The Sun Belt Conference’s top dog has finally been dethroned, and now the entire conference is up for grabs. Some teams find themselves in better positions, some teams have found a chance to win the entire thing. The chaos doesn’t end with the top of the league, with most of the bottom half of the conference experiencing major shakeup.
- Louisiana Tech (+2)
For the first time all season, someone other than James Madison is at the top of the power rankings. Louisiana Tech now sits atop the tower in its first year in the Sun Belt. It is a deserving spot, as the Bulldogs are now the only team in the Sun Belt to not have a loss in conference play, and have shut out their last two opponents. The next test will be Saturday against South Alabama, and maybe their only test until the Sun Belt Championship Game.
- App State (+2)
The win of the week across the Group of 6, as App State took down JMU 34-31. Quarterback Malachi Singleton led a 14-3 comeback against the only undefeated G6 team. Linebacker Colton Phares was also exceptional, totaling 13 tackles and an interception. The Mountaineers now control their destiny for a division title, but the Deeper Than Hate rivalry against Georgia Southern awaits.
- James Madison (-2)
The Dukes are still probably the best team in the Sun Belt, but they took their first loss against App State Thursday. To add insult to injury, running back George Pettaway went down with injury late in the game, and will likely miss multiple weeks. Up next for JMU will be Troy, the second of three consecutive Thursday night games.
- South Alabama (-2)
A bad Tuesday night loss to Marshall was overshadowed by the events on Thursday and Saturday, but South Alabama took its first loss in conference play. The quarterback position needs to be solved quickly, as Jared Hollins was 12-33 for 148 yards and an interception against the Thundering Herd. It will have to get right quickly as the Jaguars host Louisiana Tech Saturday.
- Georgia Southern (+2)
No game for Georgia Southern, but lucked out in the rankings, passing two teams that each lost. The Eagles need help for a division title, but have a great opportunity at home to ruin their biggest rival’s season Saturday night.
- Arkansas State (+3)
Arkansas State hasn’t made any sense all season, but have picked up two great wins recently, this week against Georgia State. If the Red Wolves can continue this momentum, the division could be theirs. Quarterback Trey Owens had his most efficient game in an Arkansas State jersey, throwing for 309 yards, 2 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
- Marshall (+5)
Even without their starting quarterback, the Thundering Herd found a way to get their first Sun Belt win of the season Tuesday night. Having already played JMU and South Alabama, the schedule is favorable, only needing two wins to make a bowl game.
- Georgia State (-3)
The run of injured quarterbacks continued with Georgia State, losing Cameran Brown, and losing its second consecutive game. Despite this, the Panthers only lost 6 to a red hot Arkansas State squad, and ran for over 200 yards. Georgia State heads back home to play Coastal Carolina Saturday.
- Louisiana (-3)
The Louisiana rollercoaster continues, this time giving Southern Miss its first victory. In the last three games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have given up 32 to Louisiana Tech, 6 to Troy and now 35 to Southern Miss.
- Coastal Carolina (-)
Coastal Carolina didn’t play this week, and will play Georgia State next, who has been ice cold defensively the last couple of games. It is an environment that quarterback Deuce Bailey can thrive in, as he has had ups and downs all season.
- Troy (-3)
It can only be up from here, after collapsing to ULM, the only winless team in the FBS. It was a horrible loss for the Trojans, and with JMU up next, but on a positive note, a win against the Dukes would flip the season.
- Southern Miss (+1)
Southern Miss got its first conference win against Louisiana 35-31. Running back Jamarice Wilder ran for 154 yards and 1 touchdown in the win. The final drive was particularly impressive for the Golden Eagles, going 75 yards in less than two minutes to win the game. The chances to build a winning streak is strong against ULM.
- ULM (+1)
ULM has finally won a game, stealing the win from Troy, scoring 18 points in the final 2:34 of the game. It is nice to get over the hump, but now the Warhawks get Southern Miss next, who are also coming off its first conference win.
- Old Dominion (-3)
Someone has to take the fall and go last after ULM’s first win, and Old Dominion was shut out by Louisiana Tech, and the offense has looked poor all season, even with the win over App State.
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