Sun Belt Power Rankings: Week 4

Another week and another look up and down the best and worst of the Sun Belt Conference. Keep reading for more.

1. Louisiana-Monroe (1-2) – Lost vs. Baylor 47-42

Ranking Change: None

ULM took another solid program down to the wire this week. Their offense put up a ton of yards yet again, but their three turnovers proved to be the difference in this one. The Warhawks difficult schedule to begin the season should pay off come later in the conference schedule, but unless they can turn their nice games into wins, it won’t matter.

Next Game: September 29 @ Tulane.

2. Western Kentucky (3-1) – Won vs. Southern Miss. 42-17

Ranking Change: Up 3 Spots

The Hilltoppers make the big leap this week after their huge win over Southern Miss. Western put up over 500 yards of offense, more than 300 of which was on the ground. If the Hilltoppers can keep this momentum heading into conference play, don’t be surprised if they finish at the top of the conference.

Next Game: September 29 @ Arkansas State.

3. Louisiana-Lafayette (2-1, 1-0 Sun Belt) – Idle.

Ranking Change: Down 1 Spot

The Ragin’ Cajuns got a week off after dropping their first game of the season against Oklahoma State. Lafayette can definitely score points, but they’re going to find a way to make more stops if they want to find themselves at the top of the conference at the end of the season.

Next Game: September 29 vs. Florida International.

4. Troy (2-2, 1-1 Sun Belt) – Won @ North Texas 14-7

Ranking Change: Down 1 Spot


The offensive train that was the Troy offense got slowed a bit this week, but thankfully for the Trojans, so did their numerous turnovers. Troy was able to get their first conference win of the season, but you can’t help but think they played down to their competition here. It should be interesting to see exactly how the Trojans respond.

Next Game: September 29 @ South Alabama.

5. Florida International (1-3) – Lost vs. Louisville 28-21

Ranking Change: Down 1 Spot

I definitely can’t fault the Panthers for playing a stout non-conference schedule. However, FIU had a prime opportunity to include their name in the “Sun Belt Season of Upsets” list. Hopefully, the Panthers can build on this solid performance as they head into the bulk of their conference play.

Next Game: September 29 @ Louisiana-Lafayette.

6. Arkansas State (2-2) – Won vs. Alcorn State 56-0

Ranking Change: Up 1 Spot


This was a good-looking win for the Red Wolves over an FCS opponent. Its tough to take a lot away from a dominating win like this, but nonetheless, credit State here for looking impressive. However, for this team to live up to their expectations, they’re going to have to start winning games they’re not expected to.

Next Game: September 29 vs. Western Kentucky

7. North Texas (1-3, 0-1 Sun Belt) – Lost vs. Troy 14-7

Ranking Change: Down 1 Spot

The Mean Green impressed me by slowing down Troy’s big offense in this one. When you look at the stat sheet, you’d think that North Texas would have won this game since they were better in almost every category. However, the Mean Green will need to fix their offensive troubles (currently ranked 111th in the country in scoring offense) if they want to compete for their last Sun Belt crown.

Next Game: September 29 at Florida Atlantic.

8. Middle Tennessee (2-1, 1-0 Sun Belt) – Idle

Ranking Change: None


The Blue Raiders got a week to recover before they head on the road to take on Georgia Tech. This should be the first real test for Middle to gauge exactly how good they are this season.

Next Game: September 29 @ Georgia Tech.

9. Florida Atlantic (1-3, 0-1 Sun Belt) – Lost vs. Alabama 40-7

Ranking Change: None


After letting one of their players run at the mouth about beating Alabama, the Owls were hushed fairly quickly against the nation’s top team. The Owls’ chances of getting a win against a FBS opponent may come in the next few weeks as they start conference play. If not, it could be another very long season.

Next Game: September 29 vs. North Texas.

10. South Alabama (1-3)( – Lost at Mississippi State 30-10

Ranking Change: None


The Jags put up a fight against a top 25 opponents this week. Their offense was able to match what the Bulldogs could do, except for scoring points. USA ranks in the bottom 20 in FBS in passing, rushing and points scored. So if they plan to register an FBS win in their first season, they’re going to have to find some scoring.

Next Game: September 29 vs. Troy.