Contrary to public opinion, I’m not perfect. For example, I often mistake John Fogerty for Neil Young. I am completely incapable of properly setting a pair of slacks on a hanger. I can’t spell “refrigerator” on the first try. But most egregiously, I make Sun Belt predictions that fail to come to fruition. Construct a prison cell inside your mind and toss me inside. I earned it.

Appalachian State Will Win the Sun Belt East: SAD TROMBONE

In our Sun Belt preview, we this about the Mountaineers: “Appalachian State does enter the season from a position of strength, bringing back Sun Belt Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Joey Aguilar at quarterback and placing a Sun Belt hight seven All SBC First Team picks. Head coach Shawn Clark bears the most Sun Belt experience of any coach in the conference.” We considered Appalachian State to be the most complete team in the conference. Meanwhile, we picked the eventual SBC EAST leader and conference winner Marshall to finish 4th.

Texas State Will Win the Sun Belt West: SAD TROMBONE

The hype was huge for GJ Kinne and the Bobcats, who just seemed too stacked to fail. We said this about the Bocats: Sun Belt SIDs coaches picked Texas State, and why not? The roster includes two Maxwell Award watch-listers in QB Jordan McCloud and RB Ismail Mahdi, and second-year head coach GJ Kinne is just fitting into his belt buckled has head honcho in San Marcos. Combine that with the Sun Belt’s best offensive and defensive lines, and you build a strong case for a Sun Belt Championship – and maybe more than that.

Texas State had their moments, but too many 4th quarter losses (Arizona State, Sam Houston) spoiled any chance at national glory, and puzzling losses to Georgia State and Old Dominion buried their conference hopes. Eventual SBC West winner, Louisiana, was predicted to finish third.

Southern Miss Will Be a Surprise Team in the West: SAD TROMBONE

Actually, the Golden Eagles were surprising: surprisingly bad! Southern Miss would finish last in the West and fire its head coach midway through the season. As it turned out, it was ULM who pleasantly surprised, winning five of its first six before losing steam.

Old Dominion Will Be a Surprise Team in the East: VICTORY TRUMPET

It could have been a magic season for Old Dominion. But six one-score losses sunk the Monarchs. However, there was a moment with ODU actually led the SBC East, and conference wins over Georgia Southern, Texas State and Arkansas State were impressive.

Troy Will Struggle This Season: VICTORY TRUMPET

Even with its head coach departing for Tulane and a wave of talent leaving campus, Sun Belt SIDs ranked Troy second in the West, with four predicting the Trojans would win the division. However, Dr. Sebastian Krackbone was not fooled: “Troy still has some talent on the offensive line, but it’s a rebuilding year for new head coach Gerad Parker.” Troy finished the season 4-8.

No Coach is on the Hot Seat: Sad Trombone

Dr. Krackbone didn’t foresee just how miserable things had gotten in Hattiesburg. Southern Miss head coach Will Hall didn’t last the season.

PHOTO IS MINE