Sun Belt Conference Preview 2021
Our Sun Belt Conference preview 2021 observes that of the Group of Five this conference is ranked third, between the Mountain West Conference and C-USA. Last year, half of the Sun Belt teams went to bowl games. Their overall record was 4-1 with the lone loss going to the Sun Belt Conference’s top team in the East Division, Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers played the Liberty Flames in the Cure Bowl and lost in OT 34-37. The Sun Belt is a solid conference composed of teams that can hold their own against other Group of Five teams.
Sun Belt Conference Preview 2021 – Team Profiles and Standings
There’s plenty of action to preview. Here are some of the key games for 2021. Louisiana is at Texas (Sep. 4) in a game that the Ragin’ Cajuns will try to steal from the Longhorns and their new head coach, Steve Sarkisian. September 11 offers two big contests featuring Power Five teams, as Appalachian State is at Miami and Kansas plays at Coastal Carolina. In 2019, the Mountaineers beat two Power Five clubs. Also, in the past two seasons, the Chanticleers have owned the Jayhawks. Might both of these SBC teams take down these major non-conference opponents?
Our next three games are focused on Appalachian State. Marshall is at Appalachian State (Sep. 23), the Mountaineers play Louisiana (Oct. 12), and Coastal Carolina travels to Appalachian State (Oct. 20). The Thundering Herd and Mountaineers should play one another closely. Last year, the Ragin’ Cajuns beat ASU after losing the last eight meetings. Will the Mountaineers avenge that loss? Finally, last season, the Chanticleers ended Appalachian State’s dominance of first place by beating them 34-23. Once again, the question is will ASU avenge that loss?
Louisiana State has beaten Arkansas State three years running. They play on October 21 in a game that could determine who takes the West. The Georgia State vs. Georgia Southern (Oct. 30) matchup looks to have divisional impact and postseason ramifications. Finally, there are three games to watch in November. On the 20th, the battle between Louisiana and Liberty could determine final rankings in the AP top-20 poll. On November 27, Georgia Southern is at Appalachian State in a game that could decide the Mountaineers’ national ranking, while ULM plays Louisiana in a contest where the Ragin’ Cajuns should be heavily favored. Can the Warhawks make it more competitive and spoil the spread?
Sun Belt Conference East
The East Division will be a battle between Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina. Last season, the Chanticleers took down the Mountaineers, knocking them out of first place and earning the right to play for the Sun Belt crown. In the end, we think that ASU will win the day. But it won’t be easy. The other three teams, Georgia State, Troy, and Georgia Southern, all have a shot at making a postseason appearance. The Georgia State Panthers may eke out an additional win to secure that bowl berth.
1. Appalachian State Mountaineers
Last season, after finishing second in the East with a 6-2 record and a 9-3 mark overall, the Appalachian State Mountaineers beat the North Texas Mean Green 56-28 in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Our Sun Belt Conference preview 2021 notes that the Mountaineers have a big question mark at quarterback. Former backup at Clemson and starter at Duke Chase Brice will replace the formidable Zac Thomas. Brice does have deep and accomplished receiving and rushing units and a fine O-line. Five pass catchers return, each of whom had three-or-more touchdowns last year. Included is leading receiver Thomas Hennigan (47 REC, 616 YDs, 3 TDs) and tight end Henry Pearson (16 REC, 180 YDs, 4 TDs). The running backs include top rusher Camerun Peoples (1,124 YDs, 12 TDs, 6.7 YPA). Nate Noel (510 YDs, 3 TDs, 6.2 YPA) and Daetrich Harrington (595 YDs, 7 TDs, 5.6 YPA) will also get reps.
On defense, the D-line is the weakest unit, and it is far from weak. The front three are led by DE Demetrius Taylor. Last year, he recorded 40 tackles, six sacks, seven TFL, four PBU, and eight QBH. The linebacking group includes the two top tacklers, ILB Trey Cobb and OLB D’Marco Jackson who each notched 91 bringdowns. Cobb recorded three sacks, 6.5 TFL, and six QBH. The omnipresent Jackson was good for 2.5 sacks, four TFL, six PBU, two picks, and four QBH. The pass D is solid. OLB Brendan Harrington grabbed four picks and defended six passes while also recording four TFL and four QBH. The secondary is premium. Free safety Ryan Huff returns after posting three INTs and four PBU. Three other deep backs totaled 18 PBU and four picks.
2. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Last season, the Chanticleers topped the SBC with 37.2 PPG (18th Nationally). QB Grayson McCall expertly leads this team’s dynamic triple-option offense. McCall completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 2,488 yards and 26 TDs while tossing just three picks. Three pass catchers with double-digit receptions return, including WR Jason Heiligh who made 65 catches for 998 yards and 10 scores while tight end Isaiah Likely recorded 30 receptions and five TDs. The ground game loses C.J. Marable, which means Shermari Jones, who averaged 4.7 YPA while scoring three times. McCall rushed for 569 yards and seven TDs while averaging 5.1 YPA. The O-line returns five starters and is one of the best of the best in the Sun Belt.
Once again, expect the D to be tough. Last season, they allowed 20.2 PPG (2nd SBC, 19th Nationally). Of the 11 starters, 10 are back. The one loss is Tarron Jackson (54 TKLs, 8.5 SCKs, 5.5 TFL, 18 QBH), the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. DT C.J. Brewer (60 TKLs, 6.5 SCKs, 4.5 TFL, 6 QBH) anchors the front three. The linebacking unit includes WLB Silas Kelly (80 TKLs, 5 SCKs, 1 INT) and OLB Jeffrey Gunter (58 TKLs, 6.5 SCKs, 6 TFL, 12 QBH). The secondary is solid and includes cornerback D’ Jordan Strong (30 TKLs, 7 PBU, 5 INTs) and strong safety Alex Spillum (50 TKLs, 4 PBU, 4 INTs).
3. Georgia State Panthers
Our Sun Belt Conference preview 2021 notes that last season, after finishing third in the East with a 4-4 record and an overall mark of 6-4, the Panthers went to their third straight bowl game. Georgia State met WKU in the Lending Tree Bowl, beating them 39-21. All 11 starters return to an offense that averaged a school-record 33.3 PPG. Versatile QB Cornelius Brown IV tossed 17 TD passes and rushed for seven more scores while accumulating 2,579 yards. He tossed 10 picks. The pass-catching unit includes four players with double-digit catches. WR Sam Pickney leads the group with 47 catches and seven TD receptions. Tight end Roger Carter caught 23 passes with four going for scores. Dustin Coates and Tuckers Gregg, a dynamic rushing tandem, totaled 1,237 yards and 13 TDs. The O-line is premium.
Last season, the Panthers held teams to just 3.9 YPA on the ground while making 34 sacks. That second number tied Coastal Carolina for most in the Sun Belt. The frontline of DE Hardrick Willis (25 TKLs, 6 SCKs, 1 TFL), NT Dontae Wilson (27 TKLs, 0 SCKs, 3.5 TFL), and DE Jeffrey Clark (26 TKLs, 3.5 SCKs, 2.5 TFL) return. Although the D-line looks solid, the linebacking unit must replace the nation’s sack leader Jordan Strachan (10.5 SCKs) who transferred to South Carolina. Also, LB Trajan Stephens-McQueen, who totaled 62 tackles and 6.5 TFL, is gone. This unit needs help. The secondary is experienced and deep. It includes corners Quavian White (40 TKLs, 8 PBU, 3 INTs) and Jaylon Jones (39 TKLs, 11 PBU, 0 INTs) and safeties Chris Moore (34 TKLs, 3 PBU, 0 INTs) and Antavious Lane (55 TKLs, 6 PBU, 4 INTs).
4. Troy Trojans
In 2020, Troy did what they have done for the past two seasons, they posted a losing record. Last year, they went 3-4 in the conference and 5-6 overall, finishing last in the East. They averaged 27.4 PPG and allowed 25.7 PPG. Although 11 starters return, their spots are not guaranteed, as last season the Trojan scoring was down from 2019 by almost a full touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Gunnar Watson, who completed 70.1 percent of his passes for 16 scores and seven picks, has competition from senior Jacob Free and Missouri transfer Taylor Powell. Three of last season’s top receivers are gone, which leaves Reggie Todd as the leader of the group. In 2020, Todd caught 43 passes with six going for scores. Freshman Kimani Vidal, who averaged 5.1 YPA, leads the rush attack. The O-line is solid.
Last season, the defense made majors strides, as they went from being the 116th-rated scoring D (34.8 PPG) to the 41st (25.7 PPG). Second-year coordinator Brandon Hall deserves a lot of the credit. All-SBC tackle Will Choloh (39 TKLs, 4.5 SCKs, 3 TFL, 3 QBH) anchors the front three while All-SBC linebacker Carlton Marshall (113 TKLs, 1 SCK, 9 TFL, 3 PBU, 1 INT, 2 QBH), who led the team and tied nationally for first in tackles, is the lynchpin of this D. Strong safety Dell Pettus (58 TKLs, 2 TFL, 5 PBU, 1 INT) leads the secondary. Each unit has been enhanced with an influx of Power Five transfers.
5. Georgia Southern Eagles
Last season, the Eagles finished fourth in the division with a 4-4 record and an overall mark of 8-5. Our Sun Belt Conference preview 2021 notes that their 267.1 YPG in rushing offense topped the conference and was fifth in the nation. However, with 104.2 YPG passing, they ranked last in the SBC and 124th overall. Four-year starting QB Shai Werts, who has an additional year of eligibility, transferred to Louisville, which means sophomore Justin Tomlin may move up. However, Georgia Tech transfer James Graham has a shot at the position too. The Eagle receiving unit is thin, as Kaleb Hood (15 REC, 14.9 YPC, 2 TDs) returns as the only pass catcher with double-digit receptions. Werts, who led the option offense in rushing, notched 11 TDs last year. Still, the ground game sees running backs J.D. King (116 ATT, 625 YDs, 5 TDs, 5.4 YPA) and Logan Wright (99 ATT, 602 YDs, 4 TDs, 6.1 YPA) return. They’ll be well served by an O-line that welcomes four-of-five starters back.
The team’s 3-4 defense, which was adopted by coordinator Scott Sloan in 2018, has made this side of the ball very effective. Last season, they allowed 20.8 PPG (3rd SBC, 23rd Nationally). Although the frontline is the weakest part of the defense, they do feature NT C.J. Wright (39 TKLs, 1 SCK, 4.5 TFL, 1 PBU, 4 QBH). He’s the glue of this group. The linebackers are deep and experienced. Two starters, OLBs Zyon McGee (35 TKLs, 3 TFL, 1 PBU) and Randy Wade (34 TKLs, 2.5 TFL), return. The secondary includes the SBC’s best defender, corner Derrick Canteen (48 TKLs, 10 PBU, 6 INTs). This deep group is the best part of Georgia Southern’s D. The team does lack a signature pass rusher.
Sun Belt Conference West
Our Sun Belt Conference preview 2021 finds that in the West there’s much less competition. In essence, it’s Louisiana’s division to lose. Last year, the Ragin’ Cajuns dominated the West, as they went 7-1 in the conference and 10-1 overall. South Alabama was second at 3-5 and 4-7. Louisiana took the SBC Championship and, also, won the First Responder Bowl, beating UTSA 31-24. In 2021, this same scenario could play out. After the Ragin’ Cajuns, it looks to be Arkansas State, Texas State, South Alabama, and ULM. We expect that the only team that may qualify for a bowl berth will be the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
1. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
In the last three seasons, this team has accumulated 28 wins and 11 losses with last year’s record being 10-1. Also, they’ve made three bowl appearances, winning each one. Last year, they topped the West with a 7-1 conference mark, averaging 33.6 PPG and allowing 22.0 PPG. QB Levi Lewis, who threw 19 TD passes while rushing for five scores, returns for a fifth season. He’s 24-4 as a starter. Nine-of-10 top pass catchers return, including WRs Kyren Lacy (28 REC, 13.0 YPC, 4 TDS) and Jalen Williams (20 REC, 18.0 YPC, 4 TDS). RBs Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas, who last season totaled 1,613 rushing yards and 18 TDs, are off to the NFL. Versatile Chris Smuth, who’s notched 1,639 receiving and rushing yards over the past two years, will likely start. The frontline is especially skilled and experienced.
The Cajuns gave up just 22.0 PPG (4th SBC, 31st Nationally). Twenty-two defenders who logged a minimum of 100 snaps each last year return. The three starting D-liners are back, including All-SBC DT Zi’Yon Hill. He recorded 49 tackles, four sacks, and two QBH. MLB Lorenzo McCaskill and WLB Ferrod Gardner finished with 83 and 74 tackles respectively. Gardner posted 4.5 sacks, 2.5 TFL, and 3 QBH. Chauncey Manac (31 TKLs, 2 SCKs, 3.5 TFL, 1 INT, 2 QBH) plays Jack. The secondary is one of the best in the nation. They are eight deep. Last season, the Cajun D held 11 teams to under 200 passing yards. Corners Mekhi Garner and Bralen Trahan are top-notch defenders. Last year, Garner recorded seven PBU and three interceptions while Trahan had nine PBU and four picks.
2. Arkansas State Wolves
Although our Sun Belt Conference preview 2021 anticipates ASU finishing second in the West, we don’t expect them to have a winning season. Last year, they were 2-6 overall and 4-7 in the SBC, which left them in fourth place. The Wolves averaged 32.9 PPG (5th SBC, 35th Nationally). Although they had a dynamic pass attack with 364.4 YPG (1st SBC, 2nd Nationally), ASU’s ground game was weak, as they averaged just 125.4 YPG (7th SBC, 103rd Nationally). Sophomore QB Layne Hatcher (59.8 COMP%, 2,058 YDs, 19 TDs, 2 INTs) is solid, but FSU transfer James Blackman will compete to start. There’s a fine receiving unit, which includes WRs Dahu Green (32 REC, 16.9 YPC, 5 TDs) and Corey Rucker (16 REC, 28.3 YPC, 5 TDs). The ground attack features two promising players, Lincoln Pare and Marcel Murray. Both have battled injuries. The O-line has experience but needs more muscle.
New D-coordinator Rob Harley, former LB coach for Pitt, inherits a squad that was nationally ranked 115th. The Wolves move from a three-four arrangement to a four-man front in an attempt to reduce the 37.2 PPG they allowed last season. Senior tackle Terry Hampton (35 TCKLs, 2 SCKs, 4 TFL) anchors the line while three experienced linebackers return. They’ll try to make up for Justin Rice, who went to Utah State, and his 76 tackles, seven sacks, and 11.5 TFL. The LBs, led by senior Jeffmario Brown (44 TKLs, 4 TFL, 4 PBU, 2 QBH), have potential. Elery Alexander (54 TKLs, 4.5 TFL, 5 PBU) and Antonio Fletcher (40 TKLs, 3 PBU, 2 INTs) return to play strong and free safety. Both are sound; however, the corners are major question marks.
3. Texas State Bobcats
Last year was typical for the Cats, as they went 2-10 and finished third in the West. Over the past five years, this team has averaged 2.4 wins per season. The good news is that the offense improved from averaging 18.4 PPG (121st Nationally) in 2019 to 27.7 PPG (69th) in 2021. Three quarterbacks are competing for the job with sophomore Brady McBride (61.3 COMP%, 17 TDs, 7 INTs) being the leading candidate. The receiving unit lacks depth. Look for wideout Marcell Barbee (40 Rec, 14.6 YPC, 10 TDs) to be the primary target. The ground game is led by the solid tandem of Brock Sturges (111 ATT, 4.8 YPA, 5 TDs) and Calvin Hill (101 ATT, 5.2 YPA, 5 TDs). There’s potential there. The O-line includes three good transfers who should help the unit.
Last season, Texas State was 125th in total defense. There’s experience on this side of the ball, as seven of this team’s top tacklers return. DE Nico Ezidore is the Bobcats’ top returning tackler with 66. He also recorded 3.5 sacks and 9.5 TFL. He’s joined by two transfers, Nicholas McCann (Texas Tech) and JUNCO lineman DeOnte Washington. The linebacking unit will be helped by Texas Tech transfer Brayden Stringer. This is a thin group. The best part of the Texas State defense is the secondary. Corner Jarron Harris, who led the team with 69 tackles, 11 PBU, and four INTs, is the lynchpin of the unit. He was second-team All-SBC last season. Strong safety DeJordan Mask (49 TKLs, 0.5 TFL, 5 PBU) brings a solid game.
4. South Alabama Jaguars
In 2020, the Jags went 4-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference to earn a second-place finish. The last time this team finished close to posting a winning regular-season record was 2016 when they went 6-6. That was also the last time South Alabama competed in a bowl game. In 2020, the Jaguars averaged just 19.9 PPG (9th SBC, 112th Nationally). The defense allowed 27.3 PPG (6th SBC, 53rd Nationally). The good news is the Jags are now coached by Kane Wommack, the 34-year-old former Indiana defensive coordinator. Jake Bentley, a Utah transfer who started for South Carolina for three years, comes in to start at QB. In 39 games, he has tossed 61 TD passes and 38 INTs completing 62.4 percent of his passes. Three-of-four top receivers return, including Jalen Tolbert (64 REC, 1,085 YDs, 8 TDs). The ground attack and O-line are major question marks.
The South Alabama defense, which shifts from a 3-4 design to 4-2-5, is a work-in-progress. NT Gi’Narious Johnson leads the frontline, while Chris Henderson, who notched 3.5 TFL and 5 QBH last season, gets a crack at the edge rusher spot. There’s talent in the linebacking unit as A.J. DeShazor returns after recording 48 tackles, three TFL, and one PBU. LB Nick Mobley, who notched 94 tackles, two PBU, and one INT, is the anchor of this group. The secondary brings back two reliable defenders in cornerback Devin Rockette (28 TKLs, 3 PBU, 2 INTs) and free safety Keith Gallmon (84 TKLs, 10 PBU, 5 INTs). The spots on the rest of the unit are up for grabs.
5. ULM Warhawks
It’s hard not to improve on an 0-10 record. Although since 1975 the Warhawks have enjoyed just two winning seasons, until 2020 they has never lost every game. There’s nowhere for this team to go but up. Last season, the 122nd-ranked offense averaged 16.3 PPG while the 124th-ranked defense gave up 42.0 PPG. New head coach Terry Bowden has brought in new coordinators as well as a new quarterback, Arizona graduate transfer Rhett Rodriguez. Rodriguez brings mediocre stats and will compete with another midland QB, Jeremy Hunt. The receivers are experienced but not spectacular. The ground unit is less experienced. The O-line is questionable. Various transfers have been added.
Our Sun Belt Conference preview 2021 notes that although eight starters return on D, this side of the ball will be undergoing a major rebuilding effort. The line features end Ty Shelby (36 TKLs, 2 SCKS, 4.5 TFL, 2 QBH), while the linebacking unit is led by Traveion Webster. Last season, Webster, the lynchpin of the unit, led the Warhawks with 82 tackles, 2.5 sacks, six TFL, and five QBH. He is a major talent. In the secondary, free safety Austin Hawley is a premium player, recording 77 tackles, 4.5 TFL, one PBU, and one INT. Corner Josh Newton, who recorded five PBU and one INT, is solid. Last season, this unit could not stop the run. Upgrades in front are needed.
2021 Bowl Matchups
Boca Raton Bowl: Appalachian State vs. UAB
Camellia Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. Ohio
Lending Tree Bowl: Troy vs. Middle Tennessee
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Georgia State vs. Kent State
New Orleans Bowl: Louisiana vs. FAU
Sun Belt Conference Preview 2021 – Final Thoughts
Our Sun Belt Conference Preview 2021 anticipates the Appalachian State Mountaineers and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns meeting for the league championship. The Ragin’ Cajuns have a good chance of taking down the title. As noted, the East is much more competitive than the West, and we anticipate that four-of-five bowl contenders will come from that division with Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Troy, and Georgia State all appearing in postseason games. Of course, during the bowl season, Louisiana will represent the West.