Sun Belt Football

Though it’s fair to make humorous quips about Bobby Petrino and motorcycles, the truth is the guy is a great football coach.

Petrino,, who has left a string of haters longer than Nick Saban's in his wake, started his head coaching odyssey at Louisville in 2003, tried his hand at the NFL at Atlanta in 2007 and landed the Arkansas job in 2008.

There, he took a Razorbacks program skidding from the ill effects of the 10-season Houston Nutt era and transformed it into a fierce competitor with a realistic shot at the SEC title and a national championship.

Petrino led Arkansas to back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2010 and 2011, which culminated in the program's first top-five finish since 1977.

But the glory and potential all crashed suddenly and dramatically when Petrino was, per Tom Weir at USA Today, fired in April 2012 after providing misleading information about a motorcycle accident.  The incident uncovered a bigger scandal, which involved Petrino's hiring of—and inappropriate relationship with—a 25-year-old female member of his staff.

After taking the 2012 season off, Petrino resurfaced when he was hired to replace head coach Willie Taggart at Western Kentucky, per the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).

The Hilltoppers, hailing from the Sun Belt Conference, kicked off the Petrino era with a 35-26 Week 1 win over Kentucky, the first of two consecutive SEC opponents, but fell from grace in a 52-20 turnover-ridden loss to Tennessee this past Saturday.

With a 1-1 start and 14 returning starters from a 7-6 finish last season (which included the program’s first bowl appearance), it doesn't seem premature to say Western Kentucky is nothing more than a short-term launch pad for Petrino.

Petrino is a lot of things, but he’s also a proven winner. In the high-stakes game of college football, that means his name soon will appear on coaching wish lists.

While it would be a stretch to say USC or Texas would consider Petrino—both can afford to skip over guys with baggage—it’s not far-fetched to say that other BCS programs would view him as a realistic candidate.

The following programs have a potential need for a new coach and are on a long-term quest to become relevant in a big-time BCS conference.

Missouri

Missouri's shift to the SEC and Gary Pinkel's diminishing returns make this job almost the perfect fit for Petrino.

First, you have a coach who has done all he can at his given job.  In other words, even without the move from the Big 12 to the SEC, Pinkel might have passed the point of no return at Missouri.

Next, you have what is a solid but quiet program in the SEC East.  The East is somewhat less daunting than the West, but offers all the big bang if you can win it. 

Plus, Petrino wouldn’t have to start over or build from the ashes at Missouri like he would be forced to do at a program like Kentucky, Washington State, Kansas or UConn.

The Missouri job is still a quality position. The program is in need of a makeover, but not a tear-down or rebuild.

Kansas

A step down the ladder from the Missouri, Kansas is a place coaches go to one day see their names atop a “hot seat” listing.

Yes, it's hard to keep out of trouble at a place like Kansas.

But this job is positioned in a major conference and is not as daunting a challenge given the relative strength of the Big 12 compared to the tougher SEC and Pac-12.

So, resurrecting the Kansas program is not the same thing as trying to get it done in a double-division SEC with Alabama, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina and Florida.

Though Charlie Weis is in only his second season at Kansas, his 1-11 debut in 2012 leaves little confidence he will be considered a long-term solution.

Illinois

Illinois oozes with potential, and its Big Ten address makes it an interesting scenario for a guy like Petrino.

Think about it. If Petrino wants a do-over, why not leave the South and try to pound it out in the Big Ten?

The relative weakness of the Big Ten has to make this job attractive to Petrino, who would have a much easier path to glory here than in the SEC, Pac-12 or Big 12.

Tim Beckman has proved that bringing the Illini back to life may be more difficult than advertised, especially since he is building on the devastating 2-10 mark from his debut in 2012.

But before you put all the blame on Beckman's shoulders, don't forget Illinois has only risen above the eight-win mark once since going 10-2 in 2001.

 

Mississippi State

The first issue when considering Petrino for the Mississippi State job is whether the Bulldogs would part ways with Dan Mullen.

Mullen is in his fifth year at MSU and has fashioned a 29-23 record.  But no matter how you slice it, one Top 25 finish in four tries may not cut it.

Under Mullen, the Bulldogs have never finished better than fourth place in the SEC West.

Mississippi State is another nearly perfect fit for Petrino, who likely won't have a shot at “better” jobs like LSU or Tennessee.

Mississippi State offers a big-time division (the best in the game) and a program that is moving in the right direction.  The key word here is "moving"—as opposed to stagnant and troubled.

Though it would be disappointing to see Mullen go—regardless of the circumstances—it would thrilling to see Petrino take over in Starkville and scare the dickens out of the rest of the West.

Oregon State

Under Mike Riley, Oregon State has been like a girlfriend with multiple personalities, which makes you wonder how long the relationship can last.

From a 10-4 finish in 2006 to the depths of a 3-9 mark in 2011 and back to a 9-4 finish in 2012, Riley has been all over the place.

With the No. 25 Beavers' 49-46 loss to FCS Eastern Washington in Week 1, the crazy ride continues.

Petrino at Oregon State would be an even further departure—geographically and otherwise—than if he were to take over at Illinois.

Though it would be a difficult post, Oregon State wouldn’t be as fraught with obstacles as Kansas or Illinois. It would be more like Mississippi State—a solid program in a tough-as-nails division (the Beavers share an address with Oregon and Stanford).

And if you don’t think the Beavers would hire him, remember this is the same school that gave Dennis Erickson a shot back in 1999.

Norman, Okla. will be rocking as the Oklahoma Sooners faithful will be waiting for the upset-minded Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks on Saturday, Aug. 31. The college football season will open with a bang for one team and a flutter for the other.

The Sooners are ranked No. 16 in the ESPN preseason poll, while the Warhawks are looking for another early-season statement win, much like the one the program earned in 2012 against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Here's how you can watch, as well as information on the spread.

When: Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET

TV Info: Fox Sports

Spread info via Bovada:

Spread: Oklahoma -21.5

Over/Under: 61

Injury Report (Via USA Today):

Louisiana-Monroe: N/A

Oklahoma:

Jake Reed, OL, Out Indefinitely (Suspension)

Cortez Johnson, DB, Out (Suspension)

Chuka Ndule, DE, Out (Suspension)

Jordan Smallwood, WR, Out Indefinitely (Foot)

DJ Ward, DE, Out (Stomach)

Kendal Thompson, QB, Out Indefinitely (Foot)

Key Storylines to Watch

Can Louisiana-Monroe Stay In it Early?

When the Warhawks knocked off the Razorbacks in the season opener in 2012, they came back from a 14-point deficit two times. They can't hope to make that type of run against the Sooners in Norman.

If this is going to be anything more than the blowout the oddsmakers predict, the Warhawks must stay close early.

The onus will fall on senior QB Kolton Browning to engineer productive drives in the first five possessions. Three-and-outs and turnovers will allow this game to get out of hand quickly.

The Sooners' QB Play

Per News Channel 4 in Oklahoma City, sources say Sooners head coach Bob Stoops will name redshirt quarterback Trevor Knight as the starter. Knight would reportedly be the winner of a tough competition over the spring with junior Blake Bell.

Knight is the more athletic of the two signal-callers, but it will be interesting to see if his leash is short considering Bell was Landry Jones' backup the last two seasons in Norman.

Can the Warhawks Establish Anything on the Ground?

In 2012, the Warhawks were led in rushing by Browning, who mustered a modest 488 yards and seven touchdowns. If the Warhawks are to have a chance at defeating the Sooners, they need to be at least respectable on the ground.

Senior running back Jyruss Edwards needs to have a breakout season. Kicking off the year with a strong performance against a tough team like Oklahoma would be ideal.

The Sooners were ranked 95th in the nation against the run, per CFBStats.com. This is the area of the Sooners' defense that could be most vulnerable.

Will the Sooners Defense Show Improvement from 2012?

If Oklahoma is going to make this a special season, the run defense has to improve. While the team will get far stiffer challenges the rest of the way, it must get off to a good start against the Warhawks.

Louisiana-Monroe is devoid of a playmaker in the running game. The Sooners' defense must build their confidence but snuffing out the ground game, thus allowing their defensive line to concentrate on putting pressure on Browning.

This game could serve as a confidence builder for a unit that has to be feeling a little beat up after allowing 23 runs of 20 yards or more in 2012, per CFBStats.

Healthy Damien Williams Spells Trouble for Warhawks

After an ankle injury hampered the Sooners senior running back in 2012, he is back and healthy for the 2013 season. Williams is a sleeper candidate for the Heisman after rushing for 946 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

He's a terror in the open field and he could be a part of the play(s) that breaks this game open.

Prediction

Oklahoma won't be caught off guard like the Razorback. The team isn't experiencing the distractions Arkansas dealt with in 2012, either. The Warhawks are too one-dimensional on offense and defensively they will have a terrible time trying to contain the Sooners.

Look for this one to get out of hand by halftime. The Sooners will win 40-18.

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Western Kentucky, which has made a point of playing two SEC teams per season, finally got over the hump by beating in-state rival Kentucky in 2012.

The Hilltoppers walked into Lexington and left with an overtime victory, something that would have been easier to regard as a fluke had another Sun Belt team—Louisiana-Monroe—not beaten No. 8 Arkansas a week earlier.

Maybe there's something to this.

In the time since the upset, Western Kentucky lost a good head coach in Willie Taggart, who accepted the same job at South Florida, but it perhaps brought in an even better one, adding disgraced football genius Bobby Petrino to the top of its coaching staff.

This year, Petrino and the Hilltoppers get Kentucky and Tennessee from the Southeastern Conference, two teams that are supposed to finish near the bottom of the league.

And even with a new quarterback under center, those two opportunities should be enough for WKU to pull out another win.

At least.

Petrino's Track Record Against SEC Teams

In his last three years at Arkansas, Petrino finished with a combined record of 29-10. He won 10-plus games in each of his final two seasons, playing in the Sugar and Cotton Bowls respectively.

During those final two years, Arkansas lost only four games against SEC teams. Here's who they were and how they finished that respective season:

Other than those four teams, which combined to go 49-5 and make three trips to the BCS National Championship, Petrino skated through the Southeastern Conference. He owned every other challenge thrown his way those last two years, beating them not just with skill but with scheme.

That last part is doubly important.

Western Kentucky is, obviously, not Arkansas. He won't have the same personnel advantage (or at least lack-of-disadvantage) he enjoyed during his time in Fayetteville.

But that wasn't the only way Petrino beat the SEC.

For all his off-field failings—the judgement of which should remain subjective—it's impossible to deny Petrino's skill as a coach. He gets the most out of his players and composes meticulous game-plans for each opponent. He knows exactly how to beat SEC teams and owns a proven track record of doing so.

In college athletics, where coaching advantages are far more pronounced than in the pros, the importance of that cannot be overstated.

Star Power 

Football isn't basketball, where one or two players can compensate for their wanting teammates. It's a consummate team game where every cog in the machine plays a role.

But it never hurts to have the best players on the field, and despite going up against two SEC foes, Western Kentucky might well be able to boast that claim—on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, it has do-it-all running back Antonio Andrews, one of the most explosive players in all of college football. Last season he rushed for 1,728 yards and caught 432 more, finishing with 2,160 yards from scrimmage. That was good enough for third-most in the country and second-most among returning players, trailing just Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey.

Andrews also returned kicks and punts for the Hilltoppers, averaging 27 and 12 yards respectively, and adding another 1,001 yards to his season total. Special teams included, he gained over 3,100 yards for Western Kentucky last year.

That's insane.

On the other side of the ball, WKU has a linebacker who could play and start for (almost) any school in the country. Andrew Jackson—college football's own Old Hickory—finished 2012 with 122 tackles, his second consecutive year in triple digits.

He's added 33.5 tackles in his two years playing with the Hilltoppers and is considered a bona fide NFL prospect. ESPN draft analyst Kevin Weidl praised his instincts after watching last year's tape:

Two great players do not an upset make, but Andrews and Jackson can certainly come close. Especially against teams like Kentucky and Tennessee, which are notably devoid of their own superstars.

Speaking of which...

It's Playing Kentucky and Tennessee

Western Kentucky has played the SEC four times in the past two seasons, resulting in two 30-point losses, one close loss and one victory. The blowouts came against 2012 Alabama and 2011 LSU, two teams that made the BCS National Championship.

The win and the close loss both came against Kentucky.

The Hilltoppers success against their in-state rival came before even adding Petrino, one of the sport's best minds. They didn't even need his innovation to put Kentucky in its place last year.

Before this year's season opener, that track record has given them a new bit of confidence. Emboldened by last year's upset in Lexington, Jackson said the following of Kentucky:

Most Sun Belt teams stand no chance against an SEC foe, but this isn't most Sun Belt teams. It's been through the fire and, last year, emerged without a burn. It knows exactly what to expect from the Wildcats and exactly how to handle it.

Tennessee, for what it's worth, might not be much better. At least not in 2013. Butch Jones has done a terrific job on the recruiting trail since taking the job in Knoxville, but this year's roster is barren in important places.

The offensive line is elite, but the skill positions leave a lot to be desired.

Even Justin Worley isn't excited about the choice of Justin Worley at quarterback. That's how banal the offense looked under his brief command in 2012—and that was back when NFL receivers Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson were lining up on the outside.

This year it has true freshman Marquez North and little to speak of after him.

The Hilltoppers' best chance of beating an SEC team still remains Kentucky. But if they should blow their game against the Wildcats, it's not like Tennessee is beyond reproach.

It's not like they're playing Alabama again.

You can follow Brian Leigh on Twitter @BLeighDAT or B/R College Football @BR_CFB.

As we look ahead to the 2013-14 Sun Belt Conference campaign, the media days kick off on Monday in New Orleans, La.

Several programs will have head coaches and student-athletes available, while commissioner Karl Benson will also talk about where the conference stands and what's in store for it moving forward.

Here's a look at the 2013 Sun Belt Media Days schedule, complete with an overview of the student-athletes who will be participating.

Where: New Orleans, LA

When: Monday, July 15, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT

Watch: ESPN3 (1 p.m. CT)

Time (CT)	Program	Available
10 a.m.	UL-Lafayette	Head coach Mark Hudspeth/Student-Athlete Andre Huval
10 a.m.	South Alabama	Head coach Joey Jones/Student-Athlete Romelle Jones
10:30 a.m.	UL-Monroe	Head coach Todd Berry/Student-Athlete Kolton Browning
10:30 a.m.	Troy	Head coach Larry Blakeney/Student-Athlete Corey Robinson
11 a.m.	Georgia State	Head coach Trent Miles/Student-Athlete Ulrick John
11 a.m.	Western Kentucky	Head coach Bobby Petrino/Student-Athlete Luis Polanco
1 p.m.	Arkansas State	Head coach Bryan Harsin/Student-Athlete Steven Haunga
1 p.m.	Texas State	Head coach Dennis Franchione/Student-Athlete Isaiah Battle
1:30 p.m.	Appalachian State	Head coach Scott Satterfield
1:30 p.m.	Georgia Southern	Head coach Jeff Monken
2 p.m.	Idaho	Head coach Paul Petrino
2 p.m.	New Mexico State	Head coach Doug Martin
3 p.m.	State of the Sunbelt Conference	Commissioner Karl Benson
3:30 p.m.	Media availability	Commissioner Karl Benson and Sun Belt ADs

 

Student-Athletes

Andre Huval, C, UL-Lafayette

Andre Huval was named to the Rimington Trophy fall watch list this summer for the second consecutive year. The senior played in all but 12 offensive snaps for the Ragin' Cajuns last season, leading a unit that allowed just 13 sacks. Huval was a second-team All-Sun Belt selection last year.

Romelle Jones, DL, South Alabama

As a junior in 2012, Romelle Jones posted 18 tackles, two tackles for loss and one quarterback hurry in 12 games (six starts). Jones was presented with the Male Perseverance Award by the athletic department at the annual Pete Tolbert Night of Champions this year.

Kolton Browning, QB, UL-Monroe

Kolton Browning had a huge season for the Warhawks last season, throwing for over 3,000 yards with 29 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The reigning Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year set school records in passing yardage and completions and tied the school record with 29 passing touchdowns.

Beyond that, Browning rushed for 488 yards and seven touchdowns. He ranked 21st in the nation in total yards per game (294.8). To open the 2012 campaign, he passed for 412 yards and three touchdowns (one interception) while rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown in the thrilling 34-31 overtime victory over Arkansas.

Corey Robinson, QB, Troy

Last season, Corey Robinson passed for over 3,000 yards with 12 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Troy's all-time leader in passing yards, total offense and passing attempts ranked 19th in the country in passing yards per game and 30th in total offense per game in 2012. He also ranked 21st in completion percentage (66.2).

Ulrick John, OT, Georgia State

After starting at three different positions in 2011, Ulrick John started 10 of 11 games at left tackle for the Panthers last season. John will be looking to build on the experience he racked up in 2012 to put together another quality campaign in 2013.

Luis Polanco, G, Western Kentucky

In his first two seasons at Western Kentucky (one of which he redshirted), Luis Polanco watched the Hilltoppers go a combined 2-22. In his last two seasons starting at left guard, the Hilltoppers have posted a combined 14 wins and went to their first bowl game in program history in 2012.

Now, headed into his senior season, Polanco looks to help Western Kentucky rise even more.

Steven Haunga, G, Arkansas State

Steven Haunga should form a formidable trio with center Bryce Giddens and left tackle Aaron Williams in 2013. A projected all-conference selection, Haunga enters his senior season hoping to guide the Red Wolves even further after a 10-3 campaign and victory over then-No. 25 Kent State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl last season.

Isaiah Battle, WR, Texas State

Isaiah Battle posted 26 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns in eight games last season at Texas State. The 5'11", 200-pounder had two huge games in particular. Against Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 22, he racked up six catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, as well as 59 rushing yards. Against UTSA on Nov. 24, he posted seven catches for 119 yards and a touchdown.

The Bobcats will be looking for more of that as they transition from the WAC to the Sun Belt.

Absolutely, it is.

Unless, of course, it actually isn't.

Yes, and no, are the appropriate answer here because "worth it" is such a remarkably relative term. There is a very palpable "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" feel to these situations. Thus, as the Sun Belt adds FCS and SoCon stalwarts Appalachian State and Georgia Southern to their FBS ranks, both the yes and no boxes were checked.

Some folks looked at the move and immediately called it stupid. Others were thrilled that the Mountaineers and the Eagles would be moving up in the ranks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aBaS5BhiZ8

The truth, with respect to whether or not the move is worth it, is centered on what is important to you.

If title talk and being highly ranked are what drive you, then no, this is certainly not worth it. The move is going to be stressful on their win totals and moving into the Sun Belt is like hopping into the fringe of college football.

The fringe is not a term bashing the quality of football, and the athletes, in the Sun Belt. Rather, it refers to the conference existing on the outside of the major radar in college football. Teams in the Sun Belt don't finish highly ranked. Teams in the Sun Belt do not get the benefit of the doubt. Teams in the Sun Belt, even going 10-3 with a bowl win, don't end the season ranked in the Top 25.

Thus, it stands to reason, that not only will the sledding get tougher on the field, but even if the wins come, don't expect the respect to come with them. Such is the plight of the outsiders, with the exception of Boise State, when it comes to getting opportunities to rise in the ranks.

However, if getting more cash and chasing the dream is the goal, then making the step up is no doubt "worth it" to people. While student fees, and perhaps ticket prices, may go up, so will the cash flowing into the program. Between the television deal, donations and bowl money, the immediate opportunity for an increase is strong.

Throw in the higher payout through the coming playoff, and the increased asking costs for one-off games against bigger schools, and the athletic department will be getting a true shot in the arm. The type of shot that can help with facilities, non-revenue sports and increase travel and recruiting budgets.

While the move does not ensure a rising net profit, it does mean more revenue will be pumped into Boone and Statesboro via the football programs. In addition to the tangible pluses of money, there is the fire that drives many schools into these decisions: pursuit of the dream.

Not the dream of supplanting college football's power-brokers in the pantheon of history, but rather running down that goal of being recognized at the highest level. Until now, most of the success garnered by the Mountaineers and the Eagles came with the "at their own level" caveat.

Sure, beating Michigan earned Appalachian State the spotlight for a bit. Yes, winning titles in bulk brought both App State and Georgia Southern some recognition in their areas. But, nothing like what success at the sport's highest level would do for them. Win here, at FBS, and there is no way for the masses to discount what you've done. The chip on the shoulder for being a "lesser division" is replaced with pats of the back, because you're one of the guys now.

That is everyone's goal; from UTSA and South Alabama, to the Mountaineers and Eagles, chasing down that dream provides considerable motivation. It also makes it worth it (for them) to make that jump to the next level.

Your reference point is what determines whether these moves are worth it. What's more important than assessing worth, is going to be watching how folks motivated by chasing the dream remain motivated as their expectations are forced to be adjusted.

It was the day before Christmas and FIU Football was on the verge of receiving a program-lifting gift in the form of former University of Miami and University of North Carolina head coach, Butch Davis. 

Patrick Nohe of the Miami Herald tweeted, "I can confirm that the next head coach of FIU will be Butch Davis."  Nohe's concern was Florida State's offensive coordinator James Coley, who was also rumored to be a candidate for the FIU vacancy.  Davis' hire would mean Coley would stay put.  After all, Nohe covers the Seminoles.

Regardless, it was the tweet heard around South Florida as FIU fans everywhere rejoiced. 

It all started and ended with Davis.  Any other hire would make the firing of former FIU head coach Mario Cristobal appear foolish.  Well, the move by FIU's athletic director, Pete Garcia, is still foolish, but Davis will make it all better.

Garcia denied the rumors on Christmas eve. 

The Panther community was slightly deflated because that was not the announcement they were anxiously awaiting.  They were not completely disheartened because there was smoke, lots of smoke. 

Davis was the front-runner for the position as soon as Cristobal was dismissed.  Garcia and Davis worked together at UM and for the Cleveland Browns.

On Thursday, Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reported that FIU and Butch Davis were in negotiations, but UNC is getting in the way. 

Apparently, North Carolina still owes Davis three more annual payments of $590,000 (almost $1.8 million) and UNC officials are arguing that Davis is not entitled to that money if he is hired somewhere else.  Marvez' source claims FIU is set to ink Davis to a multi-year deal worth approximately $500,000 a season.

FIU fans, prepare yourself for a coach that will put you on the map one phenomenal recruiting class at a time.

Terrance Broadway put on a show for the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns on Saturday. The sophomore quarterback had a great all-around game, and he led his team to a 43-34 win over the East Carolina Pirates in the New Orleans Bowl. 

It was the second straight victory for the team in the postseason event.

Broadway finished the day with 316 passing yards and 108 rushing yards. He tallied a touchdown passing and rushing, as he was the catalyst for an inspired performance in front of a pro-Ragin' Cajuns crowd at the New Orleans Superdome.

The team has to be excited about their team heading into 2013.

Broadway has the ability to be one of the better dual-threats in the country. He had 460 yards of total offense against Louisiana-Monroe on November 3. His New Orleans Bowl performance marked the third time in 2012 that he rushed for 100 yards in a game.

The sophomore even held his own in the Ragin' Cajuns near upset over the Florida Gators. The Gators won 27-20, but Broadway completed 69 percent of his passes, and he didn't throw an interception against one of the nation's top defenses.

Those games came while Broadway was a sophomore just gaining his confidence running the offense. In his junior season, he should be ready to put up big numbers consistently. 

It helps that the team is returning many of the weapons from this year's 9-4 squad. Alonzo Harris, Effrem Reed, Darryl Surgent and Jamal Robinson will all be back with Broadway in 2013. The only major contributor the Ragin' Cajuns will lose is leading receiver Harry Peoples.

I'm not calling Broadway a dark horse candidate for the Heisman trophy in 2013, but after this performance, you can bet a few more fans and analysts across the nation will be checking for him.

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