Sun Belt Power Rankings: Week Seven

We're already halfway through the season. If that doesn't make you sad, you must be dead inside. In that case, it's you're fault for going to Idaho in the first place. Who picks up a college brochure and says, "Moscow? Sounds nice."

It's not that I don't think Moscow, Idaho can't be fun. Any group of humans that spends that much time snowed in has to know how to party. All I'm saying is, you knew what you were getting yourself into when you began rooting for a team that plays in a blimp hangar.

This week also allows us to ask the question, "did Troy win because they wanted to send their coach off right, or were they just losing to spite him?" It's a dumb question, but if you say it out loud in front of a Troy fan, you can see them start to panic. Try it out.

Either way, this is the midpoint. Georgia Southern is on top of the conference, Larry Blakeney is the first coach out, and Texas State is favored over UL Lafayette. Just like we planned it.

LET'S RANK SOME POWER.

1 Georgia Southern Eagles 5-2 (4-0)

The Eagles are holding on to the top spot, but just barely. I'm not saying a 23-point win over a conference opponent isn't impressive, but you need to put on a show if you want stay ahead of Arkansas State in this poll. Sure, the Sun Belt might hand out co-championships, but we don't play that participation award crap. Take the bye week to think about that, Georgia Southern.  Read the full game recap here.

2 Arkansas State Red Wolves 4-2 (2-0)

Damn, Red Wolves. It's almost like you're trying to impress someone. They could have ended this game in the first quarter, and we would have still called it 24-0 ass-whoopin. Don't get complacent though. That showdown in Lafayette next Tuesday will be the real test, and it could put A-State over the top. Read the full game recap here.

3 South Alabama Jaguars 3-2 (2-1)

A bye week means the Jags got back to doing what Mobile does best; shipyard based, self programming, arc welding robots for heavy industry. Witness the first of our future overlords here.

4 Texas State Bobcats 3-2 (1-0)

5 Louisiana Ragin Cajuns 2-3 (1-0)

TXST and UL face off tonight to decide which is mediocre, and which is slightly less so. That may not be a ringing endorsement, but WOOO TUESDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL! Read the in-depth game preview here.

6 ULM Warhawks 3-3 (2-1)

ULM got off to a great start, leading Kentucky 14-3 after the first quarter. But something just didn't work the rest of the game. I think it was the "getting outscored 45-0" thing that ultimately bit them.  Read the full game recap here.

7 Troy Trojans 1-5 (1-1)

Well shit, Troy. If we knew a 17-point conference win was going to be your reaction, we would have had Blakeney announce his retirement in August. It may not have had the same impact as five straight losses, but at least you figured it out at the season's midpoint. Welcome to the party. Read the full game recap here.

8 New Mexico State Aggies 2-5 (1-2)

The Aggies started out the season strong and slowly got ground to dust. I kind of feel bad for them. This was the worst possible week to face Troy. It was immediately after playing LSU and Georgia Southern, with the Trojans coming off a bye week and coaching resignation. Honestly, it could have been much worse. Read the full game recap here.

9 Appalachian St. Mountaineers 1-5 (0-2)

App. State may have made the move to the FBS, but apparently nobody told their team. A loss to Liberty, even in overtime, should be a violation of your probationary status as a Sun Belt member. Of course, if that was true, we wouldn't have a Sun Belt. No recap though, because you didn't earn it.

10 Georgia State Panthers 1-5 (0-3)

Probably the biggest tragedy for Georgia State is that they don't get to play Idaho this year. That game would be great for two reasons. It would double one of the head coach's total wins at their current school, and it would get the other fired. Now, they both might get fired.

11 Idaho Vandals 0-6 (0-4)

Its the halfway point of the season, and we officially have the first team ineligible for a bowl game. By not rescheduling the suspended season opener against Florida, Idaho plays only an eleven game schedule, and therefore, is guaranteed a losing record this season. Let's take a moment of silence to remember our fallen brothers. Read the full game recap here.