We have kick-off times, broadcast, odds, and analysis for the Sun Belt

Week 1 can tell us everything about a program, but also Week 1 can tell us nothing. For example, we’ll likely learn a lot about GJ Kinne’s Bobcats when they visit Baylor on Saturday. I’m not sure we’ll learn a thing with Bucknell haunts James Madison’s doors.

The Panthers bear the honor of launching the first Sun Belt match of the season when Georgia State hosts their first FCS opponent in three seasons. The SBC parade ends in Las Angeles with Coastal Carolina visits UCLA, kick-off time 9:00 PM Central. It’ll be a long day, people. Hydrate. Carb up. Remember your protein.

Thursday, August 31

Rhode Island @ Georgia State, 6:00 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

The Panthers are infamous for slow starts to the season, so launching the season with an FCS program seems wise. However, the Rams are no pushover, finishing last season 7-4 in the sturdy CAA. All eyes should be on starting QB Darren Grainger. The man is good, but does he have the weapons with which to achieve victory?

Prediction: Win

Saturday, September 2

Arkansas State @ #20 Oklahoma, 11:00 AM ESPN, -35 Sooners

The Red Wolves have played the Sooners twice and have been outscored 106-7, including 61-0 in a game that had Ray Perkins seriously regretting his life choices. Times have changed. The Red Wolves are an improved team over the last two seasons, and the Sooners (while formidable) are coming off a 6-7 season that featured one of the worst defenses in the nation.

Prediction: Beat The Spread

Gardner-Webb @ Appalachian State, 2:30 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

Shawn Clarks’ Mountaineers didn’t look much like the Mountaineers last season. Now Appalachian State will be replacing the great Chase Brice behind center while shaking off the sting of a disappointing 6-6 season.

Prediction: Business-like Victory

The Citadel @ Georgia Southern, 5:00 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

Tulsa transfer Davis Brin takes over for record-setting QB Kyle Vantrease, but look for running back Jalen White to get a good start on his monster stats campaign. Something to watch for: will the Eagles’ offensive line be just as effective protecting Brin as it was guarding Vantrease?

Prediction: Blow Out Victory

Bucknell @ James Madison, 5:00 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

The Dukes really, really good inaugural Sun Belt season was rewarded with no bowl appearance and no conference championship, thanks to some fine print. Head coach Curt Cignetti will be replacing the prolific Todd Centeio at QB, and this game with Bucknell should show us whether or not the new guy can play.

Prediction: Methodical Victory

Albany @ Marshall, 5:00 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

Out, vile jelly! That’s some Albany humor. Anyway, Marshall’s last season was clouded by a puzzling loss to Bowling Green after its signature victory over Notre Dame. With running back Rasheen Ali toting the rock, there won’t be too much pressure on QB Cam Francher to fine-tune whatever bugs are in the offense.

Prediction: Big Points Victory

Army @ ULM, 6:00 PM NFL Network, -9.5 Black Knights

Army loves two things: scheduling Sun Belt opponents and making their Week 1 opponent look like fools. This year, Jeff Monken is dragging Army into the modern age by ditching the flexbone triple option. Is ULM prepared for whatever the Black Knights have switched too? The outcome of this game will be a huge indicator of how Terry Bowden’s Warhawks season will go.

Prediction: Narrow Loss

Texas State @ Baylor, 6:00 PM Big12 Network & ESPN+, -26.5 Bears

There is a great deal of energy pulsating out of San Marcos these days with former Incarnate World head coach GJ Kinne transforming the program after a disappointing stint from Jake Spavital. Infused with a good number of Cardinals, the “Word Cats” once again take on in-state foe Baylor. It will be fascinating to see how Kinne and his new-look program responds to the challenge.

Prediction: A Loss That Edges Over the the Over

Alcorn State @ Southern Miss, 6:00 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

Southern Miss has announced that Clemson transfer Billy Wiles will start at QB next season. Wiles has made all of 4 pass attempts in his college career, and he may quadruple that total against the Braves – or allow running back Frank Gore Jr. to pad some stats.

Prediction: Crisp Win

Stephen F. Austin @ Troy, 6:00 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

Troy QB Gunnar Watson throws a lot of touchdowns but also plenty of picks. On the opposing sideline, the Lumberjacks are a good-ish FCS program who may have an axe to grind on Troy (no real beef, just working in an imperfect piece of word play). This is a bodybag game that may contain a surprise corpse by contest’s end.

Prediction: Unnervingly Close Victory

Northwestern State @ Louisiana, 6:30 PM ESPN+, No Spread Given

Much like Appalachian State in the East, the Cajuns didn’t look much like the Cajuns last season under new head coach Mike Desormeaux, who has vowed to coach more “his way” in 2023. Northwestern State is probably a good team to test “your way” on.

Prediction: Uninspiring, Unrevealing Victory

South Alabama @ #24 Tulane, 7:00 PM ESPNU, -7 Green Wave O’Doul’s “Maintain Your Edge” Game of the Week

O’Doul’s! For the beer lover who craves the crisp, clean taste of pilsner without the increased odds of waking up shirtless in your neighbor’s flower garden. What a terrific game to start the season! The nation will get a good look at QB Carter Bradley and Kane Womack’s stellar defense. Tulane’s fine QB Michael Pratt returns to continue the Green Wave’s magic run. Winner enters Week 2 ranked.

Prediction: The Jags Roll

Old Dominion @ Virginia Tech, 7:00 PM ACC Network, -15.5 Hokies

The Monarchs’ named Grant Wilson the starting QB earlier this week. Wilson transferred from Fordham and has thrown 10 passes his entire college career. Old Dominion opened last season with a victory over Virginia Tech. The Hokies aren’t good, but ODU may be less good.

Prediction: Lose The Game and the Spread

Coastal Carolina @ UCLA, 9:30 PM ESPN, -14.5 Bruins

A compelling game to end the week, new head coach Tim Beck would love to begin his Chanticleers era with a big win for UCLA. It will also be a huge stage for Sun Belt Preseason POY Grayson McCall, who’s NFL resume could always use a boost that comes with a victory over a blue-blooded opponent. Bear in mind, the Sun Belt is a clean 0-30 against the PAC-12. However, these are the same Bruins that should have lost to South Alabama last year.

Prediction: Upset Win