The 2001 Sun Belt Story

Few conferences can boast the fact that they have three, yes three 1-10 teams from a year ago.  However, that's just the beginning of the story for the worst conference in America for 2001.  Not only did Arkansas State, Louisiana Monroe, and Louisiana Lafayette muster 3 wins between the three, but Middle Tennessee State was the only team to emerge above .500 with a tremendous 6-5 mark. 

Ever wonder where all those teams come from that provide early season cakewalks for the upper echelon of college football?  Meet the Sun Belt Conference.  Outside of games versus conference teams these scores were part of Sun Belt Conference resume a year ago.  45-7, 52-3, 52-10, 26-0, 47-2, 48-14, 47-10, 28-0, 70-3, 52-6, 55-0, 35-6, 61-35, 31-0, 37-0, 38-0, 55-10, and 59-0.  The Sun Belt boasted a 12-45 record against non-conference foes with such quality wins as Samford, Army, Murray State, La. Tech, Connecticut, South Florida, Nicholls State, and Montana State.

Arkansas State gave up 30 or more in 9 games last year.  Louisiana Lafayette scored 10 or fewer 4 times including being shutout twice and scoring 2 against Alabama-Birmingham in a 47-2 loss.  Louisiana Monroe averaged all of 8 points a game and failed to score a touchdown in 6 games a year ago.

The team that we believe to be at the top could provide a few early upsets on the road at Washington State and Arizona.  Idaho did not impress many a year ago however.  Allowing an average of 34 points per game in 2000 including losses of 44-20, 42-13, and 66-24 against Washington, Oregon, and Boise State.  2001 appears promising for the Vandals with the return of star QB John Welsh and the second year of coach Tom Cable's administration.  

So the story for 2001 is an ugly one.  The worst conference in college football has Georgia, Mississippi, Arizona, Washington, Minnesota, Southern Miss, Arizona State, Florida, LSU, Louisville, Texas, Oregon State, Kansas State, TCU, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas Tech in non-conference games that are sure to have their share of 50 point performances.  These are the teams that kill your strength-of-schedule.  The lone bright spot is Idaho and John Welsh, though Middle Tennessee State may add another winning season.  Enjoy the road to New Orleans!