Pretty good read, and one that acknolwedges that the confrence IS gettting better…

Sun Belt: Middle Tennessee, Troy continue to show way - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and BCS Rankings


This isn't your father's Sun Belt.

Actually, since the conference is only 10 years old, it's more like … this isn't your older brother's Sun Belt.

Once the laughing stock of Division I, the conference has made huge strides over the past decade and has got the commissioner talking (gulp) BCS bid.

"Most conferences a third of your teams are competing for a championship," commissioner Wright Waters said. "Our top third needs to set its sights on being a BCS bowl team. If Hawaii, Boise State, Utah and TCU can do it, in my mind I don't see any reason why our teams can't do it."


6. Florida Atlantic : A tale of two squads.

Sure the defense wasn't great last year, but eight starters are back, including CB Tavious Polo and safety Marcus Bartels, so expect the Owls to improve in yards and points allowed. DE Kevin Cyrille also could help FAU up front. On offense the Owls return running back Alfred Morris, who had 1,392 yards and 11 TDs last year. Things might be a little tougher this year because there are five new starters on the offensive line. QB Jeff Van Camp is back after starting toward the end of the year for an injured Rusty Smith. Must-see game: Oct. 2 at South Florida. The first of three road games, it would be amazing if the Owls could pull the upset.