ARKANSAS STATE VS. IDAHO VANDALS-BREAKDOWN


After an emotional lost to their bitter rivals the Cajuns, the Pack had twelve days to get mentally refocused, heal up, and start preparing for their final five games of the 2014 season, which starts in extremely far-off Moscow, Idaho to take on the Vandals. Can the Red Wolves reload and right the ship or will the Vandals be able to further rain on Arkansas State's parade?

OFFENSE: Red Wolves Have the Edge, but Vandals Passing is something to be Wary About

When comparing the two squads on paper, it would seem pretty obvious that the Red Wolves have the more potent of offenses and I agree. Their's no denying that Arkansas State scores and often times have scored in furious fits. They've only been help to under 20 points once this season, and that was against an improving Tennessee team. The Vandals know that their defense hasn't been stopping anybody this season, giving up an average of 469 yards a game; take into account Red Wolves are coming into Moscow averaging 473 total offensive yards along with 31 points a game and it's pretty evident Idaho's trend of giving up chunks of yards and points will probably continue. Their saving grace is in their passing offense, which (believe it or not) is 18th in the nation, averaging over 305 yards a game. They'll definitely try to bomb it away on the Red Wolves in order to keep up, but considering how speedy the secondary is for Arkansas State, Idaho will have to establish a running game in order for the pass to open up. The problem is Idaho is only averaging around 119 yards on the ground; that's barely 30 yards a quarter. So ultimately,while impressive in the passing department, it makes the Vandals very one dimensional on offense; if you want see what happened the last time Arkansas State took on a pass happy, one dimensional conference foe on the road, (that also plays in a dome) check out their Georgia State highlights.

DEFENSE: Despite the Previous outing, Red Wolves Should Still Have the Talent Edge on Vandals.

Simply put, Red Wolves got burned badly by the run against Louisiana Lafayette. Going into that game, Arkansas State was boasting the league's best run defense, barely allowing 115 yards. The Ragin Cajuns steamed rolled and rushed for 419 yards and EIGHT RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS. Now, if Idaho had any semblance of a running game, this might spell trouble for Arkansas State; but they don't. Idaho only has had three games this season where they've rushed for more than 100 yards (and their running average stat bloated up after their victory of NMSU, where they ran for a season high 310 yards). I suspect Idaho will still try to get a run game going against ASU, and wouldn't be shocked if they ran via the Pistol (which was working effectively against the Red Wolves). But this isn't the Cajun O-Line the ASU Defense will be going against, so I'm no too terribly worried they'll be whipped as badly. What does concern me and could be the Vandals saving grace is the turnovers; as spectacular as Fredi has been playing, he has been a turnover machine and the Vandals D has been averaging 2 takeaways a game. If Idaho can match their season average (if not more) they'll make this a game.

MISC: KIBBIE DOME

Moscow, Idaho is located in the northwesterly part of the state. The city (with a population of a little over 23,000) is extremely difficult to travel to, especially if you're a football team. Many teams actually travel to Spokane, Washington, then bus southwards for over an hour and a half until they reach Moscow (which is what Astate is doing). It's an extremely lengthy, mind numbing trip. We haven't given gotten to the venue; the Kibbie Dome.

The Kibbie Dome hosts both the football and basketball teams (along with many other sporting and entertainment events) and has a max capacity of about 16,000.  Despite being only 1-6 on the season, the Vandals are still averaging 14,938 patrons. With such a small, intimate environment, the noise factor will definitely play a role in this game. I would dare to say the Red Wolves haven't faced a loud, hostile environment since the Tennessee game back in September.

PREDICTION: Red Wolves Should Bounce Back

Make no mistake, this is still a trap game for the Pack. South Alabama looms next Saturday in Jonesboro and if the Jaguars can pull off another improbable victory over the Cajuns, it makes the November 8th match-up all the more important. Idaho is hoping Arkansas State not only has that thought in mind, but also is still lingering over the defeat at the hands of the Cajuns. If this game had been played immediately following the lost, I would have feared both would have occurred. However, Arkansas State has had nearly 2 weeks to shake off the Lafayette game. Despite the long travel, they should be WELL RESTED and mended up. Though the game is ultimately played on the field, everything on paper and leading up to this point says Arkansas State is more talented team, with a lot to play for. 

Arkansas State needs to come out swinging right out of the gate, and take Idaho and their fans out of this game early. If their's any sluggish play or turnover/penalty problems, then the Red Wolves could have a fight on their hands. However, this isn't Harsin or his staff; I have full confidence Anderson and Crew will have Arkansas State prepared and wouldn't be surprsised if this turns into another Georgia State game.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Arkansas State and Idaho will have a competitive first quarter, but the explosive play of Fredi Knighten, a trick play followed with a clutch forced turnover and the Red Wolves will sail away from the Vandals by the second quarter and the game. ASTATE 42, Idaho 28

Reaction to Week 7 Sunbelt Action

Reactions to Week 7 

New Mexico State @ Troy
(My Prediction: 28-17 NMSU)
(Actual Result: Troy 41-24)

The Trojans certainly made sure Larry Blakeney wasn't going to lose his final homecoming game at Troy. The Trojans had their best showing of the 2014 season, having over 570 total yards, and forcing 4 Aggies turnovers in their 17 point victory. The Aggies just never could get anything going consistently, and never were able to take a lead getting as close as 3 early, then never closer than 10 points for the remainder of the game. It's looking like whatever early momentum New Mexico State had is officially flushed down the toilet, and with a depleted and demoralized App State coming to Troy next Saturday, Trojans look to make a roaring second half season comeback.


Arkansas State @ Georgia State
(My Prediction: 34-27 ASU
Actual Results: 52-10 ASU)

Wow...what a performance by the Red Wolves. This has been the most complete game the Pack has played all season, completely steam rolling the Panthers both offensively and defensively. Despite only having 1 win on the season coming into the game, Georgia State had been looking very competitive all season long and were bringing in a very high scoring, pass happy offense. I think I can speak for both Red Wolves and Panthers fans alike when I say for a squad to give preseason favs Lafayette all they could handle a week before, to only having 269 total yards and 10 points on homecoming was a little surprising. Heading into the BYE, Red Wolves are on cloud 9 whereas Georgia State are left wondering when will they finally get that coveted 1st Sunbelt Conference win.



Idaho @ Georgia Southern
(My Prediction: 45-23 Ga. Southern)
(Actual Results: 47-24 Ga. Southern)

Though the game went right as about as I expected, still can't help but applaud the Vandals effort. Definitely were trying to throw all the stops to get the upset win, jumping to an early lead and then going for multiple 4th down attempts but the Eagles machine simply wore down the Vandals and rumbled on to another victory. Georgia Southern is looking unstoppable for the time being, and with their hardest games left appearing to be at Texas State and at Navy (which I'm definitely looking forward to), it's starting to appear the once thought of out side shot of winning the conference is starting to turn into reality.

Liberty @ Appalachian State
(My Prediction: 45-27 App. State)
(Actual Results: 55-48 OT Liberty)

Appalachian State started off brilliantly, going for and recovering an onside kick to start the game and scoring the very next play. Then horrid mistakes began to make their way into the game, first with the Mountaineers scoring on a Liberty fumbling, then Appalachian State returning the favor a few series later, with the Flames taking a 39 yard fumble return for a score. Ultimately, penalties along with two missed field goals and an interception thrown in OT doomed Appalachian State and Liberty scored the win they coveted over the Belt. Mountaineers have lost 4 straight, and with Troy looking to have found an offense now, it's certainly appearing the Mountaineers may not even get to 4 wins on the season.


ULM @ Kentucky
(My Prediction: 49-26 Kentucky)
(Actual Prediction: 48-14)

ULM certainly jumped out to a fast start, surprising the Wildcats and led 14-3 to end the first. It certainly appeared ULM might give Kentucky all they could handle early...then the Wildcats offense woke up and scored on a 83 yard touchdown pass to get within 4, 14-10. Then Pete Thomas threw a pick six...and before you know it Kentucky goes on to pile on another 38 unanswered points to crush ULM 48-14. Monroe just looked inept for most of the game, not even getting to 80 rushing yards and turning the ball over two more times. The BYE couldn't have come at a better time for the Warhawks, and if they hope to have any semblance of a successful season they have to get their offensive woes sorted out before hosting a potentially red hot Texas State squad.

Sunbelt Week Seven Thoughts and Predictions

Game of the Week: New Mexico State @ Troy
Despite it being a bye week for the men of Troy last week, they definitely were making the top headlines with the sudden (albeit NOT surprising announcement) of Larry Blakeney's retirement from the program, and it's that fact alone I pick this as my SBC game of the week. The Trojans have been abysmal so far, going 0-5 in the 2014 campaign (the worst stretch so far in Blakeney's 23 years at Troy). However, they did show some life and even some fight in their 2 point losing effort to the Warhawks two weeks ago, and now that the team knows their's only going to be 4 home games left in Blakeney's tenure, have to wonder if this will inspire the team to make sure he doesn't go out winless in Troy. The Aggies meanwhile have lost 4 straight and are desperate to salvage the 2014 season. Both squads have given up nearly 40 points a game, and yet this game might come down to which team can make the crucial defensive stop.

(PREDICTION: Despite it being homecoming for Troy ((and Larry's last one at that)), I still think New Mexico State has more of a consistent, balanced offense and will be able to stop their bleeding. 28-17 NMSU)


Arkansas State @ Georgia State
The Red Wolves have been a very undisciplined sqad; in 5 games they have averaged 8 penalties a game for 73 yards. On top of that atrocious stat, the pack has been turning the ball over nearly 2 1/2 times a game. Yet somehow, Astate is 3-2 and 1-0 in 2014. They travel to Atlanta to face a wounded yet hungry Panthers team still looking for their first ever SBC conference win, and looking to get it in front of a homecoming crowd. Can they do it? Quite possibily. Georgia State has got quite a potent offense, averaging over 300 passing yards and scoring about 30 points a game so far. However, can they keep up those averages against a fast and stingy Astate defense that ranks #50 out of 128 in FBS? 

(PREDICTION: If Red Wolves want to continue their winning ways and stay in the hunt for their 4th conference title, they HAVE to start limiting the penalties and the turnovers. Until that happens, every team they play has a great chance to win. Yet with that being said, I've been impressed with how they've continued to defy the odds and win, and I think they'll find a way-in the 4th-to pull away from Georgia State. 34-27 ASU)


Idaho @ Georgia Southern
The Eagles continue to be the darlings of the conference, and are looking to continue their seemingly historic run in their first full year as an FBS member. Though it took awhile to get going, Georgia Southern rattled off 29 unanswered points after being down 14-0 early in the game to secure their 4th win on the season. Georgia Southern now carried their 4-2, 3-0 conference record into their homecoming match up with the lowly Idaho Vandals. Despite being 0-5 Idaho boasts the nations #13 passing game, averaging almost 330 yards a game. They're going to need the passing game as the Eagles look to utilize their #1 ranked rushing attack to methodically drive, score and kill the clock (their's only been two times this season that the Eagles haven't held onto the bowl longer than 30 minutes).

PREDICTION: The Vandals have been a hard team to read so far this season; They've been more competitive and offensively more productive on the road than at home. The trend would appear to be that they should put up big numbers in Statesboro. Whether they do or not will be irrelevant as the Eagles should be the more talented and motivated team and should roll over Idaho. 45-23 Ga. Sou

Liberty @ Appalachian State
It's been a bumpy start for the Mountaineers in their first year at the FBS level. It seems since that heart breaking 21-20 lost to Southern Miss nearly three weeks ago, App State hasn't been able to collect themselves and rebound, getting trounced 81-35 in their past two games. However, after taking their licks to the seemingly better teams of the belt, Mountaineers will have a chance to redeem their 2014 season with a road trip to the woeful 0-5 Troy coming up, followed by a home match-up with a Georgia State team that (AS OF THIS POSTING) still hasn't won a conference game in their two year stint in the league. It's a pretty good setup...ASSUMING they can get bye a pesky Liberty Flames team. While their's nothing too particularly special about this Flames unit, gotta assume and expect Liberty will have some extra motivation to make a show (and dare I say an example) to the Sunbelt world by knocking off Appalachian State.

PREDICTION: The Flames will come out swinging hard, and I wouldn't be shocked if they even have a lead at half. Appalachian State will fight back and with their balanced offense be able to pull away and get their second victory on the season. 45-27 APP

ULM @ Kentucky
If you're a ULM Warhawks fan, you have to got to be wondering what will it take for this team to get over the hump and take the next step; one minute you're 3-1 with a 2-0 conference mark heading into a big time game against Arkansas State and in a flash, you've just lost by 14 points and now face a DAUNTING schedule, playing on the road 3 out of the next 4 contests; what makes this even worse is the fact two of the three opponents are SEC teams. Can it get any worse? Why yes it can-this isn't the Wildcats of old as this squad was only one or two plays away from being 5-0 and being on top of the SEC East. Still, they pack a potent offense and their defense is only allowing 19 points a game. When you consider that ULM is barely averaging 18 points a game, this just doesn't bode well for ULM.

PREDICTION: ULM has been the giant killers for the Sunbelt and already have a victory notched in their belt against Kentucky. However, they won't be able to add to it this time around as Kentucky is too talented and too hot of a team for an inconsistent Warhawks squad to topple. 49-26 Kentucky

GAMES I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO FOR EACH DIV. I ARKANSAS TEAM

 WOO PIG...

HOWL YES...

ROAR!!!!!

GO U-C-A BEARS!

We are only a little over a week and a half away from the first kickoff for the 2014 NCAA College Football Season (and I can't BEGIN to tell you how desperate I am for it to start!). 

In anticipation for it, I decided to dedicate a blog looking at which home and away match up I find either intriguing and/or extremely important for each of the Natural State's Division I teams. Without further adieu, let's "Kick" things off with the big boys on the hill... (**NOTE: THE SCHEDULE GRAPHICS ARE NO LONGER ACCURATE AND ARE JUST BEING USED FOR VISUAL SAKE**).

                                                                      ARKANSAS:

                                 MY HOME GAME PICK: LSU TIGERS (Sat. November 15)

 Since it was announced late last year that these two would no longer be playing one another the day after Thanksgiving as well as not playing one another as each other's finale', majority of Hogs fans have been pretty furious over the revelations. It was bad enough that the rivalry game was moved from Little Rock to Fayetteville, but now this?? The whole controversy really stems back to the "Fayetteville vs Little Rock" debate, and I'm very curious as to how the Northwest Fans will respond (really show up) in the coming years. When the two played in Fayetteville back in November 2012, it was the third largest November crowd DW had seen in a 12 year span with just over 71,000 (only two Tennessee match ups from 2006 and 2011 had  more with just over 72,000+ in attendance in the month of November). It was already a pretty one sided rivalry affair, with Hogs fans more hyped for this one over LSU fans and though I highly doubt moving the game a little earlier in the season will drastically change that aspect in both fan bases, this has turned into a pretty fun, exhilarating trophy game in last few seasons and I look forward to another spirited contest in the Hill come early November.


              MY ROAD PICK: TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (SAT., September 13)

This picture was taken in November, 1967. The underdog Red Raiders shocked the Razorbacks, and kept Arkansas out of bowl contention that season. In fact, the last time both the Hogs and Texas Tech played one another (in '91 and 92), the results were much the same-A 'W' for Red Raiders, and double 'L' for the Hogs. Fast forward over 20 years later, and both these teams as well as the landscape of college football has drastically changed-though if you think about it, both these squads have followed very similar paths; both have had extremely high moments, taken down the big dogs, ranked in the top ten and also have had very low moments, including losing coaches in rather embarrassing, public fashion. Though Arkansas fans feel very confident going to Lubbock come September (and why not? They are 28-7 overall in the series) I wonder if the Hogs 'D' will be able to stop let alone contain this high flying, explosive offensive that the Red Raiders will be utilizing. If the offense can't at least keep up with Texas Tech, it might be a long afternoon in west Texas.

                                                                 ARKANSAS STATE

                     HOME GAME THAT'S MOST IMPORTANT: ULM WARHAWKS

This was a tough pick between the Warhawks or Utah State.

Though in my eyes, the Utah State game is more meaningful in terms of

outside perception (a measuring stick against a quality team from 

another 'G5' conference), the ULM game got my pick because of two

reasons: Repeating as Conference champs and increasing ASU's odds

of getting back to a bowl game. After this matchup, the Red Wolves are on the road for the remainder of October, traveling to Atlanta, Cajunland (AKA Lafayette), and concluding in freakin' Moscow, Idaho! Though the Red Wolves should be the overall better team than Georgia State and Idaho, the Louisiana-Lafayette game is going to be an extremely tough matchup for the Pack, and if ASU should drop an 'L' to the Cajuns, ASU CANNOT afford any additional conference loses. If Arkansas State can get a win against both Utah State and ULM, squeeze out 2 of three in that nasty stretch afterwards, then by the time they return home against South Alabama, they could be sitting at 5-3, 3-1 in conference play. That ULM win early on could be the difference.

                         AWAY GAME THAT'S MOST IMPORTANT: Louisana Lafayette

Who else would this be? The last three seasons, both the Cajuns and the Red Wolves have become the faces and the perennial top guns in the Sunbelt Conference. But because Lafayette has been able to maintain their head man, Mark Hudspeth, and impressive three straight wins in their back-to-back-to-back soldout bowl games in New Orleans, the Cajuns have become the darlings of the league. All the beat writers have ULL as undisputed picks to be the conference champs this year, and if ASU wants a 'four-peat' and truly claim what they feel is their spot as the face of the Sunbelt, it has to take to down the Cajuns in Lafayette on a Tuesday night on national tv.

                                                            ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF

                                                               ALABAMA A&M:

UAPB has a tough time when it comes to playing the Alabama A&M Bulldogs...I mean TOUGH. UAPB has only beaten the Bulldogs three times out of the last thirteen matchups! (In an interesting note, one of the those victories came in 2006...only to lose to the Bulldogs again in the same season in UAPB's only other trip to the SWAC championship, 22-13). This will be the last game at home and of the season, and if the Golden Lions want to rebound from a disastrous 2013 season and send the seniors off right, they need to beat A&M.

                                                      SOUTHERN JAGUARS

The image above was taken after a thrilling, last second one point victory for the UAPB Golden Lions over the Southern University Jaguars in 2011. No, they're not shaking hands but rather viciously beating the hell out of one another. One thing I love about the SWAC is the fact that practically everybody HATES one another, and UAPB/Southern is no exception. The Jaguars would get even against UAPB by squeaking by against them last season, spoiling the Golden Lions homecoming 29-21. Southern is also the SWAC's current defending champions, and if Monte Coleman and his Lions want to get back in the race let alone have a say in the conference showing, winning in Baton Rouge is a must.

                                                                        UCA BEARS

                            HOME MATCHUP THAT INTRIGUES ME: UT-MARTIN 

Last season, UCA travled to Martin, Tennessee to face the Skyhawks. The Bears at the time were ranked #7 in the FCS polls and many felt this would be a relatively easy victory for the Bears. However, the Skyhawks stunned UCA, by blocking the Bears last second field goal attempt to secure the one point victory, 24-23. Though UCA would recover to win the following week against Missouri State, this lost, along with the shellacking Mcneese State put on UCA weeks later-really seemed to deflate and knock the wind out of the 2013 Bears. I expect some added emotions in this year's rematch.

                           AWAY GAME THAT INTRIGUES ME: @ STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

UCA fans considers Mcneese State their top rival (as the name of their match-up has been dubbed the "Rice and Beans Bowl"). However, this match-up may knock that right out of the water. Anytime you go up against your former coach, especially in conference play, their's ALWAYS going to be high emotion and intensity between the sidelines. When longtime coach Clint Conque suddenly departed for SFA, their was an absolute shock wave throughout the UCA community. Come October 4th, both coaches and players can down play this in the media but make no mistake-this is going to be a statement game for both teams. Should be intense.

BONUS PICK: BATTLE OF THE RAVINE (HENDERSTON STATE REDDIES V. OUACHITA BAPTIST TIGERS

 In the little town of Arkadelphia, Arkansas...with a population of just over 10,000 lies one of the most storied and unique rivalries not just in the Natural State, by all of college football. The series, which began play in 1895, is the longest continuous rivalry in division II college football, and slowly but surely as the years have gone by has begun getting more and more regional and national exposure. Last season, ESPN College Gameday sent camera crews out to cover the unique rivalry. The bitter rivals-LITERALLY located on opposites side of the road-shut down Arkadelphia and the town splits 50/50 between Reddies and Tigers faithful. Here's some highlights of last year's barnburner match-up (and no doubt a taste of what surely will come in 2014).

The Traditions of the Sunbelt Members

As we begin a new era in the Sunbelt Conference (and start the first full week of July) the Ramblin' Arkansan decided to dedicate a blog to look into each members best (perhaps only) tradition at their respective university.

Appalachian State Mountaineers:

"Yosef the Mountaineer"

Perhaps App. State's most cherished tradition is the mascot himself. As it is stated from a media guide for the program, "The origin of the name Yosef comes from mountain talk for "yourself", the idea being that if you are a fan, friend or alumnus and have a heart of black and gold, you are Yosef." Considering that your entire fan base embraces and embodies your program's mascot as the "soul" and "spirit" of each and every fan, that's a pretty solid tradition to have.

Arkansas State Red Wolves:

"Order of the Pack"

Many former long standing school traditions (The Indian Family, playing of 'Cherokee' with the tomahawk chop, banging on the old war drum, students dressed up as over the top Native American attire) were wiped away when the school rid themselves of the 'Indians' moniker. The Order of the Pack (previously known as 'Order of the Tribe') remains to this day. It's basically a glorified pep rally that also teaches new chants and yells to the student body before the first home game of the season. Though certainly not unique or original, it's stAte's strongest and oldest tradition to date. 

UALR Trojans:

"Homecoming Cardboard Boats Regatta Race"

UALR, being traditionally known as a 'Commuter School' along with not having football has quite a challenge when it comes to having tradition let alone student participation. Their "homecoming" occurs at one of their basketball games, and as such the university hosts typical homecoming festivities. One unique event is the annual "Cardboard Boats Regatta Race." Started back in 2010, it has quickly become a very popular competition, particularly with the student groups and greeks. On top of a race, their's also a awards given for creative boats and costumes, Most Spirited and Organized teams and finally best Sinkers. To watch video of the races, you can click here.

Georgia Southern Eagles:

 "Yellow School Buses"

From 'Beautiful Eagle Creek', to Watermelon Cutting Competitions and their majestic Eagles flying over the home crowd, their's absolutely no doubt that Georgia Southern is one of the most tradition rich program in all the conference. But, my favorite of all is their Yellow School Bus tradition, where they ride to and from the stadium in public school buses. Taken directly from their website:

"When the football program was resurrected in 1981 the newly formed team needed to travel to practices and games. The initial shoestring budget did not allow for luxury travel or any method of transportation for that matter. Approached with a deal it couldn't refuse, Georgia Southern University paid the Bulloch County Board of Education one dollar for each of the team's two yellow school buses. A spray of black paint marked out the name "Bulloch County Schools" on the sides of each bus and the Eagles had a way to travel to and from their games.

In the words of legendary Coach Erk Russell, who often joked about the lack of amenities, "if you don't have the best of everything, make the best of everything you have." Long after Georgia Southern could afford better transportation for home games, Russell kept the yellow school buses. They served to remind the players and fans of the humble beginnings of this now legendary program.

Packed with Eagle players and coaches, the buses make the game day trek from the football building to Paulson Stadium. Players sing the top secret “The Valley Song” before arriving to the crowd of fans who greet the buses and form a path for the players into the stadium."

To learn more about their traditions, you can click and follow the link here. 

Georgia State Panthers:

"Tradition Keeper"

Though Georgia State has had athletics for several years now, traditions were thin and scarce. Even with the jump start for football, the GSU program still needs some time to begin creating and implementing some worthwhile traditions. One of the very FEW that they have is what's called the "Tradition Keeper," which is sponsored by their Student Activities Association. Basically, it's a book full of items, locations and other things that the Association deems is significant of the university. You take a picture of yourself at these places or proof you were at an event (example ticket stub), then must get it stamped approved which earns your points. The biggest prize is students receiving either a silver or gold medallion to wear at Graduation. Enjoy the very cheesy video detailing the tradition.

Idaho Vandals:

"Idaho Serpentine"

Like many universities both in the Sunbelt and around college football hold homecoming festivities yearly and truly is the most laden rich tradition for virtually all colleges. This goes true for Idaho. One interesting activity that the Vandal faithful perform is the "marching serpentine". The Band, students, alumni, faculty  form a "serpentine" like march that goes throughout campus until it ends where a bonfire waits to be lit up and marveled at. You can catch a little bit of that in the video posted below.

Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns:

"The Tailgate!"

Various media outlets and website have hands down, constantly voted Ragin Cajuns tailgating as the best in the Sunbelt. I know-I've been there! It has more of a festival atmosphere and anyone that doesn't like Cajun food will learn to love it by the end of the game day.

ULM Warhawks

"The Grove/Ace Riding into the Stadium on a JetMobile"

ULM affectionately calls their tailgating area "The Grove", however unlike the more popular Ole Miss version their's is certainly less crowded. However, the more interesting tradition in my opinion.....

Is their mascot, Ace, riding into the stadium in this Jet Mobile. Many mascots drive motorcycles onto the field but certainly not a Jet.

New Mexico State Aggies:

"the 'A' on Tortugas Mountain

Every year, the symbolic 'A' is painted onto Tortugas Mountain, which is located on the east side of campus. The 'A' is over 330 feet tall. The tradition started after student's began putting large 'A's' throughout the campus on April Fools Day. One particular year, a group of students wanted to put a large 'A' on their old administration building, but found the building to be too steep. Instead, they got the idea of constructing an 'A' on the side of Tortugas Mountain, and position to where onlookers on the ground would think the 'A' was standing on top of the building. The pranksters completed their construction on April Fool's Day and the tradition continued ever since.

South Alabama Jaguars:

"OozeBall"

South Alabama students, staff, faculty and alumni have been getting down and dirty in a mud pit volleyball tournament that has been happening since 1989. Teams of 6-8 people play in 8 inches of mud which are set up across from their baseball stadium, Stanky Field.

Texas State Bobcats:

"Graduates Jump into a River"

A very fun, unique tradition if I do say so myself-when graduates walk across the stage during their graduation not only do they get their diplomas and toss their hats into the air, the graduates of Texas State also jump into the San Marcos River.

A very close second would be TX. State's "lighting of the victory star" after every home and away victories. You can read about that and the other traditions the school has at this link. 

University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks:

"MAV Swap"

UTA, despite the lack of football still offers a pretty wide variety of traditions to their student body. They have bed races (very similar to UALR's cardboard boat races), an oozeball tournament (Like USA) but perhaps UTA's most unique and intriguing tradition is their MAV Swap day. Held during their homecoming week since 2004, the University offers students to trade in other universities apparel for UTA Mavericks gear. 

Troy Trojans:

"Sound of the South"

In my opinion, Troy has the BEST band of the Sunbelt Conference-hands down. Their the only band that travels to practically every Troy away game and they truly make the Trojans presence be known by all.

Sunbelt fans-did I hit the best/unique traditions on the head? Let me know! Please read some past posts and hopefully I'll post more intriguing posts for the future! Thanks and keep on ramblin...