By Christian Goeckel
SouthernPigskin.com

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A loaded Sun Belt is in for a historic 2022

1. App State (10-4)

Chase Brice (Yes, the same Chase Brice that once backed up Trevor Lawrence at Clemson) is back for another season with the Mountaineers. The return of star running backs Cameron Peoples and Nate Noel should take some of the pressure off of a young receiving corps.

2. Marshall (7-6)
The success of the Thundering Herd will rely heavily on Rasheen Ali. The junior back totaled 1,735 yards and 24 touchdowns on 295 touches in 2021. A hefty serving of transfer talent should help an already talented defense become one of the best in the Sun Belt.

3. Coastal Carolina (11-2)
One of the more unique offenses in college football has its star quarterback back for another run. Grayson McCall, like the Kellen Moores before him, may not be an exceptional pro prospect, but he is lethal in his system. McCall led the country in passing efficiency (207.65) in 2021. For reference: Bryce Young (167.52), CJ Stroud (186.56), and Caleb Williams (169.62).

4. Louisiana (13-1)
You dont lose HC Billy Napier and QB Levi Lewis and get better. What may be even more devastating for the Cajuns was the departure of OL OCyrus Torrence (Florida). That said, first-year head coach Michael Desormeaux didnt inherit an empty cupboard. EDGE Andre Jones is back for a sixth season after tallying 9.5 tackles for loss in 2021.

5. Georgia State (8-5

6. Southern Miss (3-9)

7. Troy (5-7)

8. Old Dominion (6-7)

9. James Madison (12-2)*

10. South Alabama (5-7)

11. Georgia Southern (3-9)

12. Arkansas State (2-10)

13. Texas State (4-8)

14. UL- Monroe (4-8)

*FCS