2017 Sun Belt Preview Predictions

Final Standings: 

1. Appalachian State (10-2, 7-1)
2. Arkansas State (9-3, 7-1)
3. Troy (8-4, 6-2)  
4. Idaho (8-4, 6-2)
5. Louisiana (6-6, 5-3)
6. Georgia State (6-6, 4-4)
7. New Mexico State (6-6, 3-5)  
8. South Alabama (5-7, 3-5)    
9. Georgia Southern (4-8, 2-6)
10. Louisiana Monroe (2-10, 2-6)
11. Coastal Carolina (3-9, 1-7)
12. Texas State (1-11, 0-8) 

I am not big on the Bobcats heading into this season, but I feel like they will be able to slowly turn around once the roster is how the coaching staff wants it. It will be a three team race for the title with all three top teams possibly heading into the final weekend undefeated in conference play. I may be a bit optimistic in believing seven teams could be bowl eligible, but why not? 

Three conference games to watch:

• South Alabama at New Mexico State (December 2): While other games could be important to determine the top of the Sun Belt standings, this game could determine whether the Aggies break the longest bowl less streak in the FBS. I feel like five wins heading into this game is more than possible, but a win over South Alabama will be crucial.
• Troy at Arkansas State (December 2): Everyone still has Appalachian State as the favorite for the Sun Belt heading into the season, but this game could become more important if the Mountaineers fall. All three teams could head into the final weekend of regular season play undefeated in conference play, guaranteeing the winner a share of the Sun Belt title.
• Louisiana at Appalachian State (December 2): Well, it looks like the first Saturday in December could be the most important week of the year. Troy and Arkansas State could be playing for an undefeated Sun Belt season while the Mountaineers are looking for perfection of their own. The Ragin’ Cajuns are a tough team to judge heading into the season but have enough talent to play spoiler. Watch this game.

Superlatives:

• Offensive Player of the Year: Jalin Moore, RB, Appalachian State
• Defensive Player of the Year: Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, DE, Arkansas State
• Special Teams Player of the Year: Stevie Artigue, K, Louisiana
• Biggest question mark team: Georgia Southern
• Biggest surprise team: New Mexico State

Bowl Projections: (only for Sun Belt associated bowls)

• R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Louisiana
• Dollar General Bowl: Troy
• Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Arkansas State
• AutoNation Cure Bowl: Appalachian State
• NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: New Mexico State
• Frisco Bowl: Idaho

Left out: Georgia State