Preseason Football Practice Opens For Ragin' Cajuns

UL-Lafayette will prepare for the 2012 Football season beginning on Wednesday morning. Second year head coach Mark Hudspeth will welcome 105 players to campus on Wednesday.

UL-Lafayette 

The 2012 football season will officially get underway on Wednesday (Aug. 1) when second year UL head coach Mark Hudspeth welcomes 105 student-athletes back to campus for the start of preseason practice.

After checking into the dormitories in the morning, the annual team photo will be taken in the afternoon at Cajun Field and the group will meet as a team in the evening.  The first preseason practice is slated to begin at 8:55 a.m. on Wednesday.

“It will be good to get back out on the grass and continue the process of getting ready for Lamar on Sept. 1,” Hudspeth said.  “Our players have worked hard all summer to get ready for this season and they understand what we are expecting from them this year.

The Cajuns return 15 starters and 39 lettermen from the 2011 that went 9-4 to tie a school record for wins.  UL made its first bowl appearance since 1970, defeating San Diego State, 32-30, in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

Add to the mix the return to the field of 19 players who redshirted last season and the addition of another strong recruiting class, and the 2012 Ragin’ Cajuns should feature a deeper and more talented playing rotation.

Dept for the Ragin Cajuns don’t seem to be a problem as they held into preseason practice and drill, to prepare for the regular season that is only about 30 days away.

The strength of the Cajuns will come on offense where nine starters from the squad that compiled more than 5,000 yards of total offense.  The returners include 2011 Louisiana Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Blaine Gautier, running back Alonzo Harris, the reigning Sun Belt Freshman of the Year.  In addition, four offensive line starters return along with seven receivers who combined to catch almost 200 passes for 2,600 yards, including first team All-Sun Belt choice Javone Lawson (63 catches, 1,092 yards).

Although the defense will feature seven new starters this fall, the overall depth and athleticism of the unit has improved, leaving the coaching staff confident coming out of spring drills.

Cornerbacks Melvin White (64 tackles) and Jemarlous Moten (80 tackles) and linebackers Le'Marcus Gibson (45 tackles) and Jake Molbert (65 tackles) return as starters to form the nucleus of the defense.

The Ragin’ Cajuns open the 2012 season at home against Lamar at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1.

Arkansas State get a commitment from Jonah Hill

Arkansas State picks up another recruit on Monday in All State tight end Jonah Hill of Missouri.

Hillcrest senior tight end Jonah Hill has verbally committed to play football for Arkansas State.

Jonah Hill, TE 

"I couldn’t tell you how it made me feel to go up there (Jonesboro)," Hill told a media source.  "I couldn’t be happier and feel more at home.  With my versatility they're allowing me to play the h-back, fullback position.  Coach Malzahn can make me the best player I can be."

Hill, 6'3" 240 lbs, also received offers from Wyoming, Illinois State and Missouri State.  He was also receiving interest from Kansas State, Missouri, and Tulsa.

Hill says he learned a lot from former teammate Dorial Green-Beckham, whose recruiting process saw national attention, eventually ending with a nationally televised signing to Mizzou.

Jonah Hill was a Missouri class (4) 2nd team all-state tight end as a junior, helping the Hornets to a quarterfinal appearance.

Western Kentucky football to host a kickoff luncheon

Western Kentucky will host a Football Kickoff Luncheon to prepare for their upcoming season.

The luncheon will be at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10 in the Topper Club at Houchens-Smith Stadium. Coach Willie Taggart and WKU players will talk about their season, which begins Sept. 1 against FCS Austin Peavy.

The event is open to the public but will be limited to the first 300 guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation at 270-745-5321 to reserve a seat.  

Jaguars Get Big Defensive Lineman in Lucas Melo

DL Lucas Melo , South Alabama 

The South Alabama Jaguars will be adding a new defensive line with size and experience to their program this week. A size that is needed on the defensive front as they go into the Sun Belt Conference and Division 1 football play.

Lucas Melo of Pierce College in Los Angeles, California will join the Jags on today, just before the Jags began their preseason camp.

Melo is a 6’2″ 305lb all-conference defensive tackle in the Southern California Football League. He had 47 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks, 13 TFL’s, two forced fumbles and two blocked field goals. He was rated a two star recruit by Rivals.com.

Melo had early offers from BYU, New Mexico State and Texas State among others and in February chose to sign with Maine, who is a FCS power. However, after signing day he discovered many of his class credits would not transfer to Maine or to several other schools. He asked for and was granted his release. Then Melo picked up offers from Akron, Buffalo, Georgia State, Jacksonville State, Washington State, Boise State and South Alabama.

When he visited South Alabama he enjoyed his visit. He said that he loved Mobile, the campus and everything about the South Alabama campus. But his decision came down to early playing time and the ability to get into school without any further problems.

Melo said that he believe the coaches envision him as playing primarily at the nose guard position. However, depending on the defensive package he could play end or the 3 technique.

Not only does Melo’s size help the team overall, but he provides experienced depth. This is the type of experience and size Sun Belt teams need up front. Melo will bring a need to size to South Alabama and could help the Jaguars make a difference in their first ever debut in FBS and Sun Belt Conference.

South Alabama preseason practice gets underway this Thursday

South Alabama is preparing for the biggest season of their football program, as they enter into the Sun Belt Conference and Football Bowl Subdivision play.

South Alabama Football Team 

Preseason practice for the University of South Alabama football program will begin under the lights, as the Jaguars will take the field for the first time this fall at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the fields on campus.

USA will also work out at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday before receiving a day off to close out the weekend.  The Jags’ first full week of drills will see the squad practice in the mornings as in years past, with sessions for five straight days beginning at 7:15 a.m.

“We’re very excited.  We’ve had a chance to get away from each other a little bit this summer because we can’t practice,” Jag head coach Joey Jones observed.  “But you can see the look in everyone’s eyes, they are ready to go.  I know the players and coaches are looking forward to this year, so it is a pretty exciting time.”

Ready Go they have to be; the South Alabama Jaguars will face the toughest competition of their program history this fall. As we are on the countdown to the opening game, the Jaguars must get it right in these preseason practices and drills. Because when August 30^th comes it will be time to play football.

The Jaguars will take part in three fall scrimmages, with the first two slated to be held on back-to-back Saturdays — Aug. 11 and 18 — at 8 a.m., while the final one will take place on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 23; that’s one week prior to USA’s season-opening matchup with Texas-San Antonio at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

The Jags will practice twice on Thursday, Aug. 9 and Thursday, Aug. 16, and will be off on Sunday, Aug. 12, Monday, Aug. 20 — the first days of fall semester classes — and Saturday, Aug. 25; they will also have a team exercise off campus on Friday, Aug. 17.

The opening of camp marks the culmination of the efforts of 100-plus individuals in the program, who began training for the 2012 season when the spring semester started in January.  “We challenged our kids back in January when they returned to school — we needed to have a great offseason through the spring and a great spring training, and the summer was very critical for our chances to be successful in the fall,” commented Jones.  “I think they have done what they needed to do.  They were challenged early, and I think they followed through.  What I am most pleased with is that we have leadership with 13 captains who have groups underneath them that we have been meeting with weekly; I have really seen our leadership grow in the last six months, it has been incredible.

USA has recording a winning record in each of its first three seasons of competition after concluding the 2011 campaign with a 6-4 mark, going 23-4 overall during that span.

South Alabama has a lot to prove this fall, from where they was three years ago, to where they are going years from now.

Arkansas State dismisses Mike Dyer

Mike Dyer

Mike Dyer a former Auburn running back has been dismissed from the Arkansas State team according to a press release from the Red Wolves.

Arkansas State on Sunday said that Dyer was dismissed because he violated an undisclosed team rule. Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn announced the move in a news release.

"I am truly disappointed that it didn't work out here at ASU for Mike," Malzahn said.  "I wish Mike nothing but the best in the future." 

Dyer was suspended before Auburn's bowl game last season, and then he followed Malzahn, his offensive coordinator at Auburn, to Arkansas State. Dyer was ruled ineligible to play this season by the NCAA, and then rumors surface that he was considering transferring to a Division II school, and then Dyer came back to shoot the rumors down and say he was sticking with Arkansas State.

It not clear where Dyer is headed now, or why he was dismissed from the Arkansas State Red Wolves. But this leads me to say that Dyer is a sad case that once was a rising star in college football. Dyer just can seem to get it together. 

10 Sun Belt Conference Quarterbacks you need to know

I have compiled a list of all ten quarterbacks that is projected to start this fall, and since football season is less than 35 days now; I wanted to put together information about our conference that you should know.

Jake Medlock, FIU 

Jake Medlock, Florida International, So.

Medlock is a 6’3, 220lbs Quarterback

The Golden Panthers plan to replace the 2,400-yard passer with redshirt sophomore Jake Medlock, who appeared in five games last season and completed 37-of-56 passes for 376 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Florida International is the pre-season favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference, and the only team to replace a quarterback this fall.

Blaine Gautier, UL-Lafayette

Blaine Gautier, UL-Lafayette 

Gautier is 6’0 and 215lbs

Gautier received all-Sun Belt second team honors and has eight starters returning on offense this season.

Gautier spent a week this summer at the Manning

Passing Academy, an annual camp that Archie Manning and sons (Cooper, Peyton, Eli) host in Thibodeaux every summer.

Ryan Aplin, Arkansas State

Aplin stands 6’1 and weights 205lbs.

Ryan Aplin, Arkansas State

Aplin spent time at the camp this summer, but he is more focused on the new offense at Arkansas State under first-year head coach and former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.

Aplin is Sun Belt Conference the preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Aplin had a 3,588-yard production in the air last season.

Ryan Aplin is entering his third year as the Red Wolves' starter and led the league in total offense for the past two seasons.

Graham Wilbert, Florida Atlantic, Sr.

Graham Wilbert, Florida Atlantic

Florida Atlantic senior quarterback Graham Wilbert will be in his second year as the starter for the Owls under new head coach Carl Pelini. But word is that Melvin German will be coming in for pre-season camp to take over the starting quarterback position at Florida Atlantic.

QB Wilbert is 6’6 and 225lbs.

QB Melvin German is 6’2 and 210lbs, German also passed 3,121 yards at JUCO last season.

C.J. Bennett , South Alabama, So.

Bennett a native of Tampa, FL is 6’0 and 210lbs.

C.J. Bennett, South Alabama 

Sun Belt newcomer South Alabama has some comfort with sophomore C.J. Bennett after one season under center of offense. Bennett is expected to be the starter, but we can watch newcomer Ross Metheny a former Virginia quarterback battle for the position in pre-season camp. Metheny hit 15 of his 19 passes for 207 yards at Virginia.

Last season Bennett completed just 31 of 68 passes for 463 yards, one touchdown, five picks and five sacks in games against N.C. State and Kent State, but at Kent, he almost engineered a out of the world comeback. 

South Alabama will be switching to a new spread offense this season as they debut in the FBS and Sun Belt Conference.

Logan Kilgore, Middle Tennessee 

Logan Kilgore, Middle Tennessee, Jr.

Kilgore is 6’3 and 180lbs

Logan Kilgore lead his offense after the quarterback threw for 2,237 yards in his first year as the Blue Raiders' starter last season.

Corey Robinson, Troy, Jr.

Corey Robinson, Troy 

Robinson is 6’2 and 210lbs

Corey Robinson is also entering his third year as a Troy Trojan starter and is already in the record books for the most passing yards in a season — twice. Robinson ranks second among past and present quarterbacks after throwing 3,726 yards in 2010. He followed that up with 3,411 passing yards in 2011 to rank fifth all time.

Kolton Browning, UL-Monroe, Jr.

Kolton Browning, UL-Monroe 

Browning is a 6'1, 196lb Quarterback that has passed 2,483 yards of football on offense.

Kolton Browning lead the Warhawks with his own records in the Sun Belt, including most plays in one game (84 vs. FIU, 2011).

Kawuan Jakes, Western Kentucky, Sr.

Kawuan Jakes, Western Kentucky 

Kawuan Jakes is 6’2 and 200lbs, and averaged over 165 yards per game of total offense.

Jakes played in all 12 games for the second straight season, posting 11 starts at the quarterback position...Set a career high with 1,854 yards passing during the regular season, tossing 10 touchdown passes for the second year in a row..

Jakes is the only returning quarterback with more time under center at Western Kentucky's, a four-year starter whose offense has relied heavily on the run game the past few seasons.

Kawuan Jakes helped his team to a 7-5 season last year for the first time since being in Division 1 FBS play.

Derek Thompson, North Texas, Jr.

Derek Thompson, North Texas 

Derek Thompson is the man at quarterback for North Texas and he'll show that he can be a strong quarterback for the Mean Green.

Derek Thompson didn't throw much in North Texas' spring game.  Thompson hit 4-of-6 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game.

Five of the eight returning Sun Belt quarterbacks threw for 2,000 yards or more. Aplin and Robinson threw for around 3,500 yards and ULL's Blaine Gautier flirted with the 3,000-mark.

All quarterbacks are expected to be great this fall, and many are looking to improve their career stats this upcoming season. 

Former Jaguars wide receiver Courtney Smith has landed in Arena Football

Courtney Smith became the first South Alabama Jaguar in a NFL camp after accepting a free agent offer to join the New York Jets, but didn’t make the team.
       
Smith, a wide receiver who represented South Alabama in the 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl, was the Jaguars' leading receiver last season. 

Courtney Smith, WR

After not getting a deal with the New York Jets, Courtney Smith did not give up. Smith is now a New Orleans VooDoo, the New Orleans VooDoo is a (AFL) Arena Football team in New Orleans, La.

Smith has prototypical size for a number one receiver at 6'5, 225lbs. He's got decently big hands at 9.5" and ridiculously long arms, measuring 33.75". 

Chad Rueter of CBS Sports put together a profile of Smith, here is a look:

Strengths: Tall, big-bodied receiver who dominated at a lower level of competition. Gets separation with upper-body strength and quick feet on comeback routes. Strides past corners after the catch, especially after double move. Uses height and vertical to high-point passes over smaller defenders. Stiff-arms oncoming tacklers. Runs all of the routes on the tree. Has some wiggle after the catch to make first man miss. Extends long arms to snatch high and wide throws. Engulfs small corners as a runner or downfield blocker.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite straight-line speed and elusiveness after the catch. Will body-catch some passes when facing the quarterback and his hands are not wholly reliable bringing in the ball while going to the sideline. Needs to tighten up his cuts. Must adjust to playing veteran corners at the next level and prove he is willing to work hard as a blocker against more physical defenders. Bounced around a bit during his collegiate career, some off-field concerns.

Smith made history in January when he became the first Jaguar to play in the Under Armour Senior Bowl.Smith is also a native of New Orleans, La.

In his two-year career at South Alabama, Smith finished with 58 receptions for 1,065 yards and 10 touchdowns. He started all 17 games the Jaguars have played the last two years, and posted at least one reception in every contest.

Brandon King commits to South Alabama Jaguars

Brandon King says the recruiting process is over for him and that he plans to sign with the Jaguars as soon as his season is over at Highland, KS Community College.

The JUCO is a native of Alabaster, AL a former standout at Thompson High School who signed with Highland after his senior prep season. King is 6’2, 210lbs and he runs a 4.36, he led Highland with 118 total tackles last season, 70 of which were solo stops. he played linebacker last season but is being moved to safety this season to take advantage of his speed and size. King also had six tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble last season.

"I've played linebacker my whole life, but they've moved me to safety because of my flexibility,'' King told the Mobile Register.

"I really liked that when I came down all the coaches were there and they seemed really dedicated to building the program,'' King said.” I really liked the facilities and how everybody is connected. I felt at home. A lot of schools, when you go on a visit they don't have every coach there excited about seeing you. Everyone knew me by name when I came in.

King said he has received recruiting interest from Northern Illinois, Auburn, Maryland and Rutgers, among other schools, but added he is happy to end the recruiting process.

Sun Belt welcomes Georgia State early in 10 sports for 2012-2013 season

The Sun Belt Conference (SBC) has welcomed the Georgia State panthers a earlier than expected.

Student-athletes from 10 Georgia State teams will have the opportunity to participate in postseason play in the Sun Belt Conference in 2012-13, GSU Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick and Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson announced.

GSU will participate in the Sun Belt Conference Championships and will be considered an associate member in the league for 2012-13 in the sports of men's cross country, women's cross country, men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field, men's outdoor track and field, women's outdoor track and field, men's golf, women's golf, men's tennis and women's tennis.

In these individual sports, the programs compete in a conference championship tournament but do not play a regular-season conference schedule. In golf and tennis, the team champions earn an automatic berth into the NCAA Championships.

"We thank Commissioner Benson and the Sun Belt Conference athletics directors for their unanimous support in welcoming Georgia State to the conference and supporting our student-athletes," said Levick. "The student-athletes always come first, and we are delighted that Georgia State student-athletes in 10 sports will be able to compete in conference championships in 2012-13."

Georgia State's team sports, including men's and women's soccer, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, baseball and softball, will play a Colonial Athletic Association schedule in 2012-13 as planned but are unable to participate in postseason conference tournaments. These teams are eligible for NCAA at-large berths.

"Our discussions with the Sun Belt and the CAA centered only on the individual sports, and we appreciate the cooperation from both conferences to allow over 100 student-athletes a conference championship opportunity," said Levick. "It was not feasible at this late date to consider other sports due to the scheduling complications."

Georgia State will become a full member of the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2013 and will be eligible for all championships except football in 2013-14. The GSU football program will play a Sun Belt schedule in 2013 as part of the second year of its transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and then will become eligible for the Sun Belt title and postseason bowl games in 2014.

"We think that this is the right thing to do for the student-athletes of Georgia State," said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Karl Benson. "Though we would have liked to accommodate all of the Panther student-athletes, the logistics and timing were such that were too many complications. We are excited to be able to provide a championship experience for many of the student-athletes of GSU."

Well it looks as though the CAA no longer have a welcome for the Georgia State Panthers, after they decided to join our wonderful and exciting conference of the Sun Belt. I personally say welcome to the Sun Belt Conference Georgia State Panthers, let the games begin. I will be providing coverage of Georgia State in both football and basketball here on the Sun Belt Insider so stay tune and get ready for the Panthers news.

The Sun Belt Conference takes you behind the scene of Media Day 2012

There are a few sound bites from coaches in the Sun Belt Conference and players as well at Media Day 2012. I hope you enjoy the video; we are ready for some football.  

Troy AD Steve Dennis to resign

A day after the first ever, and possibly the biggest Sun Belt Conference football rivalry Troy University Athletic Director Steve Dennis will resign. This comes unexpected to the Troy Trojans and the Sun Belt Conference.

Troy Athletic Director Steve Dennis

On Tuesday July 24, 2012, Troy Athletic Director Steve Dennis announced that he will resign from his position on Sept. 30.

"The university will always hold a special place in my heart and my family will always be a Troy family," Dennis told the Associated Press. "Our athletic department has accomplished a great deal at Troy, and I believe this is the right time in my life to explore other opportunities.”

The resignation will come a day after Troy University plays South Alabama in football for the first time ever. The two are expected to become Sun Belt rivals. The schools are separated by only 175 miles.

During his tenure, the Trojans have won five Sun Belt Conference football titles. They have also had several facilities upgrades, including the $31 million Trojan Arena, which will open for the upcoming basketball season and house the new Troy University Sports Hall of Fame.

Don Maestri the head men basketball coach spoke of Steve Dennis.

"For me, he did a great job of supporting the basketball program, and I've always evaluated people when times were not going well," the coach said. "In 2009 we had an outstanding year, we went to the CBI. In 2010, we won the Sun Belt and went to the NIT, but the year prior to that we were in last place. He backed us during the tough times. I think that's why we came back the next two seasons and had some success, because of his support."

Dennis had previously worked in various capacities at Auburn starting in 1985. He played football for Georgia and was the defensive captain in 1978.

Troy has not made a statement on their search for a new AD as of today. I will continue to bring you more information as it becomes available.

Washington hopes to leave a lasting impression on the Georgia State panthers

One day after Georgia State lost its first commitment for 2013, Devonte Washington decided to become the first official commitment for the Georgia State Panthers. 

 I had the honor to speak with Devonte Washington of Jacksonville, Fla., on last evening, and what a spirited young man he is. 

WR - Devonte Washington 

The 6’2, 185-pound wide receiver is now ready to focus on his senior year in high school and get to Georgia State in 2013 and make an impression with the team and coaches.  

Last year Devonte Washington caught 22 passes, including three for touchdowns, he wants to improve that record in hopes of one day becoming the best wide receiver ever to come through Georgia State.

I asked Washington, why did he decide to commit to Georgia State? “I feel that I will be successful at Georgia State and in the Sun Belt Conference. Georgia State is going into the Sun Belt Conference next season and I like that, said Washington.”

Washington went on to say that he felt at home when he visited the campus of Georgia State, he also stated that he received a warm welcome from the coaches and the staff.

Devonte Washington also gives credit to his uncle (Jermaine Washington), who also played a big role in his commitment to Georgia State “My uncle told me it’s always good to be close to home.” Washington mentioned that he was recruited by Georgia State area Recruiting Coordinator.

Washington didn’t fall short of mentioning Coach Bill Curry. “Coach Curry is a great man, great coach, and he is down to earth and like that.”

Devonte Washington told me that he only received one other FBS Division 1 offer, and that was from Iowa State. He is confident that he will continue to play wide receiver at Georgia State next season. Washington said while at Georgia State he wants to develop into that big time play.

Washington is a spirited young man with hopes of one day playing in the pro. He is really excited about entering the Georgia State football program. Washington said before he exit

Georgia State, he wants the country to know that he been to Georgia State.

“Before I leave and when I leave, I want Georgia State to be at the top of the Sun Belt Conference, said Washington.”

There is no doubt that Devonte Washington is ready to get to the Panthers next season and begin working on his success as a wide receiver, and one day as he hopes to be a pro player.

Texas State lands a big one in Lucas Askew

WR - Lucas Askew 

Lucas Askew of Big Sandy, Texas gave his verbal commitment to the Texas State Bobcats on Tuesday. The 6’6, 207-pound receiver – who is projected to be a flex tight end in college play.  

Askew also receiver offers and interest from Memphis, North Texas, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Askew recently visited the Bobcats a new FBS program and Askew said he likes head coach Dennis Franchione and the rest of the Bobcat coaching staff. He was recruited by linebackers coach Brad Franchione.

Lucas Askew is a senior at Harmony High School in Big Sandy, Texas and became the No.6 verbal commitment for the Texas State Bobcat. Texas State will enter the Sun Belt Conference in 2013. 

Sun Belt Insider Pre-Season 2012 "All Sun Belt Teams"

Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State

Here is my pre-season Sun Belt Teams for 2012, I want to congratulate all players that made it to my first ever selections. I also want to congratulate my offensive and defensive players of the year.

We all know that the head coach of UL-Lafayette deserves appreciation for the hard work that he has done at UL-Lafayette, and took his time to a post season bowl game and defeated MWC member San Diego State.

My runner up coach of the year is Willie Taggart, the head coach at Western Kentucky. Coach Taggart made sufficient improvements at WKU in the past two years and I congratulate him in a improved 7-5 season. I was disappointed that WKU was not selected for post season play; I want to say to all of my pre-season teams and coaches, Congratulations!

Blaine Gautier, QB ULL 

1^st Team Offense:

·       Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State, Sr., QB)

·       Kendrick Rhodes (FIU, Jr., RB)

·       Trey Clark (South Alabama, Sr., C)

·       Eric Thomas (Troy, Jr., WR)

·       Jack Doyle (Western Kentucy, Sr., TE)

·       Cyril Lemon (North Texas, Sr., OL)

  

1^st Team Defense:

• ·        Don James (Arkansas State, Sr., DB)
• ·       Jake Johnson (South Alabama, Sr. LB)
• ·       Johnathan Cyprien (Florida International, Sr., S)
• ·       Andrew Jackson (Western Kentucky, Jr., LB)
• ·       Tourek Williams (Florida International, Dr., DE)



Jake Johnson, LB South Ala

• ·       Melvin White (UL-Lafayette, Sr., CB)

2^nd Team Offense:

• ·       Blaine Gautier (UL-Lafayette, Sr., QB)
• ·       Benny Cunningham (Middle Tennessee, Sr., RB)
• ·       Demetre Baker (South Alabama, So., RB)
• ·       Adam Smith (Western Kentucky, Sr., OL)
• ·       Brent Leonard (UL-Monroe, Sr., WR)
• ·       Andy Czuprynski (Florida Atlantic, Sr., LG)

2^nd Team Defense

Cameron Blakes, LB, ULM

• ·       Cameron Blakes (UL-Monroe, Sr., LB)
• ·       Tony Davis (Troy, Sr., DE)
• ·       David Hinds (Florida Atlantic, Sr., LB)
• ·       BJ Scott (South Alabama, Sr., S)
• ·       Brynden Trawick (Troy, Sr., DB)
• ·       Zach Orr (North Texas, Jr., LB)

All Sun Belt Special Teams

• ·       K/R John Evans (Western Kentucky, So.)
• ·       K/P Brett Baer (UL-Lafayette, Sr.)
• ·       PR Justin Albert (Troy, Jr.)

Pre-Season Sun Belt Insider Offensive Player of the Year:

• ·       Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State, SR. Quarterback)

Pre-Season Sun Belt Insider Defensive Player of the Year:

• ·       Tourek Williams (Florida International, SR. DE)

Head Coach Mark Hudspeth 

Pre-Season Sun Belt Insider Coach of the Year:

• ·       Mark Hudspeth (UL-Lafayette, Head Coach)

Pre-Season Sun Belt Insider Coach of the Year Runner Up:

• ·       Willie Taggart (Western Kentucky, Head Coach)

Head Coach Willie Taggart 

Pre-season Sun Belt Poll:

·       FIU

·       TROY

·       ARKANSAS STATE

·       UL-LAFAYETTE

·       WESTERN KENTUCKY

·       NORTH TEXAS

·       MIDDLE TENNESSEE

·       UL-MONROE

·       FLORIDA ATLANTIC

·       SOUTH ALABAMA

2012 SBC vs. SEC Football Games

The Sun Belt Conference and SEC has contracted non-conference games for the past few years now. These two conferences are located in the south and both conferences have one unique scenario; and that’s the ability to recruit heavy and talented players from the south. 

But when it comes to game time, the SEC seems to have the dominating power of the South and College football. The Sun Belt Conference (SBC) has made many improvements over the past few years in recruiting, coaching, and facilities. All of that would make a great football program.

There are a few bragging rights for SBC teams, that have defeated current SEC schools on the field. Some may argue that is was only because of a mistake, but in reality the SBC defeated the SEC.  And those two SBC schools are Troy and UL-Monroe.

This year there will be 12 non-conference SBC vs. SEC football games, and only one will be played on a SBC football field. That only game will be Mississippi State at Troy.

Let’s take a look at the upcoming SBC vs. SEC games.

Troy vs. Mississippi State

·    The Troy Trojans will take on the MS State Bulldogs on Sept. 15^th at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama. This will be a very interesting game to attend and watch. Troy is coming of a disappointing 3-9 season, and is the all time SBC champions. It will be nothing but right to work to regain their reputation. QB Corey Robinson is a outstanding Quarterback, we must watch to see if he and the offense can help the Trojans to win over Mississippi State Bulldogs in Troy, AL.

·     

      Troy will also face Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on November 3, 2012.

Western Kentucky vs. Kentucky and Alabama

·    The Hilltoppers say they are nothing to play with anymore. So get ready Hilltoppers and show us what you are working with. WKU is indeed the most improved team in the SBC. They are celebrating a 7-5 season last year, the first since being in FBS. I was disappointed to not see this team make it to post season play last year. They deserved it and should have gone to a bowl game. Coach Taggart has really turned this program around and he beginning to recruit good talented players to Bowling Green.

·     

      The game to watch in WKU is the game against Kentucky. The Hilltoppers will go to Kentucky on Sept. 15^th a week after facing the number one team in the country Alabama. This game between WKU and Kentucky is becoming a interesting nonconference in state rivalry. Last season they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats, but they held them to only 14 points and lost by only 11 points.

·    

      Coach Willie Taggart has that west coast and Stanford experience; this game will be interesting to see if the Hilltoppers has what it takes to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats.

·    

      The Hilltopers will also play Alabama on Sept. 8^th; it will be the first home game for the Crimson Tide and Alabama is known for its tough defense and style of play. Will WKU be able to stop the Alabama Crimson Tide and show us what they are working with?

UL-Monroe vs. Arkansas and Auburn

·     ULM will take on two SEC opponents this fall in Arkansas Razorbacks on Sept. 8^th and the Auburn Tigers on Sept. 15, 2012. The Warhawks is opening their season against some tough nonconference SEC foes. I don’t see any upsets in these two games that will be played on the road. However it will be interesting to see how the ULM Warhawks hold up against these SEC teams early on in the opening season. But you have to remember once upon a time, UL-Monroe did beat Alabama in 2007 (21-14).

Middle Tennessee vs. Mississippi State

·     Head Coach Rick Stockstill and company will take on Mississippi State Bulldogs on Oct. 20^th in Starkville, Ms. MTSU is 5-36 against BCS foes. Middle Tennessee also had a disappointing season last year finishing only 2-10; And they are a one time SBC Champion.  

·     

      In 2008 the Blue Raiders lost to Mississippi State by only 9 points and in 2009 they held MS State to 27 points. Coach Stockstill has brought in Tyrone Nix who has SEC experience at Ole Miss and South Carolina as defensive coordinator. Can Tyrone hold off Mississippi State offense with the Blue Raiders defense on Oct. 20^th? We are waiting to see, somebody call Tyrone!

North Texas vs. LSU   

·     North Texas Mean Green will open their season against LSU the number two  team in the country, and the early pre-season favorite to win the SEC on September 1, 2012 at Tigers Stadium. LSU RB Spencer Ware, CB Tyrann Mathieu, and WR Russell Shepard will all return this fall for what look to be a powerhouse. I don’t see no strength in the Mean Green in this game against the Tigers. UNT will be playing their last SEC non conference game against LSU as a member of the SBC, before moving to C-USA next season.

Florida Atlantic vs. Georgia and Alabama

·     FAU and new head coach Carl Pelini will face both Georgia and Alabama this fall. Carl Pelini will put his Big 10 defensive experience to showcase against these two SEC opponents. Pelini is no stranger to big boy football, not to say that the SBC is not big boys, because cause they are.

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      The Owls will take on Georgia on Sept. 15^th and Alabama the week after. Both games are on the road for the Owls with their new head coach and company.

South Alabama vs. Mississippi State

·     The South Alabama Jaguars will face their first ever SEC foe in Mississippi State on Sept. 22, 2012. This will be one of the big games for the Jaguars this season and an interesting game to watch, as Coach Joey Jones, OC Robert Matthews, and DC Bill Clark take on Head Coach Dan Mullen and the MS State Bulldogs.

·     

      The Jaguars defense is ranked 12^th nationally by SI.com. Will team members QB CJ Bennett, Safety Charles Harris, LB Enrique Williams, RB Demtre Baker and LB Jake Johnson help the Jaguars to a victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs? Um,  only time will tell.  


UL-Lafayette vs. Florida

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      UL-Lafayette is coming off a 9-4 impressive season under new head coach Mark Hudspeth. They Ragin’ Cajuns made it to their first bowl game since being in FBS and defeated San Diego State in the R&L Carrier Bowl in New Orleans, LA.  

·   

     ULL will travel to Gainsville, FL to take on the Florida Gators on

     November 10, 2012. Will the Cajuns eat the Gators before

     Thanksgiving?

·    

     This will also be an interesting game to watch, as Hudspeth has

      built his team defense and offense. I would like see how they perform against SEC foe Florida after coming off a 9-4 season.

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      Those gators will be snapping this year, I hope those Cajuns don’t get bit down in Florida messing with those Gators. 

Well I am ready for some football, what about you? All seven of these Sunbelt Conference teams will take to the field this fall against their South Eastern Conference opponents. There may be upsets, and maybe not. There may be close games to brag about and maybe not. Just make sure you attend, watch and purchase your set of tickets to these games. Because I guarantee you that this season will be a season to remember.