Sun Belt: Louisiana-Monroe

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

2015 Results: 2-11 (1-7, 11th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 2 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SOUTHERN

10th at Oklahoma

17th at Georgia Southern

October

1st at Auburn

8th IDAHO

15th TEXAS STATE

22nd at New Mexico

29th at Arkansas State

November

5th SOUTH ALABAMA

12th at Georgia State

19th at Appalachian State

December

3rd LOUISIANA

New head coach Matt Viator is making his FBS debut. Viator had been at McNeese State for the past 16 years, nine of which as the head coach. Now, he is given the monumental task of turning around a Louisiana-Monroe program that hasn't been to the post season since 2012. However, the former offensive coordinator will benefit this season from experience returning on the offensive side of the ball.

Sophomore quarterback Garrett Smith returns, and he has plenty of company. Returning at receiver is sophomore Marcus Green who led the team in receptions (63) and senior Ajalen Holley who lead the team in yards (709). Tyler Cain makes the switch from receiver to running back after missing all of last season with a lower body injury. Cain is the best athlete on the team and has explosive, home run capability. The Warhawks return three on the offensive line who have a wealth of experience.

New defensive coordinator Mike Collins will be implementing a 4-2-5 defense, but he won't inherit much from last year. His front six has been decimated as the only two returning starters are both in the secondary. Safety Tre' Hunter is the leading returning tackler, and he is expected to anchor the secondary along with senior cornerback Lenzy Pipkins. A few of the front six have starting experience, but not enough to bat an eye at. The front line will be made up of Tyler Johnson and Howard Houston who are both incoming junior college transfers.

Player to Watch: Garrett Smith

Smith was the starter as a freshman for the Warhawks. Before a season ending injury, he completed 57.4% of his passes for 2,033 yards, and 17 TDs. Give him a full year, and he will be one of the top quarterbacks in the conference as a junior.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Oklahoma

The Warhawks should in all likelihood be coming off a win with excitement for a new season. They will be making the trip to Norman to face a Top-10 team in Oklahoma where a lot of people will see them in the spotlight.

What to Expect

This is a very young team despite the numbers returning to the offense. With new coaches, it is expected to be a rebuilding year, and a long one at that. Fear not though. A young quarterback with the skills that Smith possesses is a valuable tool for the future.

Prediction

2-10 (1-7, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Louisiana

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

2015 Results: 4-8 (3-5, T-5th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 7 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd BOISE STATE
10th MCNEESE STATE
17th SOUTH ALABAMA
24th at Tulane

October

1st at New Mexico State
12th APPALACHIAN STATE
22nd at Texas State

November

5th IDAHO
12th at Georgia Southern
19th at Georgia
26th ARKANSAS STATE

December

3rd at Louisiana-Monroe

Not long ago, Louisiana was making it a thing by winning at least nine games and going to bowls. They had four consecutive years where they did such, until a year ago. After starting 4-4, the Ragin' Cajuns found themselves in unfamiliar territory. After losing the final four games of the season, it became apparent that they would be watching the bowl season from home. This year's team will have a chance to return to their winning ways and shake off one season that they hope to forget.

Questions abound, similar to other teams in the conference, about the quarterback situation. The race is currently between sophomore Jordan Davis and redshirt freshman Chris Weaver with neither putting any separation between the other. Elijah McGuire returns to the backfield for his senior season, and he is an All-Sun Belt running back who does it all. The receivers are new, but experienced. That being said, turnover around the rest of the offense, and the quarterback situation, means that this group will have to get winning experience quick.

Seven starters return to a defense that was well known for giving up the big play a year ago. Seven of the tacklers return also to that same unit. The defense will be led by linebackers Tracy Walker and Otha Peters. Safety Savion Brown who had three of the Cajuns' five interceptions a year ago also returns. The defense will be experienced, but as with the offense, they will need to get that winning experience.

Player to Watch: Elijah McGuire

Not only is McGuire the best player for Louisiana, he's also one of the top backs in the Sun Belt. The Do-It-All Back ran for 1,058 yards last year, and also caught 33 passes. He will be the quarterback's best friend, whenever he is named.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/3 Boise State

The Cajuns host the Broncos this year. This is huge for them to bring in a team of that caliber. With the lights shining bright, they will have a clean slate in the opener, and a new quarterback.

What to Expect

Returning to the nine win level is likely out of the question this year. One thing in their favor is the conference schedule. Louisiana draws both Appalachian State and Arkansas State at home this year. For the Cajuns to make a bowl, they will need more play makers on offense than McGuire, and they will also need to find a way to limit the big plays on defense.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Idaho

Idaho Vandals

2015 Results: 4-8 (3-5, 5th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 6 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st MONTANA STATE

10th at Washington

17th at Washington State

24th at UNLV

October

1st TROY

8th at Louisiana-Monroe

15th NEW MEXICO STATE

22nd at Appalachian State

November

5th at Louisiana

12th at Texas State

26th SOUTH ALABAMA

December

 3rd GEORGIA STATE

The Vandals have fallen on hard times. Paul Petrino enters his fourth year as head coach, and after owning a 6-29 record, might be coaching for his job. Idaho is also the one team in the conference that is away from the other institutions. With seven road games on the schedule, that is a hard mountain to climb for anyone.

This edition of the Idaho football team should have the best offence since Petrino got there. Expect the Vandals to pass early and often. Quarterback Matt Linehan returns for his third year starting, and he has talented receivers around him. The Vandals return three receivers who went for over 500 yards a year ago. Deon Watson returns a year after catching seven touchdowns, but Callen Hightower might be the more talented of the two. Hightower closed the year out strong after averaging 112 receiving yards per game in the season's final five contests. Three players are expected to make up the running back committee with junior Aaron Duckworth getting the bulk of the workload.

Last year's defense was atrocious. The Vandals allowed 487.7 yards per game while giving up 42.1 points. For the Vandals to have success, both of those numbers need to bottom out. Linebacker Kaden Elliss recorded 83 tackles as a freshman a year ago, and is expected to continue that high output. Senior defensive end Tueni Lupeamau will hold down the front seven and also called upon for his senior leadership. The secondary will be the strength as they return three while inserting senior D.J. Hampton at corner back.

Player to Watch: Matt Linehan

Linehan is by far the best quarterback in the conference. With questions in the running game, and an abundance of receivers returning, Linehan will have plenty of opportunities to sling the ball. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Washington

They won't win this game, but they will be playing at one of the top teams in the nation. Linehan & Co. will be letting it fly in what should be a high scoring affair.

What to Expect

This season is all or nothing for Idaho. The Vandals are playing for their coaches jobs, but it will be a difficult feat for them to make a bowl with such a tough schedule and only five home games.

Prediction

4-8 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Georgia State

Georgia State Panthers

2015 Results: 6-7 (5-3. 4th in Sun Belt)

Lost to San Jose State in Cure Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 9 DEF

2016 Schedule

September

2nd BALL STATE

10th at Air Force

17th at Wisconsin

October

1st at Appalachian State

8th Texas State

15th at Troy

22nd TENNESSEE-MARTIN

29th at South Alabama

November

 3rd ARKANSAS STATE

12th LOUISIANA-MONROE

19th GEORGIA SOUTHERN

December

3rd at Idaho

Like teams in the Sun Belt before them, Georgia State is adjusting well to the jump in the level of division. The Panthers went to their first bowl game after closing out the season with four straight wins. They return enough personnel that it is not far fetched to believe they won't improve on last year and secure the program's first winning season since moving to the Bowl Subdivision.

The Panthers lose starting quarterback Nick Arbuckle who accumulated 7,600 yards over the past two seasons. Coaches have kept the replacement decision close to the vest as they have stated repeatedly that a starter will not be named before the first game. However, it will likely be former Utah transfer Conner Manning lining up behind center when the Panthers open up with Ball State. Three of the four top receivers return for the Panthers meaning that the eventual quarterback will have plenty of experienced targets. Wide receiver Robert Davis was first team Sun Belt last year, and tight end Keith Rucker was second. The rushing attack was one of the worst in the nation last year after averaging only 96.9 yards per game, but the Panthers are hoping that junior Glenn Smith will turn that statistic around. Three linemen return with a combined 50 starts between them.

The Panthers lost two all-conference players on defense from a year ago, but return the other nine starters. Former UAB linebacker Alonzo McGee returns after leading the team in tackles for loss with 12.5 last season. The secondary returns three led by senior safety Bobby Baker who had three INTs. They key for this defense will be just how much they pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Player to Watch: Penny Hart

The shifty receiver might not be big in size (5-8, 170), but he is the key to the offense. As a freshman, Hart had 71 receptions and was named Sun Belt Freshman of the year. Being the best receiver on the team, Hart is bound to dazzle fans all season long.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 at Wisconsin

Not that we're going to put the Badgers on upset alert, but it is worth noting that they have a conference clash with rival Michigan State the following week. Don't put words in our mouth.

What to Expect

The starting quarterback will be the main question that hangs around this team, but it doesn't mean their sunk. The season will come down to how the Panthers close out the final four games of the season.

Prediction

7-5 (5-3, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern Eagles

2015 Results: 9-4 (6-2, 3rd in Sun Belt)

Defeated Bowling Green in Go Daddy Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 5 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SAVANNAH STATE

10th at South Alabama

17th LOUISIANA-MONROE

24th at Western Michigan

October

5th at Arkansas State

15th at Georgia Tech

22nd at New Mexico State

27th APPALACHIAN STATE

November

5th at Mississippi

12th LOUISIANA

19th at Georgia State

December

3rd TROY

Georgia Southern enters their third year as an FBS school and also have a new head coach. Tyson Summers made the jump from Colorado State where he was the defensive coordinator, and inherits a top 25 defense from a year ago. After winning a Sun Belt title in their first season, expectations are high to return to that level of play for the program.

The Eagles had the top ranked rushing attack a year ago. Averaging 363 yards on the ground per game, they also return 99% of that production. Leading rusher Matt Breida returns along with the next 5 leading rushers. Summers will employ two quarterbacks this year before settling on a full-time starter. This will be a full option team, but the new coach will be easing in a passing game.

The defense came up huge last year, but was for the most part underappreciated. The secondary suffered the most losses on the side as only one starter returns. Senior linebacker Ironhead Gallon returns as the centerpiece for the 4-3 scheme. Three upfront return including interior linemen Jay Ellison and Darrius Sapp who combine 640 lbs between the two to stop up the middle.

Player to Watch: Matt Breida

Breida returns to the nation's leading rushing attack a year after running for 1,608 yards and 17 TDs. The back already has 3,093 yards in his career, and looks as though he will add to that total considerably. If the passing game can get going as Summer hopes, more holes will open up for Breida whether he needs them or not.

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/15 at Georgia Tech

If you like old-school football, this is your game. Here are two teams who will turn the clock back 60 years to a time when a forward pass was unheard of.

What to Expect

The Eagles have a lot going against them, They have a new coaching staff along with a very difficult schedule. They will need to settle on one quarterback and get the ball down the field quicker if they hope to continue their winning ways.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Arkansas State

Arkansas State Red Wolves

2015 Results: 9-4 (8-0, Sun Belt Champions)

Lost to Louisiana Tech in New Orleans Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 8 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd TOLEDO

10th at Auburn

17th at Utah State

24th CENTRAL ARKANSAS

October

5th GEORGIA SOUTHERN

15th SOUTH ALABAMA

29th LOUISIANA-MONROE

November

3rd at Georgia State

12th NEW MEXICO STATE

17th at Troy

26th at Louisiana

December

3rd at Texas State

Arkansas State ran through the Sun Belt on their way to a fifth straight bowl appearance. The Red Wolves margin of victory was 21.1 ppg with the closest contest being a 10-point victory (Louisiana). The Red Wolves return enough to make another run at the conference championship, but it remains to be seen if they will dominate the field as they did last year.

The quarterback competition is wide open. It appears as though University of Oklahoma signee Justice Hansen will be calling the plays. The sophomore will benefit from having running backs Johnston White and Warren Ward leading the rushing attack. The Red Wolves lost their top two receivers from a year ago, but hope that Cameron Echols-Luper will put a jolt into the offense. All five members of the line return as seniors.

Four of the eight returning starters on defense won all-conference honors last year. Defensive End Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, who had 13 tackles for loss and 9 sacks a year ago, will be leading the unit as he will be in contention for the conference defensive player of the year. Former Alabama Defensive Tackle Dee Liner is the only new starter in the front six. The secondary will be the question mark. The Red Wolves gave up 267.8 passing yards per game a year ago, and will look to improve on that this season as the back unit will be a work in progress.

Player to Watch: Cameron Echols-Luper

Echols-Luper is the definition of Do-It-All. Not only did he play wide out at TCU, he also played quarterback and even punted. He was also a track and field star. He will be a huge addition to the offense after sitting out last year for transferring.

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/5 Georgia Southern

This game will be sure to define the conference race early. After a decent September schedule, the Red Wolves will begin defending their conference title at home against an up-and-coming Georgia Southern team.

What to Expect

The Red Wolves come into this season with a target on their back. They embarrassed every conference foe they faced last year, and other teams won't soon forget that. The schedule sets up favorably for the repeat. If they can sneak out an early win at Auburn, and unblemished campaign shouldn't be out of the question.

Prediction

10-2 (7-1, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Appalachian State

Appalachian State Mountaineers

2015 Results: 11-2 (7-1, 2nd in Sun Belt)

Defeated Ohio in Camellia Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 9 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

1st at Tennessee

10th OLD DOMINION
17th MIAMI

24th at Akron

October

1st GEORGIA STATE

12th at Louisiana

22nd IDAHO

27th at Georgia Southern

November

5th TEXAS STATE

12th at Troy

19th LOUISIANA-MONROE

26th at New Mexico State

We all remember the time and where we were when Appalachian State went into the Big House and knocked off the giant that was Michigan. Around that time, the Mountaineers began to take college football by storm from the FCS level. Entering their third year as an FBS school, the Mountaineers are continuing to turn heads. In two years in the big leagues, they have went 18-7 overall with a 13-3 record in the Sun Belt. Last year, they were 11-2 with their only conference loss being to Arkansas State that ended up deciding the Sun Belt Champion. This year, they are back for more.

Appy returns six starters on offense. Junior Taylor Lamb will return for his third year calling signals. Marcus Cox will be getting the bulk of the carries for his senior campaign, but the Mountaineers return 3,032 rushing yards from a season ago. There isn't much experience when it comes to pass catching as they only return one of their top four receivers from a year ago. Senior Tight End Barrett Burns, who pulled in 8 TDs last year, is the lone returner.

The Mountaineers return almost all of their defense from last year including their top two tacklers. Linebackers Eric Boggs (104) and John Law (72) will anchor the defense in the middle. Junior Corner Back Latrell Gibbs (7 INTs) will hold down the back line that only lost one starter. The only issue from a year ago that must be corrected is rushing defense. The Mountaineers held five opponents to less than 60 yards, but gave up a combined 741 to Arkansas State, Wyoming, and South Alabama.

Player to Watch: Marcus Cox

The senior tailback will lead a deep and talented rushing attack. As one of the best backs in the conference, Cox ran for 1,423 yards just a year ago. Watch out for the same.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 Miami

The Hurricanes make the trip up to the mountains smack in the middle of September. This is a huge opportunity for the Mountaineers to make a statement against a Power 5 team. 

What to Expect

State gets to avoid the Red Wolves this year. Should they steal a win from either Tennessee or Miami in September, they would be in the mix for another 10-plus win season. Take care of business in conference, and they have a shot to win it.

Prediction

8-4 (6-2, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th