TV))

WKRG.com News

Not that any of us at OSG HQ had any doubts about the whole "successful season" thing...

Western Kentucky Fires Head Coach

Those of us at OSG HQ don't know if this was one of those times where we jinxed someone or not.

The Hilltoppers have always been one of our Bottom of the Barrel teams in college football this year. Last week's rankings can be found here...

David Elson has been coach of the team since its renewal in Division One.

BUT... Western Kentucky fell to 0-9 and 0-5 in the Sun Belt Conference after a 40-20 loss Saturday to Troy.

Reports are that, as of early this afternoon, Elson will be out of there after the season. He's 39-41 in seven seasons as the Hilltoppers' coach, but he will finish the season with the team.

Here's the highlights from the Troy game, thanks to our friends at WBKO-TV in Bowling Green... Jeff Woods and James Brandenburg double-team coverage...

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Sun Belt Conference

Arkansas State Red Wolves

2008 Record: 6-6 Overall, 4-3 in the SBC

Arkansas State is highly motivated this season because of the way 2008 ended. The Red Wolves defeated FAU but the Owls went bowling and the Red Wolves stayed home.

Things To Like About Arkansas State:

Reggie Arnold: Arnold is a playmaker in every sense of the word. Can you believe Arnold, a senior from Little Rock McClellan High School, isn’t carrying the rock in the SEC? All Arnold has accomplished with the Red Wolves is gain 3,210 yards in his career and if he gains 1,000 yards this year can join an exclusive fraternity of backs that have gained 1,000 yards 4 straight seasons. Arnold can run a 4.3 and has size.

Corey Leonard: Leonard can be a superior duel threat quarterback. He has speed and can be pick up huge chunks of yards in the open field plus as an outstanding arm. Arguably the best quarterback in the Sun Belt.

Defense: Arkansas State might have the stoutest defense in the Sun Belt. 2 years ago the Red Wolves lead in league in “D” and was 2nd only behind Troy last year. ASU has a stud in Alex Carrington, the preseason Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. The senior defensive end lead the Sun Belt in Tackles For Loss in 2008 and was second in sacks. Carrington can blow up a backfield. They also have 8 returning starters on defense.

Things Not To Like About Arkansas State:

Schedule: It’s a doozy. with non-conference road trips to Nebraska (Sept. 12) and Iowa (Oct. 3) with a Sun Belt showdown against Troy in Jonesboro (Sept. 26) sandwiched in between. That’s a brutal stretch. Plus ASU plays at Louisville (Oct. 31) and gets FAU on the road.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: I think Arkansas State has the best talent in the league. If ASU can get through their 1st 5 games at 3-2 including a win over Troy, then the Red Wolves should have enough in the tank to claim the Sun Belt title.

Phil: I’m still trying to get past the “stoutest” defense line. No, just kidding. They are a good athletic team who will give Iowa and some of their other opponents fits. Troy is the known quantity in this conference, but I wouldn’t be surprised if State takes over that title.

Nelson: : As long as the coaching staff can keep players out of jail and, allegedly, shooting other people they should be the class of the conference. OSG HQ knows of three alums from the school- two of them are extremely attractive. Go Indians… oops, Wolves…

Troy Trojans

2008 Record: 8-5 Overall, 6-1 in the SBC (2008 Sun Belt Champions)
Lost to Southern Miss 30-27 (F/OT) in New Orleans Bowl

While Arkansas State may have the best talent in the Sun Belt but the Troy Trojans may have the best team in the league. Larry Blakeney has only 12 retuning starters overall but don’t let that number get you to thinking the Trojans are rebuilding. Troy is really good and have been there and done that.

Things To Like About Troy:

BCS Buster: Strange how the Big 12 conference won’t schedule a game at Troy anymore after the Trojans defeated Missouri 24-14 in 2004 and Oklahoma State 41-23 in 2007 at Movie Gallery Memorial Stadium. Troy has gone into the noisy dens of the SEC and have almost beaten LSU twice at Death Valley and has hung around Florida and Georgia making their fans very nervous. 2009 includes 2 road games against SEC opponents at Florida (Sept. 12) and at Arkansas (Nov. 14). Does anyone smell an upset?

Defense: Last year the Trojans had the best defense in the league. It’s a unit that’s fundamentally sound and rarely misses tackles. Defensive End Brandon Lang will be a force to be reckoned with. Lang led the SBC in sacks last year. Boris Lee and Bear Woods are a hell of a linebacking duo. Both Lee and Woods were in the Top 5 in the SBC in tackles in 2008.

Offense: The Trojans have playmakers, 2 at Quarterback. Jamie Hampton and Levi Brown do a great job running the spread offense. Having both might be good for Troy considering Troy’s non league schedule. The receiving corps is outstanding lead by Jerrel Jennigan.

Things Not To Like About Troy:

Offensive Line: The Trojans lost 4 starters on the O-line.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: This Troy team is loaded. They will give Florida a run for their money at the Swamp and Arkansas fits in Fayetteville. The Trojans just might win one of those games. Troy will play in a bowl game in 2009.

Phil: Yes, they will be a pain in the ass to the big boys. The difference is the amount of really good players and Trojan man always comes up a little bit short in that department. Without an experienced O-Line, the QB’s will be running for their lives. Again, look for an 8-4 record here.

Nelson: Larry Blakeney has turned Troy into the “factory” of the conference. They WILL be one of those “at-large” teams that will fill a hole somewhere. Bank on it…

Florida Atlantic Owls

2008 Record: 7-6 Overall, 4-3 in the SBC
Defeated Central Michigan 24-21 in Motor City Bowl

Florida Atlantic is the only SBC team to win back to back bowl games and they could make a bowl game for the 3rd straight year and if they do, a win just may be a lock. Head coach Howard Schnellenberger is 6-0 all time in post season bowl games.

Things To Like About FAU:

Recievers: The best set in the SBC. Cortez Gent just missed 1,000 yards in receptions last year and will be QB Rusty Smith’s prime target. Getting TE Jason Harmon back is huge.

Things Not To Like About FAU:

Defense: Only 3 returning starters on defense. There will be some growing pains here.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Here’s FAU’s first 2 games this year: at Nebraska and at South Carolina. They might be beat up in September. I never count a Howard Schnellenberger team out and FAU should have a 8-4, 7-5 type year and make a bowl.

Phil: We love the Schnellenberger though we wonder just how old he is. He has got to be at least 137. They will be a solid SBC team, but nothing special over all. They may sneak in a bowl game because anyone in Division 1 with a winning record gets to play in a bowl game. That is how it works.

Nelson: Rusty Smith has proven himself to be one of the most under-looked, and maybe underrated, quarterbacks in the country. He’s proven he can take apart “higher-level” D1 teams when given the chance. FAU could be the 3rd team from the Sun Belt to move on to the post-season. A real feather in the cap of the conference on the whole…

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

2008 Record: 5-7 Overall, 3-4 in the SBC

The talent is there to compete but the Blue Raiders need a few breaks along the way.

Things To Like About MTSU:

Big Guys In The Trenches: MTSU has the best lines in the SBC. The O-Line improved greatly during the 2008 season, the D-Line is fast and can get to the quarterback.

Things Not To Like About MTSU:

Schedule: Road games at Clemson, Maryland (who MTSU beat last year), Troy and Florida Atlantic, ouch. The Blue Raiders do host Mississippi State which could be a winnable game. MTSU is 3-28 all time vs the SEC with all 3 wins coming against Vanderbilt.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: MTSU will win a game against one of their BCS opponents. If MTSU gets consistent QB play than the Blue Raiders might breakthrough.

Phil: MTSU is football on skates. They have always lit things up and having Tony Franklin as the O-Coordinator won’t change that. Again, like FAU, they are a middle of the pack team. They may make it to 7-5 because of where they play and as we said earlier, 7-5 will get you a bowl game.

Nelson: The big question will be how the Blue Raiders adjust to having Tony Franklin as their new OC. Will the defense be there first, or will the offense click from the beginning…? Look to the MSU game for their D1 win outside of the conference in an, otherwise, average year in the ‘Boro.

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

2008 Record: 4-8 Overall, 3-4 in the SBC

Things To Like About ULM:

Athletes: The Warhawks have great athletes in the skill positions on offense.

Experience: ULM has 17 returning starters for 2009.

Defense: Teams biggest strength. Linebackers Cardia Jackson and Josh Thompson are outstanding combining for 235 tackles, including 11 for losses last season.

Things Not To Like About ULM:

Quarterback: Trey Revell has the edge as starter out of spring. Zach Rhodes is a tremendous athlete that will be on the field if he isn’t the starting QB. Both need to be consistent if the Warhawks want to challenge for the SBC title.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: ULM is a hard team to figure out. The Warhawks seem to have the weapons on offense at the skill positions plus a decent O-Line but do they have the QB to get the job done. The defense will keep ULM in games so the offense must do it’s part. 6-6 at best for ULM.

Phil: They typically are an athletically gifted, technically deficient team. They, to quote Steve Spurrier “Should look real good comin’ out of the tunnel”. Don’t expect a lot here, because you won’t get it.

Nelson: that can surprise Alabama can surprise anyone. There’s always “one” of those games that will make a season. Unfortunately, ULM won’t be surprising anyone anymore. Another .500 year in conference and more paychecks outside the conference.

Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns

2008 Record: 6-6 Overall, 5-2 in the SBC

Louisiana-Lafayette was strong last year and QB Michael Desormeaux was the best in the league. 2008 ending was a bummer for the Rajin’ Cajuns not getting into a bowl game. This year they won’t have Desormeaux back.

Things To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:

Athletes: Though ULL suffered three huge losses on offense with Desormeaux, stud RB Tyrell Fenroy and WR Jason Cherry, the offense will still have enough quality athletes to keep ULL in games. Let’s see where they are at a mid-season.

Offensive Line: Might be the best in the SBC. They are big and experienced and will give who ever takes over at QB a chance to be successful.

Things Not To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:

Quarterback: Who will it be? Brad McGuire or Chris Masson, both are sophomores. Both will battle for the job in fall camp.

Schedule: 4 SBC road games in 5 weeks might be too much for ULL to overcome.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Louisiana-Lafayette will be competitive but let’s see how the quarterback battle plays out. ULL might get a key win as they host Kansas State Sept. 12 and the Big 12 hasn’t fared very well on the road vs the Sun Belt. A win over K-State would be a huge confidence boost. After that its road games at LSU and at Nebraska. Ouch.

Phil: They started great last year and faded. They have lost a lot of experience and though the young guys may be good, it takes awhile in the smaller conferences for them to figure it out. They will be competitive later in the season, but will struggle early. Again, middle of the pack at beast, a bowl game only if they catch a humungous break.

Nelson: on the Kansas State idea, and that’s about it for the Cajuns this time around. Notice I left the “Fightin’ Rickey Bustles” comments to our previous commentor.

Florida International Golden Panthers

2008 Record: 5-7 Overall, 3-4 in the SBC

The fighting Cristobals made some big strides last year. With 16 returning starters FIU’s first winning season ever is a possibility

Things To Like About FIU:

Motivated Team: In 7 years of existence FIU has never had a winning season. This year the team is confident this could the year that changes. The pieces are in place in 2009 to breakthrough.

Things Not To Like About FIU:

Depth: While the starters are experienced the 2nd teamers are very young.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: You have to like the upside of FIU. Head Coach Mario Cristobal is steadily building the program to compete in the SBC. Will this be the year? It just might. FIU will get beat up on their opener against Alabama then travel to New Jersey hoping to leave Rutgers without wearing concrete boots. 0-2 start looks likely going into their home opener against Toledo before 2 SBC road games. 6-6 is probably the most likely outcome at best for the Fighting Cristobals.

Phil: Ditto most of what Wilkie says. This won’t be the year, the schedule will prohibit that.

Nelson: A lot of teams in the SBC will be .500 this year. So, what does that say about the talent level in the conference altogether…? Either everyone is really average, or they just enjoy beating up on each other and can be decent as a lot.

North Texas Mean Green

2008 Record: 1-11 Overall, 0-7 in the SBC

8 wins in the past 4 years. The once Mighty Mean Green have fallen on hard times.

Things To Like About North Texas:

You Can Only Go Up: With only 1 win last year it can’t be much worse. Oh sure you could go 0-12 but North Texas should win a game or 2 or maybe 3.

Things Not To Like About North Texas:

Defense: They were dead last in the SBC last year. They have 2 good linebackers to build around in Craig Robertson and Tobe Nwigwe but not much else.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Let’s face it, it’s going to be another long year for North Texas. 3 wins might be all they can get.

Phil: They are Green and they are supposed to be mean. They were a “Bottom of the Barrel” team pretty much all of last season. They are probably in over there heads, even in this conference.

Nelson: 3 wins…??? It all depends on how the Mean Green can close the deal at home. Ohio University, Western Kentucky, and Army are all in Denton this time. That will swing the schedule for them. The team could be 1-5 at the half-way point, and that will determine whether they have the fortitude to improve in the second half.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

2008 Record: 2-10, 0-5 in the SBC

Things To Like About WKU:

Influx Of Talent: Western Kentucky has a great recruiting class coming in with impact players who could and should contribute immediately for the Hilltoppers.

Things Not To Like About WKU:

Scoring Points On Offense: This was a big issue last year for WKU only averaging 17 points per game. That has to change for the Hilltoppers to move up the SBC latter.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: I’m intrigued with Western Kentucky because of the freshman class coming in. This is a program that should compete for the SBC crown in a few years but right now WKU will take it’s lumps.

Phil: Again, not ready for prime time. They are still adjusting to life in D-1 and that takes a long time. They were a good 1-AA Team, but this is different. Don’t wait on them this year.

Nelson: All I can really say here is: “Keep your head low…” It’s gonna be a long year for a young team… ,

OSG’s Take On The Sun Belt Conference:

SBC Champion:

Wilkie: Arkansas State
Phil: The Other Men of Troy
Nelson: Arkansas State

Best Offensive Player In The SBC

Wilkie: Reggie Arnold – Arkansas State
Phil: Arnold
Nelson: Rusty Smith - FAU

Best Defensive Player In The SBC

Wilkie: Alex Carrington – Arkansas State
Phil: Cardia Johnson- Troy (Just because he has endurance)
Nelson: Brandon Lang - Troy
J-Dub: Reggie Arnold - Arkansas State

Continuing Coverage: The UNO Vote

Adam Norris was in the "Chamber of Horrors" for the announcement for ABC 26...

Meg Gatto catches Maestri full bore and talks to students...

Jennifer Van Vrancken has the story from our friends at WVUE-Fox 8

UNO Students Vote Against Increase

((HT: New Orleans Times-Picayune/Pierce W. Huff))

UNO sports information director Rob Broussard said students have voted approximately 1,418-1,251 (53.1 percent to 46.9 percent) against an athletic fee increase, which would have provided much-needed funding for the Privateers' athletic department. The results of the vote occured during a three-day Internet vote, which ended at midnight Friday morning.

The results of the vote leave the athletic department with an uncertain future.

Student athletic fees contributed $1.9 million to the athletic department's $4 millon budent. But that budget is expected to increase to about $4.6 million next year and will be without $1.4 million that athletic department received in funding from the university last year. The university will not allocate money to the athletic department next year because of looming budget cuts. As a result, the athletic program hoped that the increased student athletic fees would make up for the difference.

The student athletic fee increase would have been almost double what students are paying now with a cap not to exceed $195.96 for undergraduate and $146.97 for graduate students.

UNO AD Jim Miller appeared on ABC 26 to express his obvious disappointment

Your UNO Update: Vote Ending Thursday Midnight

Laila Morcos from ABC26 in N'Awlins gives the update as the decision is due out Friday.

As a set-up piece to Morcos, Ed Daniels caught up with former Athletic Director Ron Maestri. Maestri is not a happy man about the whole proceeding...