You’re taking advantage of me now. EIGHT lessons? I’m practically teaching a masterclass here. Ya’ll about to receive a free PhD in Sun Belt Heat. Get ready to update your LinkedIn.

#1 The Red Wolves are Winning the Games the Red Wolves are Supposed to Win

Guided by a freshman quarterback still mastering the speed of college football, the Red Wolves are 4-4 with wins over teams whose records are nowhere near .500. What’s different about this Arkansas State team (other than a few more wins) is the team’s performance late in the game. The Red Wolves not longer fade; by the contrary, it was a dominating 19-8 4th quarter that sealed Arkansas State’s victory over ULM. Next step for the Red Wolves: win the games they’re not supposed to win.

#2 Contrary to Pod Opinion, Frank Gore Jr. is Alive and Well and Stacking Up Fat Yards

On last week’s FunBelt Podcast, it was suggested that Southern Miss running back Frank Gore Jr. was have a disappointing season. Statistically, Gore Jr. was struggling to maintain himself as a Top 10 running back in the Sun Belt – possibly because the rest of the Golden Eagles’ offense wasn’t providing enough pop to take opposing defenses of his case. Gore Jr. apparently took offense to the podcast’s assessment, racking up 247 yards and 2 touchdowns in an exhausting road loss to Appalachian State. Whatever plagues Southern Miss, the culprit isn’t Gore Jr.

#3 James Madison is Undefeated and Almost Respected

The Dukes managed to mitigate Old Dominion’s weirdness to hold on for a tight 30-27 victory, overcoming a pair of picks from Jordan McCloud and a solid performance from ODU quarterback Grant Wilson. JMU’s reward was two bumps in the current AP Top 25 poll, ranking 23rd behind a big pile of lessor programs. James Madison and Curt Cignetti, barred from the SBC title and postseason play, have plenty of reason to win their remaining games – to stick it into the eye of the football establishment.

#4 Warhawks Have Reason to Be Hyped About the Future of Their Offense

Though ULM failed abysmally in the red zone against Arkansas State this week, Warhawks fans have plenty of reason to feel good about their freshman signal caller Blake Murphy, who tossed a pair of touchdowns and threw for 300 yards in a 34-24 loss to the Red Wolves. The small-ish quarterback with the big arm completed three passes of more than thirty yards, including a big 48 yard connection to Bugs Mortimer. Murphy had his freshman struggles – both he and his Red Wolves counterpart Raynor had less than memorable first halves – but the future looks intriguing in Monroe.

#5 The Thundering Herd has Lost its Boom

Many had picked Marshall to finish first in the Sun Belt East, and when the Thundering Herd won its first four games, those high projections seemed validated. Four straight losses later, Marshall is beat up and beat down, underscored by a miserable 34-6 loss to a Costal Carolina team without the services of Grayson McCall. Starting quarterback Cam Fancher completed only 11 passes for two picks before being replaced by freshman Cole Pennington, the son of former Marshall (and NFL) quarterback Chad Pennington. The Herd is siting in the SBC East basement and are likely out of championship contention.

#6 Troy Gave Up More Points to Texas State than It Had Allowed Its Last Three Opponents Combined (and Still Dominated)

The Bobcats scored a quick opening drive touchdown on Troy via a Tj Finley to Ashtyn Hawkins 28 yard connection. Then the mighty Trojan defense went to work, holding Texas State to just two field goals the remainder of the game and picking off Finley twice while Trojan quarterback Gunnar Watson picked apart the Bobcats for 398 yards and three touchdowns. Over the last four games, Troy has allowed just two touchdowns, and they seem to be getting stronger offensively with every game.

#7 Coastal Carolina has Won Three Straight Since Being Given Up For Dead

After losing lackluster games to Georgia State and Georgia Southern to open conference play, we were justified in tossing the sheet over the Chanticleers’ rapidly cooling body. But something has begun clicking with new head coach Tim Beck and his team – so much so that Coastal Carolina didn’t have a moment’s trouble with Marshall despite being without Grayson McCall’s services. Whether it’s backup Jarret Guest behind center, or the multi-time SBC Player of the Year, the Chants are back to spook the East.

#8 Marcus Carrol vs. Jalen White Did Not Disappoint

The Sun Belt features some incredible running backs this season, and two went head to head before a national audience on Thursday. Marcus Carrol stacked up 208 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Georgia Southern, who was led by Jalen White’s 116 yard, one touchdown performance. Ultimately, Davis Brin (334 yards, 3 TDs, 1 pick) was conducting a symphony behind center while opposing quarterback Darren Grainger struggled (157 yards, two TDs, two picks), which took pressure off White. Carrol’s efforts, however, were incredible, and his season is worthy of SBC POY consideration.

Photo Credit: Sun Belt Media