Around the Sun Belt
October 12, 2008
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.
