Team-by-team story lines from around the Sun Belt.
Arkansas State Indians
Steve Roberts had a solid I-A coaching debut last year with a 3-3 Sun Belt record and six wins overall. Continued improvement is possible if five seniors can be adequately replaced on the offensive line. The strength of the team should be defense, since nine starters return from what was a very solid unit last year. ASU has a reasonable chance to win five of its first six games, so a 4-2 start is possible and would be a great kick-start to the season.
Idaho Vandals
The Vandals try to rebound from a disappointing season but need to resolve several issues in order to do so. The big question is who will be the starting QB. Brian Lindgren was one of the best signal callers in the conference last season, but he is being pushed by Michael Harrington (brother of Joey). Idaho must also improve its running game and take some big steps forward on defense. It won't be easy with a schedule that has five very difficult opponents among the first seven.
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns
Rickey Bustle has a major rebuilding project on his hands. The Cajuns went 3-9 last season and return only nine starters from that team (5 offense, 4 defense). There are plenty of holes to fill in the backfield of an offense that scored only 22 touchdowns in 12 games last year. The best news is a scheduling quirk that will allow ULL to play five of its seven conference games at home.
Louisiana-Monroe Indians
First and foremost, this program just needs a little stability. If Weatherbie remains head coach for the entire season, that will be a good start. So far, his positive approach is just what the doctor ordered, and the team has enough experience that it should be better on both sides of the ball. The Sun Belt schedule doesn't set up very well, though, and the non-conference slate includes three SEC teams.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
When the Sun Belt recently formed its football league, many expected MTSU to dominate. That's why last season's 2-4 conference record was a huge disappointment, but at least 17 starters return for a shot at redemption. There will be new faces at running back, but expect the rushing attack to continue as the Blue Raiders' bread and butter. If the D-line fills out, there's a chance to contend for the Sun Belt title.
New Mexico State Aggies
The Aggies haven't been to a bowl game since 1960, but they feel like there's a good chance to end the drought this year. The backfield is loaded with talent, including a pair of quarterbacks, although this offense is only good as its line play. The biggest weakness on the team is probably the secondary, but neither North Texas nor Middle Tennessee has a strong passing game to exploit it.
North Texas Mean Green
Just like NMSU, the Mean Green have the luxury of two proven quarterbacks on the depth chart. Many of the other offensive positions, however, are filled by players with little experience. But as long as the offense doesn't make mistakes, the defense should be able to carry the load. Trips to Oklahoma, Air Force and Arkansas will have UNT very prepared for the start of conference play.
Utah State Aggies
Last season, the Aggies could neither run the ball nor stop the run. With only two returning starters on offense -- both at receiving positions -- don't expect the former to show marked improvement. But even though USU lost its leading tackler from a year ago, the defense has a lot of experience and must step up to lead the team. Being back in a conference is nice, but don't expect the Aggies to contend this season.
Brad Edwards is a researcher for ESPN.
