Sun Belt Conference Breakdown

The college football season is a mere seven weeks away, so let’s get cracking on my annual conference predictions.

This week, the Sun Belt Conference…

1. Florida Atlantic: 9-3 (6-1)

With 17 starters returning, including QB Rusty Smith, the Owls are front-runners for a second straight Sun Belt championship.

2. Troy: 7-5 (5-2)

Replacing do-everything QB Omar Haughabook won’t be easy, but there are enough playmakers back on both sides of the ball for the Trojans to do some damage in the conference.

3. North Texas: 6-6 (4-3)

The Mean Green’s offense should explode again in '08, and they should surprise some folks on D with the hire of defensive coordinator Gary DeLoach (previously at UCLA).

4. UL Monroe: 5-7 (3-4)

The Warhawks ended 2007 winning five of their last six, and with 14 returning starters, will look to carry that momentum into a possibly .500 season.

5. Arkansas St.: 5-7 (3-4)

Losing four offensive linemen and their entire secondary will prevent the Red Wolves from making any serious noise.

6. UL Lafayette: 3-9 (2-5)

Even with 15 returning starters, seven road games will ultimately do the Ragin’ Cajuns in.

7. Middle Tennessee St.: 3-9 (2-5)

With only eight returning starters and a tough schedule, the Blue Raiders are destined for a rebuilding year.

8. Florida International: 1-11 (1-6)

The Golden Panthers could go o-fer in '08, but we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt due to a home matchup against Western Kentucky to end the year.