Sun Belt Conference (FBS Group Of Five)
Overview: The Sun Belt Conference once again proved why it was the toughest of all Group Of Five Conferences in 2023, with all but two squads becoming bowl-eligible last season. Additionally, the SBC finished 16-8 overall against other G5 leagues last season, which included a 5-1 mark against FBS independents not named Notre Dame.
But once the bowl season arrived, the SBC struggled tremendously, finishing a combined 5-7 in postseason play. However, the 23-year-old league got quality wins during December, with Appalachian State (Cure vs. Miami [Ohio]), Georgia State (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Utah State), South Alabama (68 Ventures vs. Eastern Michigan, Coastal Carolina (Hawaii vs. San Jose State) and Texas State (First Responder vs. Rice) all ending their seasons on a winning note.
Heading into the 2024 season, expect the Sun Belt Conference to stay strong from top to bottom, with Troy hoping to win its' third-straight league title under new head coach Gerad Parker. He replaces Jon Sumrall, who stepped down to take the Tulane head coaching job before the start of bowl season. The Trojans finished their 2023 campaign at 11-3 overall losing to Duke 17-10 in the Birmingham Bowl.
Also, expect James Madison to be a serious contender for the crown under another new head coach in Bob Chesney, who replaced now-Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti. JMU advanced to its first-ever FBS bowl appearance despite technically not being bowl-eligible last season, due to a lack of bowl-eligible teams. The Dukes fell to Air Force 31-21 in the Armed Forces Bowl to finish their season at 11-2 overall, with their only other loss coming to Appalachian State.
But in a conference that's filled with parity, don't be surprised if a different team comes out on top come early December.
2024 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to find the schedules)
NOTE: If the team's schedule isn't highlighted, it didn't enter its schedule for the 2024 season. When the team's schedule is available, the link (s) to it will appear in each blog post. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.
NOTE: If the team's schedule isn't highlighted, it didn't enter its schedule for the 2024 season. When the team's schedule is available, the link (s) to it will appear in each blog post. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.
West Division
Arkansas State
Louisiana
South Alabama
Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.
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