Sun Belt Week 6: What we’ve learned so far
October 05, 2008
Quick hits before I start my long journey. I’ll be staying in Orlando tonight using a free Marriott night that expires at the end of the month and at a Marriott supposedly within walking distance of Lockhart Stadium from Mon-Wed.
Questions to ponder while I’m on the road listening to NFL games on SIRIUS - do either Todd Dodge or Tony Franklin have jobs by dinnertime?
I’ll keep the AU stuff short and sweet, but they’re not running Tony’s system and I think it’s because those players can’t figure it out. That could be because Tuberville isn’t a fan of it and there’s mass confusion everywhere. Tony’s only fault could be sticking with the less-mobile, weaker-armed Chris Todd over Kodi Burns, but I’m not convinced Burns knows what to do 3/4 of the time. Sorry, i know this is a Troy blog, but this guy was a god in this town last year and the shining light that Troy ever-so-needed two years ago.
As for North Texas? The Mean Green were smashed at home by Florida International, who is now on a two-game win streak. That’s what happens when you hire a coach who knows what he’s doing at the college level, like FIU did. North Texas won’t win a game this year.
The most impressive team so far? How bout UL-Lafayette? The Cajuns used several big plays to get a key road win over UL-Monroe.
There’s always a team that no one’s looking at when the season starts that ends up in the hunt for the league title. Last year, it was FAU. This year, it might be ULL. After a blowout loss to Southern Miss to start the year, the Cajuns have looked good even in defeat, playing Illinois and Kansas State close and winning over Kent State and now UL-Monroe.
Drew’s power rankings
1. UL-Lafayette (2-3, 1-0)
2. Troy (2-2, 1-0)
3. Arkansas State (3-2, 1-0)
4. Middle Tennessee (2-3, 1-2)
5. Florida Atlantic (1-4, 0-1)
6. Florida International (2-3, 1-0)
7. UL-Monroe (1-4, 0-1)
8. North Texas (0-5, 0-1)
I’ve got ULL at No. 1 right now because the Cajuns have a senior-led offense. Defense is a question mark, but what Sun Belt defense hasn’t given up plenty of yards and points in a game thus far this year?
