Around the Sun Belt

October 12, 2008

Drew Champlin

EDIT - Due to confusion, a post previously above this was removed.

The story of the year so far is Florida International. The 1-23 team over the past two seasons has won three straight, with a win over Middle Tennessee, making next weekend’s trip to Troy that much more meaningful. No longer can fans gripe about the home schedule because the Golden Panthers are in a first-place tie with Troy, Arkansas State and UL-Lafayette. On the other side, MTSU is out of the conference title race with three Sun Belt losses. FIU quarterback Paul McCall got the better of both MTSU quarterbacks.

Arkansas State forced some turnovers, and won a shootout with UL-Monroe. Halfway through the year, the Sun is setting on ULM’s season.

In Denton, Texas, Jason Chery scored five touchdowns and ULL cruised past UNT.

Drew’s power rankings
1. Troy (3-2, 2-0) - Despite what could turn into some offensive issues, I still think the Trojan defense is better than any of the next three.
2. Arkansas State (4-2, 2-0) - Red Wolves keep rolling on strong offensive play and forcing turnovers
3. UL-Lafayette (3-3, 2-0) - This team will be tough to stop, but can it stop enough people to win the league title?
4. FIU (3-3, 2-0) - Maybe they should be higher. We’ll find how how ‘for real’ the Golden Panthers are next weekend at Troy
5. Middle Tennessee (2-4, 1-3) - Non-conference showing puts them a step ahead of the rest
6. ULM (1-5, 0-2) - For some reason, they’re just not doing enough to win games, though the talent is there
7. FAU (1-5, 0-2) - Easily the biggest disappointment in the league so far
8. North Texas (0-6, 0-2) - Staring down the barrel of an 0-12 season.

While I’ve got Troy ranked No. 1 in my weekly Sun Belt rankings, it’s still a question to as if the Trojans win this weekend. The best thing the Trojans can do, I think, is pick a QB early and rally around him. My early pick at this point to win the league is Arkansas State.

Omar update

October 11, 2008

Drew Champlin

I spoke with former Troy QB Omar Haugabook on the sidelines of the Troy-FAU game. He’s living in Belle Glade, which is about an hour from Fort Lauderdale, so he got to go to the game. He’s working to get on with an Arena Football team, already having a workout with the Arizona Rattlers. He’s got workouts scheduled with the Tampa Bay Storm and Orlando Predators as well. (Actually, at the time of this post, he may have already had the workouts.)

You went to Canada (B.C. Lions) but were cut and sent home after just a couple of days
“I used that as motivation. I used it as I’ve got to go back and refocus myself. I just took it to that I needed to work harder and with the understanding that I’ve got to be at my best each and every day.”

Just a waiting game now?
“They can’t offer a contract until October 15. Hopefully they’ll give me an opportunity and I’ll be blessed. I’m crossing my fingers and waiting. Still working out and staying in shape.”

Still pay close attention to the program?
“I saw them against Ohio State on TV. I call and talk to all the players.”

What will fans see in Tanner Jones and/or Levi Brown (this interview happened after Jamie Hampton’s injury)
“They’re going to get a different dimension now. Jamie’s more a dual threat and Tanner’s more of a passer just like Levi. They’re going to throw it a lot more because they don’t have the dual threat any more.”

Would you play QB in the AFL or another position?
“It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t matter to me.”

Condren released

October 10, 2008

Drew Champlin

Former Troy safety Brannon Condren, a fourth-round pick by the Colts in 2007, was released by the St. Louis Rams. He had been cut by the Colts after the preseason but signed with the Rams.

Also, here is Phil Steele’s updated projections for the rest of the season. It was updated Oct. 6, and he pegged Troy’s win at FAU right.

Drew’s Week 7 Sun Belt picks

Drew Champlin

I went 3-1 last week, missing ULL’s win over ULM. Right now, I am 34-8.

We’ll make this short and sweet. All games are at 6 p.m. CST

ULL at North Texas - Tyrell Fenroy ran for 297 last week. If there’s any team he could top it against, it’s definitely North Texas. ULL 52-17

UL-Monroe at Arkansas State - Warhawks for some reason are pitiful in the early part of the conference schedule, but I suspect they’ll get much better around, oh, Nov. 1. Arkansas State 31-24

Middle Tennessee at Florida International - Want more incentive to come to next week’s game vs. FIU? Wait until the Golden Panthers win Saturday night to improve to 2-0 in league play. FIU 27-21

Ball State at Western Kentucky - Cardinals stay unbeaten. WKU’s top QB has been run out of town. This guy nearly beat Troy last year as a redshirt freshman. The other guy threw two passes last year vs. Troy and both were intercepted. - Ball State 42-3

FIU’s biggest weapon

Drew Champlin

Wanted to give you an early heads up on a vital part of Troy’s next opponent’s game plan - true freshman T.Y. Hilton is already one of the most dynamic players in the conference.

Troy hosts FIU next week at 6 p.m.

MIAMI HERALD: FIU’s new playmaker leaving opponents in the dust

Here’s a clip from a punt return for a score against Kansas - the first time he ever touched the ball in college.