I really enjoy during bowl season how we are all pulling for one another in this battle for conference standings in the G5. So it got me thinking, with the FunBelt finishing up our bowls, what are the Must Win Non-conference games for each team next year? Looking at need for both success for team and league. Found the early schedules on
http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa/sun-belt...edules.php
Here are my thoughts on each team and would like to get everyone else's opinions:
App State-
09/01 - at Penn State
09/08 - at Charlotte
09/15 - Southern Miss
09/22 - Gardner-Webb
Yea, would be awesome to beat Penn State and I think App has a small chance. But let's be honest, with a new QB 1st game of the season, like UGA this year, just don't see it happening. UNCC and GW should be beat downs. (More App fans in Charlotte for that game?). That leaves one game left, at home, vs 2017 bowl team, consistent winning tradition, and CUSA foe. If App fans want to make the argument that SunBelt>CUSA, A beat down of UNCC and win vs USM is a must.
stAte-
09/01 - Southeast Missouri
09/08 - at Alabama
09/15 - at Tulsa
09/22 - UNLV
We all know about stAte's non-conference woe's and no need to get into that. Looking at early schedule, Red Wolves will be 1-1 after week 2, although I could see some arguing for 2-0 by next August. But the next two is when it gets real. Not sure which of Tulsa or UNLV is MORE important. But I'll go with Tulsa. They were 2-10 this year, but the chance to beat an AAC team on the road is big. And momentum from a win should carry over into UNLV. Thoughts?
CCU-
09/01 - at South Carolina
09/08 - UAB
09/15 - Campbell
10/20 - at UMass
I know how much y'all want it, but a South Carolina upset ain't happening. But a revenge win at home over a 2017 bowl team is very much in the realm of possibility. But watch out for those Minute Men in Amherst.
GS-
09/01 - Presbyterian
09/08 - UMass
09/15 - at Clemson
10/20 - at New Mexico State
The smart ass in me wants to bold Presbyterian and say "1st things 1st" with this years struggles haha. But we all feel that'll be a win. So the debate is Umass or NMST. Both revenge games, both may be needed to be bowl eligible in a stacked East. Which is greater??? Want to say UMass, its at home and will give ya a 2-0 start for MO. But can we really afford a loss to team we just kicked out of the conference???
GSU-
08/30 - Kennesaw State
09/08 - at NC State
09/15 - at Memphis
09/22 - Western Michigan
If I'm a betting man, I'm putting money on you guys vs Kennesaw State. But just can't see wins in Raleigh or Memphis. I'd like to listen to an argument for Memphis, but I think they are too strong. WMU on the other hand, Home game, MAC team, Flack era long gone, Panthers need to pull this 1 out.
USA-
09/01 - Louisiana Tech
09/08 - at Oklahoma State
09/22 - at Memphis
10/13 - Alabama State
What better way for Campbell to make a statement then take out those pesky Bulldogs. I know a lot of the fans on this board doesn't like LATech, so what better way to prove that the sunbelt is better then an opening week win over the Louisiana G5 poster child.
TxSt-
09/01 - at Rutgers
09/08 - Texas Southern
09/22 - at UTSA
10/27 - New Mexico State
This is a no brainer, right? I know very little about the rivalry, but from post earlier this year, kinda feel this is what TxSt fans want most. Or should it be against that team that just left???
Troy-
09/01 - Boise State
09/08 - Presbyterian
09/15 - at Nebraska
10/13 - at Liberty
I spent a while thinking about maybe bolding Nebraska because I believe that is a very winnable game. But to keep my arguments consistent, don't see Nebraska without a BSU win 1st. Battle for top of MWC vs top of Sunbelt, home revenge game, and with the talent Troy fans they say they have coming back, this has got to be a must win if the SunBelt wants to say we are on par with more than just CUSA and MAC.
LA-
09/01 - Grambling State
09/15 - at Mississippi State
09/29 - at Alabama
10/13 - New Mexico State
I thought this 1 was an easy pick. GrSt is a win, MSU & Bama are losses. Again, can't have multiple losses by SunBelt teams to a team that just left us. NMST win or loss could be difference in bowl game or not.
ULM-
09/01 - Southeastern Louisiana
09/08 - at Southern Miss
09/15 - at Texas A&M
10/06 - at Ole Miss
Just like LA, I see 1-2 in the non-bolded games. But USM is a HUGE must win for the Hawks to make the statement to the rest of us that y'all are serious contenders in the west. Plus, feel like both campuses are close enough to have multiple fan interactions, so losing to these guys can't be an option, right? Plus, need them banged up before heading to Boone ... haha
Would love to hear everyone's thoughts and discuss as we finish up the bowl season.