When I started this column, I wasn’t really considering how many lessons we’d have to learn as the season progressed. I have zero strengths, and an infinity amount of weaknesses, math among them. But a deal is a deal. I’m gonna give you seven %$@*ing lessons from Week 8, even if the effort dehydrates me to a pile of sawdust.
#1 Man, I Was Way Wrong About Appalachian State
In the preseason, I picked the Mountaineers to win the Sun Belt East, partly because I had no idea who would win the East, but mostly because I figured Shawn Clark would find some way to enact terrible vengeance through what appeared to be a very solid roster. Nope. With a 3-4 overall record, Appalachian State is dead last in the SBC East with its most recent loss to Old Dominion, and I suspect there isn’t a hotter coach’s seat in the Sun Belt than the one in Boone.
#2 Grayson McCall Is Still A Good QB
Before getting literally knocked out on a late hit from Arkansas State, McCall was an amazing 24/28 on his passes. The longtime Coastal signal caller no longer has the wealth of NFL-level talent surrounding him, but McCall is still a damn accurate passer who wills the Chants to victory.
#3 Zeon Chriss and Jaylon Raynor are Freshman QBs Whose Freshman Mistakes Cost Them Victories
Arkansas State’s Jaylon Raynor stared down two receivers and was picked twice for the mistakes, both leading to Coastal touchdowns. In Lafayette, during a 10 play drive in the final moments of what was looking like a comeback victory for the Cajuns over Georgia State, Zeon Chriss threw an end zone interception that ended the game. Chriss and Raynor are the Sun Belt’s future at quarterback, but fans will need to be patient as both talented signal callers power through their growing pains.
#4 It’s Time to Admit That Georgia State is Good
No one’s position as Sun Belt head coach seemed more tenuous that Shawn Elliot’s, who after six seasons in Atlanta seemed destined for mediocrity. Six wins later, the Panthers are first in the SBC to achieve bowl eligibility (sorry Jimmy Mads) and have a genuine shot at winning the SBC East. Georgia State (despite nearly blowing a big lead against Louisiana) is a damn good team, with an unmatched QB/Running back combo and roster of seniors positioned to finally, finally win the conference championship.
#5 James Madison is Finally Ranked, But Not Ranked Enough
Begrudgingly, the AP Top 25 finally recognized James Madison as worthy of appearing on their blue-blood bloated poll. Slow clap, guys! Well done. Between the AP pretending James Madison doesn’t exist and the NCAA actually erasing James Madison from the record book, this may become the most frustrating season ever recorded by an undefeated FBS football team.
#6 Marshall Is Where I Thought Marshall Would Be
Since opening the season 4-0, Marshall has lost three straight (including two conference games) and is next to last in the Sun Belt East. True, losses to JMU, North Carolina State and Georgia State aren’t horrible defeats, but Marshall was picked by many to be the pride of the SBC East. I had my doubts. A loss against Coastal Carolina this week would cement this season as a huge disappointment for Charlie Huff and his program.
#7 South Alabama Could Be Back (But Also, Maybe Not)
The Jaguars followed up a 55-7 destroying of the Warhawks with a 55-3 destroying of the Golden Eagles. Who is the real South Alabama? Is it the team with lackluster losses against James Madison and Tulane? Or are they the team that has put up 110 points the last two weeks? South Alabama’s three FBS victories held opponents to a total of 17 points. The Jags gave up 70 points in three losses. Who are the Jags? We’re guessing they’re still the favorite in the West – but games against the Cajuns and Troy will determine the legitimacy of Kane Wommack’s Boys from Mobile.
PHOTO CREDIT: Sun Belt Media
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