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2006 Sun Belt Preview
League Parity Leaves Conference’s Top Spot Wide Open
By: Jordan Adams
As many as five teams could potentially take the Sun Belt in 2006, with
Louisiana-Lafayette, Troy, North Texas, Arkansas State heading the class. This
year’s race should be the closest in just the sixth this conference has been
around.
Louisiana-Lafayette finished last season winning its last five games and have
the best talent in the Sun Belt. Returning 16 starters along with the most
favorable conference home schedule, many expect the Ragin’ Cajuns to be at the
top of the league. Its biggest issue will be the wide receiving core, lacking
needed experience. If the run defense continues to improve, its unit will be
difficult to move against.
Troy’s 2006 should be fun to watch with its open-attacking offense. Led by Juco
transfer quarterback Omar Haugabook, the Trojans should find the end zone plenty
of occasions. Troy’s offensive punch might be formidable, but its defense lost
key starters that will set the unit back. Despite finishing 2005 with a 4-7,
Troy should see better days ahead.
North Texas will continue to will its games by running the ball. 17 starters
return, none greater than 2004 NCAA rushing champion Jamario Thomas. He will
again be the best player on the field throughout conference play, but the Mean
Green’s lack of a defining quarterback could be its downfall. Finishing 2-9 last
year, 2006 should provide for more wins and that will be necessary if North
Texas wants to get back to the conference’s elite status.
After finishing tied for first in the conference in 2005, Arkansas State will
look to get back to another bowl game this year. The New Orleans Bowl showed its
players a taste of success and they will want more. The Indians have valuable
experience at most positions, but lack of capable starters in the backfield
could do them in. The defending champs should play a role in this year’s title
race, but they will need to go a long way to repeat.
Louisiana-Monroe is a team that is flying under the radar in ’06. Although they
finished tied with Arkansas State for first last year, not many see them getting
to the top again. All its wins came in the conference, so its only chance to
make a bowl game will be to win the Sun Belt title. The strength of this team is
the offensive line as all five starters return from last year’s group. However,
blocking for new quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster and his unproven arm could be
more difficult that anticipated. The Warhawks have improved every year under
head coach Charlie Weatherbie, but ’06 will be the biggest test to continuing
that streak.
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