Sun Belt Power Rankings: Week Three

We just finished week two and it was a wild weekend in the Fun Belt. We saw FCS blowouts, an FCS upset, cancellations due to Hurricane Irma, and a huge road win over a heated rival. It was the final week before we see some conference contests begin this coming Saturday. It’s safe to say that the hot seat has a reached a boiling point in Statesboro.

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1.) Appalachian State Mountaineers (1-0, beat Savannah State 54-7)

Last Week: 1

Appalachian State did exactly what it was suppose to do on Saturday and the Mountaineers crushed a bad FCS team. It was one of Taylor Lamb’s best game as passer as he recorded 327 passing yards for five touchdowns on 15 attempts. The Mountaineers had a very balanced rushing attack that collected 279 yards on the ground and the defense only gave up 114 yards. Scott Satterfield’s club opens up Sun Belt play on the road this Saturday when they go to Texas State.

2.) Arkansas State Red Wolves (0-1, home game against Miami canceled due to Hurricane Irma)

Last Week: 2

The huge home clash with Miami in Jonesboro was unfortunately canceled due to Hurricane Irma. The Red Wolves, therefore, received a bye week before hosting FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff this Saturday.

3.) Troy Trojans (1-1, beat Alabama State 34-7)

Last Week: 3

It was a long week of practice for the Troy offense but they answered the bell on Saturday putting up 605 yards of total offense. They missed a few scoring opportunities with a pick-six in the redzone and a missed field goal, but other than that they were not stopped all night. Meanwhile, it was another dominating performance by the defense. Troy heads on the road to face a red hot New Mexico State team on Saturday.

4.) New Mexico State Aggies (1-1, won at New Mexico 30-28)

Last Week: 4

The Aggies continued their ridiculous offensive production as they posted 500 yards on the Lobos as senior quarterback Tyler Rogers has been on fire. Rogers threw for over 400 yards and has thrown seven touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, the defense is producing some big plays behind the line of scrimmage and it should be a crazy atmosphere this Saturday as NMSU hosts Troy.

5.) UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (1-1, lost at Tulsa 66-42)

Last Week: 6

It appears that Mark Hudspeth has fixed all of UL-Lafayette’s offensive issues as new offensive coordinator Will Hall has this offense posting 7.2 yards per play which is good enough for 20th in the country. The Cajuns are getting good quarterback play from Jordan Davis and appear to have found answers at running back in freshmen Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas. However, the defense has been lit up as Mike Lucas’ group currently has the worst scoring defense in the country. The Cajuns face a tall challenge this weekend as they go to College Station to take on Texas A&M.

6.) Idaho Vandals (1-1, lost to UNLV 44-16)

Last Week: 5

It was a very disappointing effort from Paul Petrino’s squad last week as the Rebels ran for 357 yards on what was suppose to be an improved defense in Moscow. Idaho fell in a big hole in the third quarter and this one became a blowout very quickly. The offense is off to a slow start behind Matt Linehan as they are trying to find some answers at receiver. The Vandals have a tall task as they head to Kalamazoo to take on a strong Western Michigan squad this weekend.

7.) South Alabama Jaguars (lost to Oklahoma State 44-7)

Last Week: 7

All eyes were on Mobile on Friday night with ESPN in town and the Jags laid an egg. It was a solid performance by the defense against one of the best offenses in the country, but the offense was brutal all night. The Jags lost starting quarterback Cole Garvin on the opening possession and their offensive line was totally outclassed by the Oklahoma State front seven. Joey Jones and company should get the first win of the season when the Jags host FCS Alabama A&M on Saturday.

8.) ULM Warhawks (0-1, game at Florida State canceled due to Hurricane Irma)

Last Week: 8

The Warhawks were unable to go on the road as their game against Florida State was canceled. This week they have a huge opportunity as they’ll be hosting Southern Miss to Malone Stadium. Garrett Smith has been named the starter by Matt Viator and the Warhawks will look to get their third upset win in the Viator era.

9.) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (1-0, bye week)

Last Week: 9

The Chants had a rare week two bye as they get ready to head on the road to face UAB. It’s a unique battle as this is Coastal’s first year in FBS and UAB is back after eliminating their football program. It’s one of two Conference USA-Sun Belt matchups this weekend.

10.) Texas State Bobcats (1-1, lost at Colorado 37-3)

Last Week: 12

Texas State went to Boulder this weekend and they put up a strong performance against a solid Colorado offense. The Bobcats held the Buffs to only 97 rushing yards and were able to hold Colorado to three field goals in the redzone. The offense still has major issues but Anthony Taylor really ran the ball well on Saturday. We’ll learn more about the Bobcats on Saturday when the conference’s best team comes to town.

11.) Georgia Southern (0-2, lost to New Hampshire 22-12)

Last Week: 10

It was an all systems failure as the Eagles fell to FCS New Hampshire in Birmingham. The new option offense is off to a very bad start and redshirt freshman quarterback Shai Werts is really struggling. The running game is absolutely brutal and this is currently the worst offense in the FBS. The defense has been okay but they aren’t getting any help. A bye week comes at a perfect time for Tyson Summers.

12.) Georgia State (0-1, bye week)

Last Week: 11

The Panthers are coming off a bye week and they’ll head on the road on Saturday to take on a very talented Penn State squad. Shawn Elliott’s squad had a lot of work to get done and we’ll see how much they’ve improved when they head to Happy Valley.