FIU picked to lead the conference in 2011

The Preseason Sun Belt Conference Coaches Poll is selected by the head coach of each institution. First place votes in parenthesis.

Team; Points
1. FIU; 75 (5)
2. Troy; 66 (2)
T-3. Middle Tennessee; 54
T-3. Louisiana-Monroe; 54
5. Arkansas State; 49 (1)
6. North Texas; 33
7. WKU; 28 (1)
8. Louisiana-Lafayette; 26
9. Florida Atlantic; 20

Interesting to see MT at #3 with only our kicker on the pre-season All-Sun Belt team.

Lower individual expectations is a good thing IMO.

FIU had a tremendous season, notwithstanding the thumping in VMS...Congrats on the preseason nods from the coaches, but don't think we're not handing you guys a beatin' in The M-I-A...

Certainly a new situation for our program in its history. Let's see how our team handles the expectations, but they have to realize how unimportant these preseason previews and polls really are, other than a measure of respect.

Arkansas State is my under the radar pick to win the conference. Their offense is too good to finish 5th.

My predicted order of finish. Where's my crystal ball when I need it ?

1. Florida International
2. Troy
3T. Arkansas State
3T. Louisiana-Monroe
5 North Texas
6. Middle Tennessee
7. Western Kentucky
8. Florida Atlantic
9. Louisiana-Lafayette

It looks like the coaches from Arkansas State and WKU voted themselves first.

(07-18-2011 11:47 AM)MT FAN Wrote:  It looks like the coaches from Arkansas State and WKU voted themselves first.

If you don't believe in "you," who will?

I don't want to take anything away from what FIU did last season, they did a very good job. I just want to point out that they went 6-6, their best season ever. They beat my Trojans and did so convincingly, I was there, but I don't think they are as good as all the talking heads are giving them credit for.

Again, not a diss, I just don't see them winning the title again. just my opinion.

(07-18-2011 12:07 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  I don't want to take anything away from what FIU did last season, they did a very good job. I just want to point out that they went 6-6, their best season ever. They beat my Trojans and did so convincingly, I was there, but I don't think they are as good as all the talking heads are giving them credit for.

Again, not a diss, I just don't see them winning the title again. just my opinion.

I think its fair to say some would like to see FIU do it one more year before they're convinced the Panthers have completely turned the corner. I believe they have the talent on their roster, but you still have to win games.

yes I agree CajunT. if the Panthers can repeat this season I will be more likely to believe they have arrived.

i know We (FIU) have the talent to win the belt again.. however being paper champs does not satisfy me. gotta show me something on the field. i actually think the way ASU ULM & Troy are shaping up it wouldnt suprise me one bit if either of those 3 won or if FIU did. should be a good year in the belt

it's going to be the most competitive season since the Trojan Empire was established. i'm a bit nervous...it's a good nervous though.

(07-18-2011 03:38 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  it's going to be the most competitive season since the Trojan Empire was established. i'm a bit nervous...it's a good nervous though.

It's gonna be an '09 type of season...book it...

(07-18-2011 03:47 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(07-18-2011 03:38 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  it's going to be the most competitive season since the Trojan Empire was established. i'm a bit nervous...it's a good nervous though.

It's gonna be an '09 type of season...book it...

Our defense will be better than '09. It'll look more like 08, when were 22nd in the country in defense. We were 92nd in '09.

(07-18-2011 04:23 PM)TroyFootball05 Wrote:  

(07-18-2011 03:47 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(07-18-2011 03:38 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  it's going to be the most competitive season since the Trojan Empire was established. i'm a bit nervous...it's a good nervous though.

It's gonna be an '09 type of season...book it...

Our defense will be better than '09. It'll look more like 08, when were 22nd in the country in defense. We were 92nd in '09.

I'll give you that, 05, but I was referring to the W column...

I think those expecting Middle Tennessee to take a step back will be surprised. We may not have the names returning but we're going to have a good team with a great offense.

FWIW-here is my non-committal prediction for this season...

I see the conference in five distinct categories this year.

Should finish in the top 3
Troy and FIU

Should finish in the middle 3 but could contend
MT, ULM, ASU

Should finish in the middle 3 but could end up in the bottom 3
UNT

Should finish in the bottom 3, but could end up in the middle 3
ULL and WKU

Anything better than last would be an achievement
FAU

I guess Taggert doesn't prescribe to the philosophy of earning it on the field. With the exception of FAU and ULL, I think every team in the Belt will be improved over last season. WKU could finish ahead of those two, but I just can't see the justification of awarding his WKU team a first place vote. It is a slap in the face to about half of the teams in the Belt, especially considering WKU has never beaten most of these schools. If WKU does not finish the season near the top of the Belt, I think it destroys any credibility this poll might have had. At least ASU has some on the field success and a really solid offense to justify their first place vote.

(07-18-2011 10:42 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  I guess Taggert doesn't prescribe to the philosophy of earning it on the field. With the exception of FAU and ULL, I think every team in the Belt will be improved over last season. WKU could finish ahead of those two, but I just can't see the justification of awarding his WKU team a first place vote. It is a slap in the face to about half of the teams in the Belt, especially considering WKU has never beaten most of these schools. If WKU does not finish the season near the top of the Belt, I think it destroys any credibility this poll might have had. At least ASU has some on the field success and a really solid offense to justify their first place vote.

I don't see that in Taggert's actions. If you are going to sell your team that your goal is to win the SBC, then why would you not show confidence in the athletes you have recruited and vote for your own team?

Secondly, here is the million dollar question. If UL went 3-9 last season with a number of athletes that were lost to injury like North Texas, a poor coaching staff and a tougher schedule, why would they not be at least 1 or 2 games better with a better staff and healthy talent?

I hope your team believes it as well and I hope you can be found on this board after UNT comes to Cajun Field. There has been a lot of over hype from the fan base of UNT and ULM, both come to Cajun Field. And while both will be improved, neither have the talent of Troy and FIU in their program. There will be very little seperation in talent after the top three programs in the SBC. Certainly not enough for either program to be considered prohibitive favorites on the road against a team you lost to last season.

(07-18-2011 11:18 PM)CajunT Wrote:  

(07-18-2011 10:42 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  I guess Taggert doesn't prescribe to the philosophy of earning it on the field. With the exception of FAU and ULL, I think every team in the Belt will be improved over last season. WKU could finish ahead of those two, but I just can't see the justification of awarding his WKU team a first place vote. It is a slap in the face to about half of the teams in the Belt, especially considering WKU has never beaten most of these schools. If WKU does not finish the season near the top of the Belt, I think it destroys any credibility this poll might have had. At least ASU has some on the field success and a really solid offense to justify their first place vote.

I don't see that in Taggert's actions. If you are going to sell your team that your goal is to win the SBC, then why would you not show confidence in the athletes you have recruited and vote for your own team?

Secondly, here is the million dollar question. If UL went 3-9 last season with a number of athletes that were lost to injury like North Texas, a poor coaching staff and a tougher schedule, why would they not be at least 1 or 2 games better with a better staff and healthy talent?

I hope your team believes it as well and I hope you can be found on this board after UNT comes to Cajun Field. There has been a lot of over hype from the fan base of UNT and ULM, both come to Cajun Field. And while both will be improved, neither have the talent of Troy and FIU in their program. There will be very little seperation in talent after the top three programs in the SBC. Certainly not enough for either program to be considered prohibitive favorites on the road against a team you lost to last season.

6th place is fair for UNT. We haven't earned a higher ranking, considering the talent at the top of the league. I give NT the edge over you because I think we have a better coaching staff, and Dunbar. Win or lose, I'll be here.