College football kickoff: Sun Belt story lines

Top story lines

The highlight of 2011 was Louisiana-Lafayette's dream season in Mark Hudspeth's first year. The Ragin' Cajuns had eight regular-season wins, the program's first bowl berth and a win vs. San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl pm a 50-yard field goal on the gams's last play. About the only thing left would be claiming the league title outright. … Standing in the way is Arkansas State, also coming off a groundbreaking season. The Red Wolves made a splash by bringing aboard offensive guru Gus Malzahn to head the program after Hugh Freeze moved on to Mississippi. … Then there's Florida International, seeking a third consecutive bowl appearance before moving to Conference USA. … Joining the conference with a full slate for the first time is South Alabama.

Top players

Offense: QB Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State), 6-1, 205. The league's offensive player of the year in 2011; 304-for-476, 3,588 yards, 19 TDs.

Defense: LB Andrew Jackson (Western Kentucky), 6-1, 265. Registered 109 tackles, including 17 for losses, last season.

From the top down

Arkansas State: Offense should pick up where it left off, though former Auburn running back Michael Dyer won't be part of it.

UL-Lafayette: Among returning Cajuns are quarterback Blaine Gautier and bowl-hero kicker Brett Baer.

Florida International: Kedrick Rhodes is the league's top returning rusher.

Western Kentucky: Running back Bobby Rainey is gone, so quarterback Kawaun Jakes must produce by air.

Troy: Quarterback Corey Robinson is capable of big numbers, but ball security must improve.

Middle Tennessee: Turnover margin and run defense must improve.

North Texas: After offseason health scare, coach Dan McCarney looks to continue Mean Green's improvement.

Louisiana-Monroe: Offense will work around dual-threat quarterback Kolton Browning.

Florida Atlantic: New coach Carl Pelini's staff has work to do.

South Alabama: Likely to struggle with first full FBS schedule.

Top men

Larry Blakeney, Troy, 22nd season

Rick Stockstill, Middle Tennessee, seventh

Mario Cristobal, FIU, sixth

Joey Jones, South Alabama, fourth

Todd Berry, UL-Monroe, third

Willie Taggart, Western Kentucky, third

Mark Hudspeth, UL-Lafayette, second

Dan McCarney, North Texas, second

Gus Malzahn, Arkansas State, first

Carl Pelini, Florida Atlantic, first

Contributing: By Eddie Timanus

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