With the 2017 College Football Season ready to kick off, there are many teams that will be vying for the Sun Belt Conference championship. The addition of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers makes this conference ever deeper, even if the Sun Belt has established a reputation historically as being one of the weaker conferences in the FBS. Here is our analysis of the top Sun Belt favorites to win, along with our top pick for a dark horse. The betting odds to win the Sun Belt Conference this season have been provided by 5Dimes.
TOP FAVORITES TO WIN THE SUN BELT
APPALACHIAN STATE +150
The Mountaineers are the staple of mid-major power. Appalachian State opened their 2016 campaign in what might have been yet another signature Mountaineers upset, as overtime was required for a highly-touted Tennessee team to escape App State despite the Mountaineers entering as an 18-point underdog. Despite it all, App State grabbed a piece of the Sun Belt Championship pie when they finished 7-1 in conference to play to draw with Arkansas State for the conference credentials. With consistent success against the competition since their arrival to the FBS, Appalachian State is a tough team to pass on. However, the price is not so affable here.
ARKANSAS STATE +275
If there was a team that knew how to win this conference in the most incredulous of fashions, it would have to be the Red Wolves of Arkansas State. In 2016, the Red Wolves found a way to come from behind to steal the conference title from the front-runner for most of the season, Troy State. Arkansas State has a tendency to finish their seasons strong and thus they can never be counted out, especially now as a two-time defending champion.
TROY +275
For the Trojans, 2016 must be the season that could have been. The Trojans were in control of the Sun Belt until they were routed by the defending big dogs of the conference, Arkansas State by a score of 35-3. From that point forward, Troy had to win out to get a piece of the Sun Belt title but failed to do so when they were upset in Statesboro, Georgia by the Eagles of Georgia Southern. It is difficult to hard sell Troy when they are once again up against the likes of App State and Ark State, two teams with proven ability to win this conference; one of which is offered at an identical price.
BEST DARK HORSE TO WIN THE SUN BELT
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE +1200
If there was a coach that was primed to know how to navigate and compete in this league, it would have to be Ragin’ Cajuns boss Mark Hudspeth. Hudspeth also has a long history co-operating with Offensive Coordinator Jorge Munoz, which means this duo has a scheme implemented and knows how to get its personnel to buy in. This is instrumental be that these philosophies have allowed Hudspeth to lead Lafayette to several New Orleans Bowls previously. Additionally, Hudspeth and Munoz have teamed to successfully deliver victories to the Louisiana institution in post-season play. Currently, the Cajuns are in a drought so it’s only a matter of time before they emerge again. Hudspeth has also recruited some NFL-caliber talent to the cause, including current New York Jets running back Elijah McGuire. At this price, the Cajuns are an excellent look as an off-the-radar play.
