2015-16 College Football Preview: Sunbelt Conference

It's that time of year again.

No, it's not time for football just yet. However, it is time to start predicting how every team will fare this upcoming season. And what's the only thing better than seeing actual football getting played?

That's right.....

TALKING ABOUT FOOTBALL!

This is a tradition that I have done for almost 10 years now and is a big reason why I got into writing about sports to begin with. It's no secret that college football is my favorite sport. I absolutely love football and I think what we see on the college field is the most exciting product we can get. Yes, the NFL is fantastic. However, give me young, enthusiastic, excited players who are looking to make a name for themselves ANY DAY over over-paid professionals who may or may not show up on any given weekend.

College football is the fastest growing sport in the United States for a reason. Twenty years ago, no one cared about the sport outside of people who actually went to college or NFL scouts. These days though? You will have someone who never even stepped foot on a college campus watching the University of Memphis play Wyoming because one of the teams has a wide receiver who runs a 4.28 forty-yard dash. That's the power of college football.

Seeing as this beautiful sport is literally right around the corner. It's time to start making some predictions for the upcoming season. Over the next few weeks, you will see EVERY team in EVERY conference get previewed right here on the pages of THE ULTIMATE SPORTS BLOG! We are called "THE Ultimate Sports Blog" for a reason people. There's nothing we can't do......

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 College Football Preview

Sunbelt Conference

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers

2014 Record: 7-5 (6-2)


Head Coach: Scott Satterfield (7-5 all-time)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 74 (219.8 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 18 (241.8 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 26 (35.7 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 72 (27.3 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Taylor Lamb (2,381 passing yards, 61.4% completions, 17 TD's, 9 INT's)

Rushing - Marcus Cox (255 carries, 1,415 rushing yards, 19 TD's)

Receiving - Malachi Jones (36 receptions, 585 receiving yards, 3 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Taylor Lamb (QB), Marcus Cox (RB), Simms McElfresh (WR), Malachi Jones (WR), Shaedon Meadors (WR), Barrett Burns (TE), Jesse Chapman (C), Colby Gossett (RG), Parker Collins (LG), Beau Nunn (RT), Nathaniel Norwood (DE), Ronald Blair (DE), Tyson Fernandez (DT), Kennan Gilchrist (LB), John Law (LB), Eric Boggs (LB), Devan Stringer (LB), Latrell Gibbs (CB), A.J. Howard (SS), Doug Middleton (FS), Zach Matics (K), Bentlee Critcher (P)


Top Incoming Players:  Daniel David (QB), Zireycus Letman (WR), Mondo Williams (DB)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. Howard
vs. @ Clemson
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Old Dominion
vs. Wyoming
vs. @ Georgia State
vs. @ ULM
vs. Georgia Southern
vs. Troy
vs. Arkansas State
vs. @ Idaho
BYE WEEK
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. @ South Alabama


Early Prediction: 10-2 (7-1)

2. Georgia Southern Eagles

2014 Record: 9-3 (8-0)


Head Coach: Willie Fritz (9-3 all-time)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 125 (107.2 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 1 (381.1 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 10 (39.1 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 30 (23.4 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Kevin Ellison (1,001 passing yards, 55.5% completions, 5 TD's, 3INT's)

Rushing - Matt Breida (171 carries, 1,485 rushing yards, 17 TD's)

Receiving - Kentrellis Showers (16 receptions, 341 receiving yards, 3 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Kevin Ellison (QB), Matt Breida (RB), B.J. Johnson (WR), James Dean (TE), Darien Foreman (LG), Roscoe Byrd (OL), Quaun Daniels (DE), Bernard Dawson (DE), Jonathan Battle (DT), Jay Ellison (DT), Antwione Williams (LB), Darius Jones (DB), Antonio Glover (SS), Matt Dobson (FS), Alex Hanks (K), Ryan Nowicki (P)


Top Incoming Players:  Hampton McConnell (QB), J.L. Banks (TE), Kevin Ackerman (TE) /


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. @ West Virginia
vs. Western Michigan
vs. The Citadel
vs. @ Idaho
vs. @ ULM
BYE WEEK
vs. New Mexico State
vs. @ Appalachian State
vs. Texas State
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Troy
vs. @ Georgia
vs. South Alabama
vs. Georgia State


Early Prediction: 8-4 (7-1)

2. Arkansas State Red Wolves

2014 Record: 7-6 (5-3)


Head Coach: Blake Anderson (7-6 all-time)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 40 (260.1 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 27 (216.4 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 19 (36.7 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 92 (30.5 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Fredi Knighten (3,277 passing yards, 62.3% completions, 24 TD's, 7 INT's)

Rushing - Michael Gordon (159 carries, 1,100 rushing yards, 13 TD's)

Receiving - Tres Houston (53 receptions, 685 receiving yards, 4 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Fredi Knighten (QB), Michael Gordon (RB), Tres Houston (WR), Dijon Paschal (WR), J.D. McKissic (WR), Darion Griswold (TE), Devon Mondie (C), Colton Jackson (RT), Jemar Clark (LT), Chris Stone (DE), Ja'Von Rolland-Jones (DE), Chuks Ota (DT), Xavier Woodson (LB), Sterling Wright (LB), Money Hunter (FS), Logan Spry (K), Luke Ferguson (P)


Top Incoming Players:  D.J. Pearson (QB), Jamal Jones (RB), Darveon Brown (WR), Jospeh Bacchus (OL), Cody Brown (DB)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. @ USC
vs. Missouri
vs. Missouri State
vs. @ Toledo
vs. Idaho
vs. @ South Alabama
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
BYE WEEK
vs. Georgia State
vs. @ Appalachian State
vs. @ ULM
BYE WEEK
vs. @ New Mexico State
vs. Texas State


Early Prediction: 8-4 (7-1)

4. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns

2014 Record: 9-4 (7-1)


Head Coach: 36-16 (all-time at ULL)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 100 (191.8 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 24 (225 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 61 (29.5 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 57 (26 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Terrance Broadway (2,300 passing yards, 63.2% completions, 13 TD's, 9 INT's)

Rushing - Elijah McGuire (166 carries, 1,264 rushing yards, 14 TD's)

Receiving - James Butler (38 receptions, 470 receiving yards, 0 TD's)

Top Returning Players: Elijah McGuire (RB), Jamal Robinson (WR), Al Riles (WR), Donovan Williams (RG), Mykhal Quave (LG), Octravian Anderson (RT), Jacoby Briscoe (DT), Kevin Fouquier (DL), Tre'maine Lightfoot (LB), Dominique Tovell (LB), Travis Crawford (SS), Tracy Walker (FS)


Top Incoming Players:  Dion Ray (QB), Jordan Wright (RB), Keenan Barnes (WR), Carlos Robinson (TE), Mario Osborne (DL), Jeryl Brazil (DB), Savion Ray (DB), Gary Haynes (DB)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. @ Kentucky
vs. Northwestern State
BYE WEEK
vs. Akron
vs. @ Louisiana Tech
vs. Texas State
vs. @ Arkansas State
BYE WEEK
vs. ULM
vs. @ Georgia State
vs. @ South Alabama
vs. New Mexico State
vs. @ Appalachian State
vs. Troy


Early Prediction: 7-5 (5-3)

5. Texas State Bobcats

2014 Record: 7-5 (5-3)


Head Coach: Dennis Franchione (17-19 all-time at Texas State, 124-101 all-time overall)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 70 (225.9 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 20 (238.5 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 33 (33.8 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 75 (27.7 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Tyler Jones (2,670 passing yards, 65.4% completions, 22 TD's, 7 INT's)

Rushing - Robert Lowe (185 carries, 1,091 rushing yards, 12 TD's)

Receiving - Bradley Miller (44 receptions, 431 receiving yards, 1 TD)


Top Returning Players: Tyler Jones (QB), Chris Nutall (RB), Robert Lowe (RB), Jafus Gaines (WR), Brandon Smith (WR), C.J. Best (WR), Felix Romero (OL), Ryan Melton (OL), Adrian Bellard (OL), Jeff Banks (DE), Mershad Dillon (DL), Dallas McClarty (DL), Trey McGowan (LB), David Mims (CB), Damani Alexcee (DB)


Top Incoming Players:  Blake Peterson (QB), L.G. Williams (QB), Justin Gamble (WR), Chris French (TE), Bo Anderson (LB)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. @ Florida State
vs. Prairie View A&M
vs. Southern Mississippi
vs. @ Houston
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. BYE WEEK
vs. South Alabama
vs. @ Georgia Southern
vs. New Mexico State
vs. Georgia State
vs. ULM
vs. @ Idaho
vs. @ Arkansas State


Early Prediction: 7-5 (5-3)

6. ULM Warhawks

2014 Record: 4-8 (3-5)


Head Coach: Todd Berry (27-34 all-time at ULM, 32-69 all-time overall)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 25 (279.9 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 126 (69.5 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 115 (20.1 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 58 (26.3 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Pete Thomas (3,181 passing yards, 60.1% completions, 14 TD's, 6 INT's)

Rushing - Centarius Donald (153 carries, 606 rushing yards, 6 TD's)

Receiving - Rashon Ceaser (77 receptions, 872 receiving yards, 3 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Ajalen Holley (WR), Rashon Ceaser (WR), Alec Osborne (TE), Colby Mitchell (C), Frank Sutton (LG), Chase Reigan (RT), Lorenzo Jackson (DE), Gerrand Johnson (DT), Michael Johnson (LB), Hunter Kissinger (LB), Mitch Lane (LB), Lenzy Pipkins (CB), Trey Caldwell (CB), Justin Backus (DB)


Top Incoming Players:  Daniel Fitzwater (QB), Chandler Eiland (QB), Will Collins (QB), Reagan Heddins (TE)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. @ Georgia
vs. Nicholls State
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Alabama
vs. Georgia Southern
vs. @ Tulsa
vs. Appalachian State
vs.@ Idaho
vs. @ Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. @ Troy
vs. Arkansas State
vs. @ Texas State
vs. @ Hawaii
vs. New Mexico State


Early Prediction: 6-7 (4-4)

7. South Alabama Jaguars

2014 Record: 6-7 (5-3)


Head Coach: Joey Jones (14-24 all-time)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 96 (197 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 53 (179 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 105 (22.5 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 60 (26.4 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Brandon Bridge (1,927 passing yards, 52.1% completions, 15 TD's, 8 INT's)

Rushing - Kendall Houston (139 carries, 705 rushing yards, 2 TD's)

Receiving - Shavarez Smith (54 receptions, 748 receiving yards, 8 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Danny Woodson (WR), Joseph Scelfo (C), Chris May (RT), Roman Buchanan (SS), Antonio Carter (FS), Aleem Sunanon (K), Brandon McKee (P)


Top Incoming Players:  Dami Ayoola (RB), Troy Thingstad (OL), Tavon Cox (LB), Quinton Lane (DB), Jalen Thompson (DB)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. Gardner-Webb
vs. @ Nebraska
vs. @ San Diego State
vs. N.C. State
vs. @ Troy
vs. Arkansas State
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Texas State
BYE WEEK
vs. Idaho
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. @ Georgia State
vs. @ Georgia Southern
vs. Appalachian State


Early Prediction: 4-8 (3-5)

8. New Mexico State Aggies

2014 Record: 2-10 (1-7)


Head Coach: Doug Martin (4-20 all-time at New Mexico State, 33-73 all-time overall)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 55 (241.6 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 52 (179.3 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 95 (24.5 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 121 (39.1 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Tyler Rogers (2,779 passing yards, 61.5% completions, 19 TD's, 23 INT's)

Rushing - Larry Rose (186 carries, 1,102 rushing yards, 9 TD's)

Receiving - Teldrick Morgan (75 receptions, 903 receiving yards, 7 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Tyler Rogers (QB), Larry Rose (RB), Teldrick Morgan (WR), Joshua Bowen (WR), Andy Cunningham (RG), Isaiah Folasa-Lutui (LG), Thomas McGwire (RT), Houston Clemente (LT), Kalei Auelua (DE), Brandon Agomuo (DE), Stody Bradley (DT), Rodney Butler (LB), Derek Ibekwe (LB), Dalton Herrington (LB), Winston Rose (CB), Lewis Hill (CB), Jaden Wright (SS), Kawe Johnson (FS)


Top Incoming Players:  Montrice Johns (TE), Jackson Solbeck (TE), Parker Davidson (K)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. @ Florida
vs. Georgia State
vs. UTEP
BYE WEEK
vs. @ New Mexico
vs. @ Ole Miss
vs. @ Georgia Southern
vs. Troy
vs. Idaho
vs. @ Texas State
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. Arkansas State
vs. @ ULM


Early Prediction: 3-9 (3-5)

9. Troy Trojans

2014 Record: 3-9 (3-5)


Head Coach: Neal Brown (0-0 all-time)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 93 (198.8 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 60 (164.5 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 108 (21.8 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 113 (36.2 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Brandon Silvers (1,836 passing yards, 70.5% completions, 11 TD's, 3 INT's)

Rushing - Brandon Burks (96 carries, 584 rushing yards, 3 TD's)

Receiving - Bryan Holmes (34 receptions, 474 receiving yards, 5 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Brandon Silvers (QB), Brandon Burks (RB), Teddy Ruben (WR), K.D. Edenfield (WR), Bryan Holmes (WR), Dalton Bennett (C), Antonio Garcia (LT), Jamal Stadom (DE), Tyler Roberts (DE), Lonnie Gosha (DT), Terris Lewis (LB), JaQuadrian Lewis (SS), Montres Kitchens (FS), Jed Solomon (K), Ryan Kay (P)


Top Incoming Players:  Gardner Minshew (QB), Doug Salter (LB), William Lloyd (LB)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. @ N.C. State
vs. Charleston Southern
vs. @ Wisconsin
BYE WEEK
vs. South Alabama
vs. @ Mississippi State
vs. Idaho
vs. @ New Mexico State
vs. @ Appalachian State
vs. ULM
vs. Georgia Southern
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Georgia State
vs. @ Louisiana-Lafayette


Early Prediction: 3-9 (2-6)

10. Georgia State Panthers

2014 Record: 1-11 (0-8)


Head Coach: Trent Miles (1-23 all-time)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 26 (279 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 123 (96.3 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 103 (22.7 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 128 (43.3 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Nick Arbuckle (3,283 passing yards, 60.4% completions, 23 TD's, 17 INT's)

Rushing - Marcus Caffey (93 carries, 354 rushing yards, 3 TD's)

Receiving - Donovan Harden (60 receptions, 885 receiving yards, 7 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Nick Arbuckle (QB), Kendrick Dorn (RB), Donovan Harden (WR), Robert Davis (WR), Joel Ruiz (TE), Alex Stoehr (RG), Taylor Evans (LG), Michael Ivory (LT), Shawayne Lawrence (DE), Mackendy Cheridor (DE), Julian Laurent (DL), Joseph Peterson (LB), Michael Shaw (LB), Marcus Caffey (DB), Bruce Dukes (DB), Tarris Batiste (SS), Cloves Campbell (FS), Wil Lutz (K)


Top Incoming Players:  Aaron Winchester (QB), Ari Werts (TE), Kaleb Ringer (LB)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. Charlotte
vs. @ New Mexico State
vs. @ Oregon
BYE WEEK
vs. Liberty
vs. Appalachian State
vs. @ Ball State
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Arkansas State
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. @ Texas State
vs. South Alabama
vs. Troy
vs. @ Georgia Southern


Early Prediction: 2-10 (0-8)

11. Idaho Vandals

2014 Record: 1-10 (1-7)


Head Coach: Paul Petrino (2-21 all-time)


2014 Overall Passing Yards Ranking: 31 (275.5 ypg)

2014 Overall Rushing Yards Ranking: 96 (141.9 ypg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Ranking: 91 (25 ppg)

2014 Overall Points Scored Against Ranking: 114 (37.3 ppg)

2014-15 Team Offensive Stat Leaders:

Passing - Matt Linehan (2,540 passing yards, 58.5% completions, 11 TD's, 18 INT's)

Rushing - Elijhaa Penny (138 carries, 590 rushing yards, 12 TD's)

Receiving - Joshua McCain (76 receptions, 1,162 receiving yards, 9 TD's)


Top Returning Players: Matt Linehan (QB), Elijhaa Penny (RB), David Ungerer (WR), Jordan Rose (RG), Dallas Sandberg (LG), Mason Woods (RT), Ryan Edwards (DT), Quinton Bradley (DT), Marc Millan (LB), Broc Westlake (LB), Jayshawn Jordan (CB), Russell Siavii (FS), Austin Rehkow (K)


Top Incoming Players:  Kareem Coles (QB), Khalin Smith (TE)


2015-16 Schedule:

vs. Ohio
vs. @ USC
vs. Wofford
vs. Georgia Southern
vs. @ Arkansas State
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Troy
vs. ULM
vs. @ New Mexico State
vs. @ South Alabama
vs. Appalachian State
vs. @ Auburn
vs. Texas State
BYE WEEK


Early Prediction: 1-11 (0-8)

Sunbelt Conference's Potential NFL Talent:

(These are guys playing in the conference this year who are already on NFL team's radars)

Marcus Cox - RB (Appalachian State)

Chris Nutall - RB (Texas State)

Matt Breida - RB (Georgia Southern)

Jonnu Smith - TE (Florida International)

Darion Griswold - TE (Arkansas State)

Adrian Bellard - OT (Texas State)

Ronald Blair - DE (Appalachian State)

Gerrand Johnson - DT (ULM)

David Mims - CB (Texas State)

Doug Middleton - S (Appalachian State)