Funbelt Storylines and Questions in 2017, Part 1

Another exciting season awaits for the Sunbelt league and although we still have quite a lot of time to kill before the first game kicks off, no doubt their are quite a bit of tantalizing storylines and questions to address in the meantime. Like for starters...

"Will the Mountaineers finally claim an all out Conference Title?"

Make no mistake about it-Appalachian State has been incredibly successful since their jump up to FBS back in 2014 (Who wouldn't love their worst FBS regular season record to be 7-5 after all??). Even though the 'Neers have only been competing at the highest level in collegiate football for three short years, it seems like they've done it all-host Power 5 programs in Boone, play in the post season and win bowl games, win outright confer-

....Well. Not quite. At least not yet. After coming darn close in 2015, they nearly had an outright SBC title last season but were tripped by a critical November conference showdown yet again, this time coming at the hands of Troy (Arkansas State the season before).

But in 2017, App has NO REASON not to win this thing outright: Not only are they returning virtually their entire offense that boasts one of the most dominating rushing attacks in college football (Mountaineers are 23-1 when they rush for 200 yards or more), but the schedule includes neither defending co champs Arkansas State or air raid happy Trojans. In fact, with the exception of their annual heated rivalry game against Georgia Southern and MAYBE the Cajuns (if they can ever get their crap sorted out but more on that later), the only other game as of now that appears to be their toughest challenge will be traveling to Moscow to take on the Vandals.

The old saying is "the third time is the charm" and if you're an Appalachian State fan, you're hoping that is totally the case in 2017.

"How big (or little) of splash will Chauncey and the Coastal crew make in their debut season?"

Man...it really seems like yesterday when after the smoke cleared from the massive reshuffling that was realignment. And after losing the old guard that was WKU, F_Us, Middle and UNT the Belt wound up with a texas school, two Georgia Schools and that little North Carolina school that was still partying nearly ten years after upsetting Michigan in the Big House.

Now once again the Sunbelt is evolving yet again, adding its latest recruit to the fold-little ole Coastal Carolina out of Conway, South Carolina. But don't "Pfft" at the Chants (however teal they maybe)...though they've only had their football program running since 2003, they've been a remarkable competitive squad considering what a late start the university had in establishing the sport.

While both App and Georgia Southern certainly made a tremendous splash in their debut into the league (Southern won the damn conference!), I think it's going to be a little bit more of a rough first go around for CCU--several holes and replacements have to be filled on both sides of the ball and for whatever reason the QB situation is still rather muddled in South Carolina despite returning all three QBs that saw playing time last year.

Anything more than four wins and I'll be HIGHLY impressed, even with the likes of a rebooted UAB team, along with UMass, ULM and Texas State who all went a combined 7-29 last season--from there their are no breaks in the schedule and I think it's going to be a season long process for the Chants to sort out there personnel flaws.

Last Call for Aggies and Vandals

Say what you will about their time in the league, but no matter what you can't help but feel bad for both Aggie and Vandal fans regarding their respective teams future status' going forward after 2017. It's hard to say whether anyone or anything is at fault let alone if it was simply "bad luck", but it'll certainly be interesting to see how these two teams perform as they play their last season in the 'Belt before going off into the sunset and their separate ways.

While many Vandal fans (least the sentiment I've read on message boards as I've never been to Idaho lol) are seemingly split right down the middle regarding their return to the Big Sky Conference (hence FCS) it would appear if they actually have enough returning pieces in place to land just their third bowl berth since 1999.

The Aggies of New Mexico State would KILL for a bowl game (hell I'd imagine they would tangle with an Alligator for their first winning season since 2002). On paper, you would think that certainly wouldn't be asking for a lot as they return nearly everybody on both sides of the ball from a year ago--but that's the problem. Despite having explosive moments on offense, the D was simply atrocious. Furthermore, this schedule ain't no joke: on top of their traditional rivalry games with the Lobos and UTEP, the Aggies will take a beating from both Arizona State and Arkansas along with having to contend with App, Arkansas State and Troy (least they get Red Wolves and Trojans at home right?)

It would be a REMARKABLE storyline if either Idaho or New Mexico State could contend or even win the league and while I think Idaho has a slight chance at getting back to bowl egibilty I'm not so sure for our friends in Las Cruces.

New Stadium, New Coach, New Era for the Panthers?

The title pretty much says it all doesn't it? The GSU program certainly has had some really bummer times, but the Panthers have still found ways to rally and have some high moments (2015 Cure Bowl anyone?). But as estastic as Panther fans were about that bowl game, I'm sure it can't even compare to the excitement of August 31st when Georgia State officially kicks off in their new stadium. (Well, kinda sorta new).

Regardless, actually having a facility to call your own, draped with that blue and white and least we forget having the monster dog from "Ghostbusters" covered all throughout that facility certainly should make 2017 season a win for GSU fans even before playing a first down.

But least we forget on top of the new digs big Blue also has a new chief leading the charge! Shawn Elliot gets his first shot at being the head honcho in charge. It's an interesting hire (and if you're an App State fan you're very familiar with him as both a former player and coach!). After leaving Boone, he landed in South Carolina where after several seasons and stints as both Offensive line coach and Offensive coordinator, he abruptly became interim coach after Spurrier's sudden resignation last season. While the Gamecocks went 1-5 during his brief time as HC, it's hard to really gauge his potential based on that.

Despite the buzz and anticipation for both Elliot and the new stadium, it's still probably asking a little too much for this Georgia State squad to immediately turn around and get back to six wins. However, as a Panthers fan you've gotta have strong confidence in the future outlook of this program, with administration investing very heavily in trying to build from few bricks laid by past successors and getting this still relatively young program into a more consistently competitive squad.

Who Has the Hottest Hot Seat in '17? Probably Hudspeth...no, IT'S TOTALLY HUDDY

My, my how things can certainly change on a whim. At one time, Mark Hudspeth had his Cajuns in the thick of things in Funbelt play and dominating the New Orleans Bowl for four straight seasons, beating the likes of East Carolina, Tulane, Nevada & San Diego State. His name was almost always mentioned time and time again whenever the next "big" job opportunity opened up. With stadium expansion under his watch, a co Conference championship in 2013 and strong attendance than compared to years past, it certainly appeared Huddy could do absolutely no wrong.

I'm sure you can see where this is going...

It began when a former coach was ousted for falsifying ACT scores for multiple prospective student athletes. After the investigation, the Cajuns program was forced to vacate their 2013 SBC Conference title, 22 wins stemming from 2012-2014 and among those also had to vacate their 2011 and 2013 New Orleans Bowl victories. Then former AD Scott Farmer abruptly resigned his position (some Cajun fans would say this was a positive) amid rumors and speculations, though Farmer maintained it was due to "family and stress."

Then this past spring, 13 Cajun players were arrested on charges of "criminal conspiracy to commit theft." Per the ULL University Police, the players were caught on camera breaking into a fellow football players dorm room and stealing $2.400 worth of belongings.

While Huddy was able to rebound from last season's 4-8 mark and get his Cajuns back into the New Orleans Bowl, it wasn't fun night as Southern Miss completely dominated Louisiana Lafayette, ending the '16 campaign for the Cajuns at 6-7.

I don't think there needs to be much more said than the obvious--in baseball terms, Hudspeth is down to his final out with NO RUNNERS on and needing multiple runs to win. His fanbase are proud and loud...ESPECIALLY when they're angry and if coach can't get his football team to rebound from the bad spotlight and back to being their old, competitive selves of past season, Mark might be trying to land a gig back at North Alabama again by seasons end.

We're just four days away from kicking off week one of what should be yet another exciting scramble that is the race for the Sun Belt Title Race! Even though it's week one, their are plenty of story lines and other aspects to watch for as we bop into first full week of action! Like...

How will the preseason darlings do Thursday against the Tennessee Volunteers?

Many pundits and the league itself has put a mighty amount of stock into the Mountaineers this 2016 season and App State will have the spotlight to make some significant INSTANT noise on the SEC Network when they face the Volunteers. Many college football prognosticators also expect big things from the Vols, with a preseason AP ranking of #9 and also pegged to win the SEC East. It maybe a tall challenge to score the upset in Knoxville (as Scott Satterfield told Boone media "that Tennessee is "further along" than Clemson was at this point last season."). However, I still am anxious to see how much of fight/scare Appalachian State can put into Tennessee, and if they can somehow pull off the upset watch out Sun Belt!

The Jags also have an opportunity to get a big time victory when they travel to take on Mississippi State in Starkville on Saturday the 3rd; the first of two SEC opponents the South Al program will play this season (the other being LSU in November) I dunno if the Jags have it in the tank to pull it off, but lets not forget FCS Jacksonville State darn near did it to Auburn a year ago so anything is possible.

 "Can the Belt Knock Off Peer Universities?"

We've pointed out before the Sun Belt members did rather poorly in non conference games last season (in fact, they were dead last in 2015 in OOC wins). If the 'Belt is ever going to get some respect, they have GOT to start winning these games and week one definently will provide plenty of opportunities to do so;

-Arkansas State will have one more chance to get a win from Toledo after failing to do so last season and in the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl. While the Quarterback situation still hasn't been exactly determined between Justice Hansen and Chad Voytik (Blake Anderson even telling media both QBs playing is seeming more and more likely), the Defense appears extremely stout for the Red Wolves and that (plus being at home) could be the edge Astate needs to get the win

-News from Las Cruces went from bad to incredibly god awfully in matter of days; Starting QB Tyler Rogers was arrested nearly a week ago for battery charges against his girlfriend.   While his status is unknown at this time pending investigation, it is DEFINENTLY safe to say he probably won't play against UTEP. Before that broke out, news also came out that Larry Rose III had "Sports Hernia Surgery" and was questionable against UTEP. 

-Georgia State was one of the few teams that was able to nab an out of conference victory against a fellow G5 member last year when they defeated the Cardinals at Ball State. BSU returns the game to Atlanta and if the Panthers can solve their QB conundrum, they appear to have a great chance at getting the sweep against the Cards.

-Texas State also faces a MAC team when they travel on the road to Athens, Ohio to take on the other Bobcats. This will be a very challenging road game for first year head coach Everett Withers and company as Ohio has been a very consistent performing program over the years under Frank Solich (80 career wins and bowl apperances 6 out of the last 7 seasons).

-The Cajuns have the marquee match up among peer institutes as they host Bryan Harsin and the Boise State Broncos in Lafayette on Friday the 2nd. This is a return game from back in the 2014 season when Boise steam rolled the Cajuns in Boise, 34-9. It'll be curious to see how LSU transfer Anthony Jennings (who was named the Cajuns starter back on the 24th), performs in his first game as a Cajun and against arguably the quintessential program in the Group of Five.

 Neal Brown: Year Two
Despite only winning four games a year ago,
Brown has made an already impressive mark on the Troy program, boasting among the most explosive offenses in the league; they just were unable to stop the other teams from doing the same. While some have Troy pegged to be the surprise team in 2016, the slate is pretty imposing and if they continue to find ways to lose like they did in '15, it will be challenging to get back to 4 wins let alone 6.





Fly Tyson FLY!!! (...and Freedom).
The new hire of Tyson Summers at Georgia
Southern was an interesting one, and while the

Eagles should be able to smash Savannah State
at home, the tune up game should prove beneficial
as they'll immediately jump into conference play
in week two against the Jags.

ULM and Idaho...Please don't lose :(

The Vandals play host to Montana State on Thursday and the last time Idaho played someone from the Big Sky (Eastern Washington in 2011) they lost 20-3. I'll still give a slight benefit of the doubt to Idaho, but then again it wouldn't surprise me if Bobcats send the Vandals a rude future awakening. 

Meanwhile, Matt Viator will also make his head coaching debut as he and the Warhawks will host the Southern Jaguars of the SWAC; While many have ULM pegged to be among the worst in the Belt, ULM should have the better talent over Southern to get the W. Hopefully they won't blow it and enjoy the victory as they will be underdogs for probably the remainder of the season (might be a push against Idaho on October 8th).

The Rise of Coastal

Last but not least, we have the Chanticleers as they begin year one of three of their transitioning to FBS football. Many will call this the throwaway season, as they will be playing as a "FCS Independent" and will be ineligible for the FCS playoffs. Many have taken this irritating route (ask App and Southern fans), and while it maybe hard to get too exciting about Coastal this year, it should still be interesting to watch their progress as they try to make themselves viable in the 'Belt. 

Profiling Prolific Red Wolves #1: Jeremy "Astate Fan Rules" Harper

In this day of smart phones, ever polarizing social media and Uber drivers there comes a time in every sports programs life when a brave, and brash figure takes a stand and becomes a driving force behind further perpetuating his or her's beloved team.

....Then there is Jeremy Harper. AKA "Astate Fan Rules." First associated with the program in the early 90s, neither he nor the entire ASU fandom would realize the impact he would have on all us Red Wolves with his wit, charm and love for hats. Currently a writer for the newly launched "Forgotten Five" website, Jeremy was very kind enough to hop along the Ramblin Post to begin a series highlighting some of the well known "Astate figures" throughout the land!

On this first edition of talking with notable Astate Figures, find out about Jeremy's (Rulez as I like to call him) induction into Arkansas State (and how it was almost over before it hardly began!), the lowest point as a fan for him, why he was initially "Meh" when Astatae changed to Red Wolves and more!!

Question 1: Set the stage for us; what was pre "Astate Fan Rules" like prior to becoming a member of the Red Wolf cult?

Aimless and directionless, just like the athletic program. Honestly, I wasn’t a very good fan.

Question 2: Tell us (in graphic details) the moment or situation you first became exposed to Astate? Did you become a fan that very same day?

It was the day I enrolled for fall semester, 1992. In those days, Arkansas State was vastly overshadowed by UofA and to some degree, even UALR. I accepted my scholarship with hardly any knowledge about the university. The first football game I attended was against Southern Illinois. The Indians hadn’t scored all year ­–­ three straight shutouts to Toledo, Oklahoma and Northern Illinois. When we scored against SIU, the scoreboard displayed a message: WE SCORED! I immediately became a fan. How could I not?

Question 3: Did you immediately adopt the "Astate Fan Rules" mantra or did it evolve in time?

After graduating in 1996, I became a terrible, horrible, not very good fan. I lost nearly all interest in Arkansas State. I was working on a career. Fell in love. Got married. Bought a house. Had a kid. Had another. I attended at least one home football game a year, but I had given up believing A-State could ever be more than a less-than-mediocre program. But then the Miracle on the Bluff happened. Corey Leonard’s Hail Mary against Memphis made me realize that anything was possible. A few years later, Hugh Freeze’s undefeated conference season proved it.

Question 4: While we are all fortunate in that the program is experiencing consistent success, any real ASU fan will know and have felt the "Dark ages" of ASU football; can you recall to us the lowest of the low for you as a fan?

The Joe Hollis era wa horrendous. But the lowest point, was when the program introduced a new fan-friendly mascot called Red in 2003. I appreciated some of the thinking behind it, but the idea of a “spirit mascot” that did everything but raise spirits deeply depressed me. I felt that Arkansas State might never get it.

Question 5: and to quickly rebound, what moment did it make you realize things were on the upswing?

The Miracle on the Bluff ignited belief, but defeating Texas A&M brought another level of confidence in the program’s future. It was like watching a really good magic trick. How did Steve Roberts do that?

Question 6: Thoughts when you discovered we were retiring the Indians mascot? (and please say you weren't the contingent that was in support of "skeeters, peckers or engines")

I was all in on retiring Running Joe and the Noble Native American Head. To me, the mascot represented years of bitter struggle with few rewards. (Older fans disagree, for they remember the glory years in the 70s and 80s.) The process was intriguing and creative. It generated energy. My brother (Rex Steele) suggested The Mustard Gas. “We float into your city…and destroy you.”  Personally, I was keen on revisiting a former choice, The Gorillas. Everyone is afraid of gorillas. Mostly, I just didn’t want something passive and dumb, like The Ridge Runners. When the current mascot, The Red Wolves, was unveiled, I was conflicted. Jonesboro isn’t exactly teeming with wolves. But it’s useful. You can do stuff with it. Wolves are about teamwork and family. They can be fast and fierce. Best of all, we won as Red Wolves.

question 7: Quick hits on Larry Lacewell, Steve Roberts, Gus Malzahn, Hugh Freeze, Bryan Harsin, Terry Mohajir and your choice on an individual most important to ASTATE athletics Question

I named the concrete wolf in my backyard “Larry.” Every college football program needs a benchmark. Lacewell is a figure who tethers us to a past we remember fondly.

Steve Roberts is the architect of modern A-State football.. He was a master recruiter and the maestro of some of the program's most iconic wins. We owe him reverence.

Hugh Freeze was the controlled explosion that ignited the atomic blast.. He showed us what a little creativity and ambition can do for a small conference program.

I’m actually a big fan of Gus Malzahn. His hire is what launched A-State Fan Rules. Suddenly, the Red Wolves were being discussed on ESPN and, oddly, our own state newspaper. His defection hurt, but in a way, it was necessary.

I liked the idea of Bryan Harsin – young, offensive minded, hungry, and a fine pedigree. He never seemed to warm up to Red Wolves fans. I’d have liked to have had more seasons with Harsin, but I was not particularly devastated to see him move north.

Nobody believes in Arkansas State more than Terry Mohajir. God help us should evil forces mind a way to weaponize Mohajir’s energy and passion. He’s the Madman With the Plan.

Terry is critical to A-State’s future. Lose him, and we risk losing a great deal of momentum, enthusiasm, imagination and hope.

8: How would you describe the AState fandom and what can be done to further grow it (particuarly outside of northeast arkansas?)

I started A-State Fan Rules because I thought Red Wolves fans were unsophisticated amateurs. But I was terribly, horribly, condescendingly wrong. We just needed to believe in something. A-State fans are loyal, passionate fans who refuse to “know their role.” I love them all.

To grow the fan base, we must think of ourselves as the university’s ambassadors. People want to belong to something. As fans, we can  show that we belong to something special just by treating opponents with respect or being respectfully passionate on social media. Hell, wearing the right school’s merchandise to games was a great start. We are the ad campaign. We are fan recruiters. We are responsible for growth.

Question 9: What other teams/sports are you a fan of?

I love the Memphis Grizzlies and grew up with the St. Louis Cardinals. The US Olympic team always makes me proud.

Question 10: Why do you feel your contributions to Astate is best suited in blogging?

I’m not wealthy, so I can’t buy Arkansas State a new baseball stadium. I’m not connected, so I can’t influence legislation to be more fair to my program. What I can do is share my passion for Arkansas State. If what I write manages to stoke more of that passion, then I’ve made some kind of difference.

Thanks Jeremy for kicking this series off in your usual twisted yet candid nature! As we wind this blog down, I think their is only ONE fitting way to conclude it, and that is to say Rulez should reconsider his apparent past dabbling as a cowboy...

FILL IN THE BLANK!!

So let me lay out how this crazy blog post came about....


I was at work see... (which you can clearly see below)...

As you can clearly tell, I was hard at work...trying to think yet another swazzy blog.

I had contemplated doing a "Round the Belt" report, but really didn't feel the motivation to write about all the racking injuries that seem to be piling up at many of the Belter schools.


Suddenly, with really no epiphany whatsoever besides of how completely random I am, I suddenly came up with a brilliantly stupid idea!!!

 
(Yes...goofy face and all bestowed upon my face just like above....maybe the finger was a tad dramatic)


How about I come up with a few questions, jot them down and then scribble the Sunbelt playing football schools on a separate pieces of paper and have to answer what question I draw alongside the university!!

I AM......A GENIUS. A BLOGGING GENIUS.


And before you EVEN WONDER if I actually did it....

So, after coming up with what I felt were some fun, interesting questions I put them in my trusty bucket hat, and the schools into another hat....

Their's only one rule: No matter how I much I may disagree with the question/fill in the blank statement, I have to try my best to make a compelling argument or justification to whatever I draw!

So, with further adieu....the inaugural "Fill in the Blank Blog!"




Question #1:
This team will Surprise because...?

Team pulled from hat...
Georgia Southern


Interesting...alright then.

As many that read my stuff are aware, the Eagles brought in Tyson Summers to replace the departing Willie Fritz during the offseason, and while many pundits feel like the Eagles are around the top three-four spots in the Sunbelt, many question whether Statesboro (with its fanatical fanbase and high expectations) was the right place to begin your first head coaching gig (Summers has had many stints at various assistant and position spots throughout the college football landscape but never a head coaching job).

We Red Wolves fans are all too familiar with hiring individuals with little to no head coaching experience whatsoever; Hugh Freeze, Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin ALLLLLL got their first collegiate head coaching opportunity in Jonesboro (Unlike Freeze and Malzahn, Harsin didn't have any high school head coaching experience!).

All three combined went 26-10 with three Sunbelt Crowns at Astate.

                                         (that's a stoic pic...)

Now don't get me wrong, Summers and company have a mighty challenging schedule this upcoming 2016 (road games at Western Michigan, Arkansas State, Georgia Tech, and Ole Miss) and only three home games on Saturday, it might be asking a bit much to make a run at the Belt this season; but with eight returning offensive that helped lead the Eagles nationally in rushing last year, you certainly can't count out Tyson Summers and the Statesboro crew.


Question #2:
First Thoughts/Impressions of________

Team Chosen from the almighty hat....
Texas State

Alright I can dig!

When the mass exodus occurred late 2012 early 2013 and the Belt lost five teams (among them being North Texas) my anger and doubt about the longevity for the future of the conference really threw heavy on me; particularly, the lost of North Texas, who despite not amounting to a llama's tit in nearly ten years had been the original perennial power and face of the 'Belt during its infant years.

However, Texas State came on board and after some initial research and reading I immediately thought "Well hell yes! Bring on the Bobcats! Screw the Greenies!" Here's why I say that...

• Texas State University is the fourth largest university in the state of Texas (nearly 40,000 in enrollment)
• The Bobcats boast the highest athletic budget in the Sunbelt ($34.5 million) and nearly $3 million more than UNT.
• Among the many academic recognitions' the university has received, this past February... " The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classified Texas State University under “Doctoral Universities: Higher Research Activity,” its second-highest designation for research institutions." (from their website).

(letting graduates and undergrads float and jump in the river on campus I feel is an uber bonus)

Now, has the football team made a humongous splash in the three season they've competed in the Sunbelt? Ehhh...not necessarily. However, make no mistake the Bobcats program has EVERYTHING it needs to not only be successful, but ridiculously scary successful. They just need to establish the right coaching staff and they very well may have hired the right head man to do just that in Everett Withers (who has known success at every head coaching stint he's had).


Question #3:
______'s logo is friggin' sweet because....


Team picked to have the flippin' best mascot ever is: (I ruled Astate out of this question)
Georgia State





............................................................

...Ok...I can do this....

If you're going to have a rather generic mascot (such as a Panther) that doesn't necessarily mean it has to look like your average, run of the mill Panther right? Of course not!

In such a case, you've gotta make your particular panther stand out and for much of their history Georgia State has done just that.

First off, Definitely DEFINITELY like their current Panther from their older incarnation, which might lead some to believe the pink panther has a dastardly half brother, blue panther...

 

While their current Panther certainly isn't realistic (nor is it trying to be) it offers a sense of realism with a touch of playful creativity. For instance, look at the ears...

Anyone that over indulges in Animal Planet knows that when any putty tat's ears are tilted down and/or side ways, they are PISSED...

Yet as we can see above, that frightfully horrifying panther is black; by making your mascot/logo blue you help tone down the scariness and make it more marketable to your fanbase and more importantly, the children.


I'm gonna admit....I'm really a standstill at this point. Oh hey my coworker David just walked in, I'll ask him.

DAVID COME HERE!!!

(David walks over)

ME: What do you think of this Panther?
David: I kinda like it looking at it at first glance...the blue on black is really neato.
Me: Neato?
David: Yeah! I dunno about the ears. Feel like they should be pointed up more.
Me: (Scroll back up to the pissed off panther) But this pissed off panther's ears are tilted down and stuff.
David: Well, shouldn't that Panther's ears in the logo be more flipped backwards and not sideways?
Me: .....

(David slowly leaves the office area silently and awkwardly).



Lets move on!


Question 4:
Team That Will Disappoint?

Team selected:
Appalachian State (Swear on the Key Lime Pie sitting in my freezer at home I legitimately pulled this!)


So the Mountaineers are coming into this 2016 season with a TON of mighty high expectations; can they top the 11-2 season they had last year? I don't think so...

Yeah, yeah I realize that they return 9 starters on defense along with their dynamic duo on offense quarterback Taylor Lamb and running back Marcus Cox among everything else they have; however, while they do drop Clemson from the slate (whew!) they also drop a pitiful Campbell Fighting Camels and a Wyoming squad that went 2-10 last year and pick up a Tennessee Volunteer team looking to make some noise in the SEC championship race, the Miami Hurricanes and an Akron Zip team looking to build on the surprising 8-5 season they had before; even Old Dominion appears to be more competitive on paper than their 2015 counterparts.

On the flipside, the Sunbelt slate once again appears pretty manageable for the Mountaineers, but keep in mind App needed three overtimes to beat an eventual 4-8 Troy squad in Boone and were very lucky to beat South Al in Mobile to conclude the regular 2015 season.

Oh, least we forget the real spoiler last season.....

All it could take is just that ONE Sunbelt conference game that could make or break the Mountaineers year. I won't go far as to say they'll fully collapse, but It wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if they wound up with three regular season losses-and I'm sure for many Mountaineer fans that would be very disappointing.




Question #5:
________ Have the Best schedule! 


Team chosen by the all mighty baseball cap:
Louisiana...(at Lafayette)

Well let's take a look at the Cajuns slate first off...(from fbsschedules.com)

Saturday Sep. 3		Boise State Broncos  Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	11:00am CT ASN/ESPN3	Buy Tickets
Saturday Sep. 10		McNeese State Cowboys  Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	6:00pm CT ESPN3	Buy Tickets
Saturday Sep. 17		South Alabama Jaguars Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	6:00pm CT ESPN3	Buy Tickets
Saturday Sep. 24		at Tulane Green Wave Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA	6 or 7pm CT TV TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday Oct. 1		at New Mexico State Aggies  Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM	7:00pm CT TV TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday Oct. 8	---	OFF	---	---
Wednesday Oct. 12		Appalachian State Mountaineers Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	7:00pm CT ESPN2	Buy Tickets
Saturday Oct. 22		at Texas State Bobcats  Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, TX	6:00pm CT TV TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday Oct. 29	---	OFF	---	---
Saturday Nov. 5		Idaho Vandals (HC) Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	4:00pm CT TV TBA	Buy Tickets
Thursday Nov. 10		at Georgia Southern Eagles Paulson Stadium, Statesboro, GA	6:30pm CT ESPNU	Buy Tickets
Saturday Nov. 19		at Georgia Bulldogs  Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday Nov. 26		Arkansas State Red Wolves Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	TBA	Buy Tickets
Saturday Dec. 3		at ULM Warhawks  Malone Stadium, Monroe, LA	2:00pm CT TV TBA	Buy Tickets

Make no mistake the trip to Athens and hosting a very potent Boise State squad in Lafayette is going to be tough; however if you're a believer in "Trap Games" then the date against the Cajuns screams it for Georgia; the 'Dawgs host Auburn a week prior to their match-up against the Cajuns and then a week later Georgia will host their bitter in state rivals Georgia Tech. As for Boise State, the Broncos have two big time games looming the following two weeks against Washington State and at Oregon State; the Broncos maybe looking ahead to notching up some nice resume wins for the Playoff Committee and the Cajuns may once again be able to catch Boise looking ahead.

Take those two games away, and all around you have a pretty manageable slate; Cajuns do have to play the top three teams in the belt (Appalachian State, Arkansas State & Georgia Southern) but Lafayette does get two of those at Cajun Field; furthermore, the flipside of their Out of Conference schedule pits them against McNeese State (who lost their head coach Matt Viator to ULM) and a Tulane squad that will be using 2016 to lay the foundation of Willie Fritz' system (a semi pistol/shotgun-esque formation) which will more than likely not be in full swing by September 24th. The remaining for SBC games on the road (NMSU, Texas State, Georgia Southern and ULM) all combined for a 17-33 record last season (the Eagles were the only ones with a winning record of 9-4).

All in all, when you're football team coming off a very disappointing 4-8 season and you're looking for a solid rebound year, this the type of schedule you'd like.



Question #6:
One very cool aspect about _______ I like is _________

SCHOOL!!.....
Idaho


You know, believe it or not this is actually a pretty easy answer for me!

I have always had this strange fascination with the Kibbie Dome; it's just so....Kibbie and Doomeey.

Practically speaking, very cool you NEVER have to worry about the weather and it appears their's not a bad seat in the house. What they may lack in amenities they make up for in its quirky charm and big ass roof!

I think it's pretty interesting that when first constructed, the stadium was an outdoor venue; not only that but was conceptualized to have a capacity of 23,000 spectators. Due to various factors (budget cuts, outside influences etc), officials changed the scope of the project and the Kibbie Dome was born!

While the future of the Vandal football program appears bleak for many in Moscow, a small comfort might be taken in the fact that Idaho will add their dome with the three other enclosed structures that are used by three other universities to play football in.



Question #7:
Any Fond Memories of _________?

*OH CRAP! I SHOOK THE HAT TOO HARD!!*

....looking around find...ahh! here's one piece of paper!

...Troy!....

Ahh shoot. I was afraid that was going to happen...


First, lets start with this...

Ahh...sophomore in college Jake (totally cool right?)

This was taken in November of 2008; the then Indians, despite being 6-5, was 5-2 in conference play and if they could knock off the Trojans at home could force a share of the conference title and MAYBE just maybe...secure a bowl game.

Troy absolutely CRUSHED Arkansas State, 35-9.

As Troy celebrated their first outright Sunbelt title on the field, with the confetti flying and everybody moshing and hugging, the fans yelling in the stands, raising their hands in the air, jubliant in victory (some using their other hand to extend a certain finger at the Astate players walking off the field). I stood along the sidelines, just stunned and really testing my moment of my fandom to Arkansas State when it hit me...


....a flipping hotdog hit me right in the back of the head by a drunk Troy student.

I immediately exited the field and walked toward the tour buses a group of fans had rented for the game.

This story does have a happy conclusion; the nice couple that had secured the bus also has procured several bottles of champagne, anticipating celebrating a victory. Myself along with a buddy and two young couple we had met on the trip helped relieve the organizers of several bottles of their champagne as we journeyed the 7 1/2 hours back to Jonesboro.


Was it a fond story? Nope. But in hindsight things have turned out pretty well for the Red Wolves (not so much for Troy) but I did like their stadium!

                               (a player for Astate had forgot their helmet in Jonesboro, and I
                                  was given the task of bringing it to Troy with me.)





Friends, that concludes the questions I had come up with for this first edition of "Fill in the Blanks"
I hope some found this entertaining (if any found this informative, my apologies).


I certainly not all the Belt schools were touched upon, but if this turns out to be a popular post I will certainly write a follow up with even more bold, bizarre fill in the blank questions to conclude this other wise wacky endeavor.

Can the 'Belt Fill It's Five Guaranteed Bowl Sports in 2016?

When the Sun Belt Conference first formed as a football sponsoring league in 2001, it was compromised of mostly then Division I-AA transfers and former Big West Members needing a new football home. As a newly formed Division I football conference, the 'Belt had no guaranteed bowl tie ins whatsoever. Former commissioner Wright Waters was able to strike a deal with the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation to help establish and sponsor a bowl game that would host the SBC champion (the New Orleans Bowl).

For nearly 10 years, the New Orleans Bowl was the only bowl tie in the SBC had; finally in 2010, the Sun Belt was able to strike a deal with the GMAC Bowl to become the second exclusive tie in for the 'Belt.

Fast forward another five years later and the Sun Belt Conference will be entering the 2016 season with five guaranteed bowl tie ins for its 11 members; considering the lowly beginnings and rocky transitioning the conference faced throughout the years, this feat is quite incredible. The question though is can the SBC actually fill it's five bowl slots?

First, lets take a look at how many teams became bowl eligible throughout the seasons...

2003-1
2004-1
2005-2
2006-4
2007-3
2008-4
2009-4
2010-3
2011-4
2012-5
2013-7
2014-*6 (Ga. Southern & App State were still in transitioning period and were not allowed to go bowling unless bowl slots couldn't be filled with contractual tie ins)
2015-4


So, for the last thirteen seasons, the Sun Belt has, on average, had around 4 teams eligible for bowl games; a trend you noticed has been for the most part the league has been able to increase its numbers of bowl eligible teams as the seasons have gone on, which definitely bodes well when it comes to fulfilling its bowl slots. To give the league credit, it certainly took its time and waited for the seemingly right times to negotiate adding more guaranteed games beginning in the '10s (where so far the conference hasn't fell below less than three eligible teams and hasn't done so since 2005).

Next, we obviously have to take the entire SBC's members schedules into consideration (courtesy of FBS Schedules).

Just glancing at the Belters schedules (particularly the OOC slates) and I see quite a bit of teams that, at best, have a shot at going 2-2; App, Georgia Southern, Idaho, Texas State and ULM have pretty brutal non-conference match ups. With only one "money game", two G5 opponents and an FCS, Arkansas State to me has a really solid chance at going 3-1 early on (however on the flip side have to travel on the road four out of the last five games of the season). Troy, Lafayette and Georgia State also has favorable non conference games and it could come down to how well or poor those three do that will decide whether league fulfills or falls short of sending teams to its contractual bowls.

Looking at what some of the national pundits predict,  Collegefootballnews.com thinks Five teams will be bowl eligible, whereas Athlon has even higher expectations projecting six teams eligible.  Underdog's mother site SBNation.com has a little bit lower expectations for the league as a whole.




All in all, I think the league securing itself five bowl games was a positive move for the Belt; getting itself up with comparable numbers with its fellow mid major conferences bowl tie ins definitely will help with outside perception, however i'm not entirely sold on whether SBC can fulfill its allotment. The key is going to be how well the Belters perform in their non conference games and keep in mind last season, the Sun Belt was dead last among the Group of 5 in terms of Out of Conference wins (only racking up 16 and losing over 30).