Plenty of questions in the Sun Belt

MeanGreen61 · July 21, 2006

By MONTE HALE JR.

hale@dnj.com

With the days quickly ticking down to the start of the 2006 college football season, MTSU fans are certainly anxious as a new era in Division I-A football unfolds.

First-year coach Rick Stockstill, who replaced Andy McCollum in the offseason, certainly has a team with a lot of question marks entering the season. However, so do all of his counterparts in the Sun Belt.

With that in mind, let's just examine a few of the unknowns facing teams in the Sun Belt in the order in which they finished a year ago.

Arkansas State: A surprise tri-champion in the league last year, ASU did what no other team did — go undefeated in conference play at home. It was that simple as to why the Indians went to the New Orleans Bowl.

However, can the Indians repeat with the losses of quarterback Nick Noce and Antonio Warren, the all-time rushing leader in the program's history?

Louisiana-Lafayette:The Ragin' Cajuns won their last five games a year ago and by most accounts are the prohibitive favorite to win the Sun Belt. However, can ULL handle the bullseye on its chest and will it improve defensively?

Louisiana-Monroe:The Warhawks tied with ASU and ULL for the title last year and have improved every season under coach Charlie Weatherbie. However, can anyone really replace quarterback Steven Jyles, the all-time leading receiver in the Sun Belt, and 6-foot-6 wide receiver Drouzon Quillen, who bypassed his final season for the NFL draft?

Florida International: The Panthers won their last three games, four of their last five and return some of the best skill players in the league, as well as two players — linebackers Keyonvis Bouie and Antwan Barnes — who will contend for defensive player of the year honors. However, can FIU overcome losing 27 players to graduation and will the offensive line be stable enough?

MTSU:The Blue Raiders were a major disappointment last season. Thus, a change was made. The cupboard isn't bare, but will the receiving corps develop and can Stockstill develop a winning mindset?

Troy:The Trojans also were a disappointment last season and have gone to more of a passing attack. However, will JUCO transfer quarterback Omar Haugabook be the answer?

Florida Atlantic:The Owls won nine games two years ago, but lost more than 25 players to graduation and suffered through a 2-9 season in 2005. Will the young pups from a year ago take their game to a new level this season, and who will play quarterback?

North Texas:The Mean Green's dominance of the Sun Belt ended last season when they finished 2-9 overall and in a tie for last in the Sun Belt. North Texas should be a factor again in 2006, but will it get better quarterback play?

As one can see, there are plenty of question marks for everyone in the Sun Belt Conference. MTSU and Florida International get the first opportunity to address them in 41 days when the two meet at Floyd Stadium Aug. 31.