2023 Sun Belt Conference football season

Last updated

2023 Sun Belt Conference football season
Sun Belt Conference 2020 logo and name.svg
League NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision
Sport Football
DurationAugust 31, 2023 – December 2, 2023
Number of teams14
2024 NFL draft
Top draft pickRB Rasheen Ali, Marshall
Picked by Baltimore Ravens, 165th overall
Regular season
Season MVP QB Jordan McCloud, James Madison
East champions James Madison [a]
  East runners-up Appalachian State
West champions Troy
SBC Championship Game
DateDecember 2, 2023
Venue Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy, Alabama
Champions Troy
  Runners-up Appalachian State
Finals MVPRB Kimani Vidal, Troy
Seasons
2023 Sun Belt Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
James Madison* x  7 1   11 2  
Appalachian State y  6 2   9 5  
Coastal Carolina  5 3   8 5  
Old Dominion  5 3   6 7  
Georgia State  3 5   7 6  
Marshall  3 5   6 7  
Georgia Southern  3 5   6 7  
West Division
Troy xy$  7 1   11 3  
Texas State  4 4   8 5  
Arkansas State  4 4   6 7  
South Alabama  4 4   7 6  
Louisiana  3 5   6 7  
Southern Miss  2 6   3 9  
Louisiana–Monroe  0 8   2 10  
Championship: Troy 49, Appalachian State 23
  • $ Conference champion
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • y Championship game participant
  • * – Ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules

The 2023 Sun Belt Conference football season was the 23rd season of college football play for the Sun Belt Conference (SBC). The season began on August 31, 2023, and ended with its conference championship game on December 2, 2023. It was part of the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The conference consists of 14 member schools split into two divisions. The conference released its full season schedule on February 24, 2023. [1]

Contents

Preseason

Preseason Media Poll

The SBC released its preseason poll on July 24. James Madison was named the favorite to win the East Division, while Troy was named the favorite to win the West Division. [2]

East
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1James Madison78 (4)
2Appalachian State75 (4)
3Coastal Carolina71 (3)
4Marshall68 (2)
5Georgia Southern52 (1)
6Georgia State31
7Old Dominion17
West
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Troy92 (10)
2South Alabama85 (4)
3Louisiana64
4Southern Miss62
5Texas State36
6Arkansas State33
7Louisiana–Monroe20

Preseason All-Conference teams

Head Coaches

TeamHead coachPrevious JobYears at schoolOverall recordSun Belt recordSun Belt titles
Appalachian State Shawn Clark Appalachian State (Off. Line Coach)426–13 (.667)16–8 (.667)0
Arkansas State Butch Jones Alabama (assistant coach)389–73 (.549)2–14 (.125)0
Coastal Carolina Tim Beck NC State (Off. Coordinator)10–0 (–)0–0 (–)0
Georgia Southern Clay Helton USC 252–31 (.627)3–5 (.375)0
Georgia State Shawn Elliott South Carolina (Off. Line Coach)735–43 (.449)23–25 (.479)0
James Madison Curt Cignetti Elon 5108–34 (.761)6–2 (.750)0
Louisiana Michael Desormeaux Louisiana (Co-Off. Coordinator)27–7 (.500)4–4 (.500)0
Louisiana–Monroe Terry Bowden Clemson (Grad. Assistant)3183–130–2 (.584)5–11 (.313)0
Marshall Charles Huff Alabama (Associate Head Coach)316–10 (.615)5–3 (.625)0
Old Dominion Ricky Rahne Penn State (Off. Coordinator)49–16 (.360)2–6 (.250)0
South Alabama Kane Wommack Indiana (Def. Coordinator)315–10 (.600)9–7 (.563)0
Southern Miss Will Hall Tulane (Off. Coordinator)266–35 (.653)4–4 (.500)0
Texas State G. J. Kinne Incarnate Word 216–10 (.615)9–7 (.563)0
Troy Jon Sumrall Kentucky (Co-Def. Coordinator)212–2 (.857)7–1 (.875)1

Postseason changes

Rankings

 PreWk
1
Wk
2
Wk
3
Wk
4
Wk
5
Wk
6
Wk
7
Wk
8
Wk
9
Wk
10
Wk
11
Wk
12
Wk
13
Wk
14
Final
Appalachian StateAP
C
CFPNot released
Arkansas StateAP
C
CFPNot released
Coastal CarolinaAPRV
C
CFPNot released
Georgia SouthernAP
C
CFPNot released
Georgia StateAP
CRV
CFPNot released
James MadisonAPRVRVRVRVRVRV25232118242424RV
CRVRVRVRVRVRVRVRV25242121RV2525RV
CFPNot released
LouisianaAP
C
CFPNot released
Louisiana–MonroeAP
C
CFPNot released
MarshallAP
CRVRV
CFPNot released
Old DominionAP
C
CFPNot released
South AlabamaAPRV
CRV
CFPNot released
Southern MissAP
C
CFPNot released
Texas StateAPRV
C
CFPNot released
TroyAPRVRVRVRVRV
CRVRVRVRVRVRVRVRV
CFPNot released

Schedule

The 2023 schedule was released on February 24, 2023. [1]

Index to colors and formatting
Sun Belt member won
Sun Belt member lost
Sun Belt teams in bold

Week 1

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
August 316:00 p.m.No. 21 (FCS)  Rhode Island Georgia State Center Parc StadiumAtlanta, GA ESPN+ W 42–35  15,546
September 211:00 a.m. Arkansas State No. 20  Oklahoma Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial StadiumNorman, OK ESPNL 0–73  83,221
September 22:30 p.m.No. 25 (FCS)  Gardner-Webb Appalachian State Kidd Brewer StadiumBoone, NC ESPN+W 45–24  36,075
September 25:00 p.m. The Citadel Georgia Southern Paulson StadiumStatesboro, GA ESPN+W 34–0  17,803
September 25:00 p.m. Bucknell James Madison Bridgeforth StadiumHarrisonburg, VA ESPN+W 38–3  23,756
September 25:00 p.m. Albany Marshall Joan C. Edwards StadiumHuntington, WV ESPN+W 21–17  25,101
September 26:00 p.m. Army Louisiana–Monroe Malone StadiumMonroe, LA NFLN W 17–13  18,914
September 26:00 p.m. Alcorn State Southern Miss M. M. Roberts StadiumHattiesburg, MS ESPN+W 40–14  30,335
September 26:00 p.m. Texas State Baylor McLane StadiumWaco, TX ESPN+W 42–31  44,945
September 26:00 p.m. Stephen F. Austin Troy Veterans Memorial StadiumTroy, AL ESPN+W 48–30  28,179
September 26:30 p.m. Northwestern State Louisiana Cajun FieldLafayette, LA ESPN+W 38–13  18,186
September 27:00 p.m. Old Dominion Virginia Tech Lane StadiumBlacksburg, VA ACCNL 17–36  65,632
September 27:00 p.m. South Alabama No. 24  Tulane Yulman StadiumNew Orleans, LA ESPNUL 17–37  26,973
September 29:30 p.m. Coastal Carolina UCLA Rose BowlPasadena, CA ESPNL 13–27  43,705
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 2

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
September 911:00 a.m.James Madison Virginia Scott StadiumCharlottesville, VA ESPNU W 36–35  56,508
September 911:00 a.m.TroyNo. 15  Kansas State Bill Snyder Family Football StadiumManhattan, KS FS1 L 13–42  51,940
September 92:30 p.m.Texas State UTSA AlamodomeSan Antonio, TX (I-35 Rivalry)ESPN+L 13–20  49,342
September 93:00 p.m.Marshall East Carolina Dowdy-Ficklen StadiumGreenville, NC (rivalry)ESPNUW 31–13  38,211
September 94:00 p.m.No. 16 (FCS)  Southeastern Louisiana South Alabama Hancock Whitney StadiumMobile, AL ESPN+W 35–17  15,237
September 94:15 p.m.Appalachian StateNo. 17  North Carolina Kenan Memorial StadiumChapel Hill, NC ACCN L 34–40 2OT 50,500
September 95:00 p.m. UAB Georgia SouthernPaulson Stadium • Statesboro, GAESPN+W 49–35  20,103
September 95:00 p.m.LouisianaOld Dominion S.B. Ballard StadiumNorfolk, VA ESPN+ ODU 38–31  18,154
September 96:00 p.m. Jacksonville State Coastal Carolina Brooks StadiumConway, SC ESPN+W 30–16  16,006
September 96:00 p.m. UConn Georgia StateCenter Parc Stadium • Atlanta, GAESPN+W 35–14  15,186
September 96:00 p.m. Memphis Arkansas State Centennial Bank StadiumJonesboro, AR (Paint Bucket Bowl)ESPN+L 3–37  18,724
September 97:00 p.m. Lamar Louisiana–MonroeMalone Stadium • Monroe, LAESPN+W 24–14  13,154
September 97:30 p.m.Southern MissNo. 4  Florida State Doak Campbell StadiumTallahassee, Florida ACCNL 13–66  74,467
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 3

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
September 1611:00 a.m.Georgia Southern Wisconsin Camp Randall StadiumMadison, WI BTN L 14–35  75,610
September 1611:00 a.m. Wake Forest Old DominionS.B. Ballard Stadium • Norfolk, VA ESPN2 L 24–27  18,276
September 162:30 p.m.East CarolinaAppalachian StateKidd Brewer Stadium • Boone, NCESPN+W 43–28  40,168
September 163:00 p.m.Louisiana–Monroe Texas A&M Kyle FieldCollege Station, TX SECN L 3–47  93,090
September 163:00 p.m.TulaneSouthern MissM. M. Roberts Stadium • Hattiesburg, MS (Battle for the Bell) ESPNU L 3–21  25,038
September 165:00 p.m.Georgia State Charlotte Jerry Richardson StadiumCharlotte, NC ESPN+W 41–25  14,410
September 166:00 p.m. Duquesne Coastal CarolinaBrooks Stadium • Conway, SCESPN+W 66–7  18,116
September 166:00 p.m. Stony Brook Arkansas StateCentennial Bank Stadium • Jonesboro, ARESPN+W 31–7  14,327
September 166:00 p.m.LouisianaUAB Protective StadiumBirmingham, AL ESPN+W 41–21  21,673
September 166:00 p.m.South Alabama Oklahoma State Boone Pickens StadiumStillwater, OK ESPN+W 33–7  53,855
September 166:00 p.m.James MadisonTroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, AL NFLN  JMU 16–14  26,634
September 167:30 p.m. Jackson State Texas State Bobcat StadiumSan Marcos, TX ESPN+W 77–34  24,118
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 4

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
September 216:30 p.m.Georgia StateCoastal CarolinaBrooks Stadium • Conway, SCESPN GSU 30–17  15,248
September 2311:00 a.m. Western Kentucky TroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, ALESPNUW 27–24  26,124
September 2311:00 a.m.Virginia TechMarshallJoan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, WVESPN2W 24–17  31,475
September 231:00 p.m.Georgia Southern Ball State Scheumann StadiumMuncie, IN ESPN+W 40–3  10,118
September 232:30 p.m. Texas A&M-Commerce Old DominionS.B. Ballard Stadium • Norfolk, VAESPN+W 10–9  16,938
September 234:00 p.m. Central Michigan South AlabamaHancock Whitney Stadium • Mobile, ALESPN+L 30–34  18,369
September 236:00 p.m.Appalachian State Wyoming War Memorial StadiumLaramie, WY CBSSNL 19–22  21,169
September 236:00 p.m.Southern MissArkansas StateCentennial Bank Stadium • Jonesboro, ARESPN+ ARKST 44–37  16,601
September 236:00 p.m. Nevada Texas StateBobcats Stadium • San Marcos, TXESPN+W 35–24  19,257
September 236:30 p.m. Buffalo LouisianaCajun Field • Lafayette, LAESPN+W 45–38  17,674
September 237:00 p.m.James Madison Utah State Maverik StadiumLogan, UT W 45–38  19,994
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 5

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
September 3011:00 a.m.Louisiana Minnesota Huntington Bank StadiumMinneapolis, MN BTNL 24–35  46,843
September 3011:00 a.m.South AlabamaJames MadisonBridgeforth Stadium • Harrisonburg, VAESPNU JMU 31–23  26,064
September 302:30 p.m.Arkansas State UMass Warren McGuirk Alumni StadiumHadley, MA ESPN+W 52–28  9,494
September 302:30 p.m.Old DominionMarshallJoan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, WVESPN+ MU 41–35  22,652
September 306:00 p.m.Coastal CarolinaGeorgia SouthernPaulson Stadium • Statesboro, GANFLN GASO 38–28  26,483
September 306:00 p.m.TroyGeorgia StateCenter Parc Stadium • Atlanta, GAESPN+ TROY 28–7  16,536
September 306:00 p.m.Texas StateSouthern MissM. M. Roberts Stadium • Hattiesburg, MSESPN+ TXST 50–36  21,304
September 307:00 p.m.Appalachian StateLouisiana–MonroeMalone Stadium • Monroe, LAESPN+ APPST 41–40  19,919
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 6

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 71:00 p.m.Marshall NC State Carter–Finley StadiumRaleigh, NC CW L 41–48  56,919
October 72:30 p.m.Texas StateLouisianaCajun Field • Lafayette, LAESPNU ULL 34–30  15,053
October 73:00 p.m.Arkansas StateTroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, ALESPN+ TROY 37–3  26,957
October 76:00 p.m.South AlabamaLouisiana–MonroeMalone Stadium • Monroe, LAESPN+ SOAL 55–7  12,099
October 76:00 p.m.Old DominionSouthern MissM. M. Roberts Stadium • Hattiesburg, MSESPN+ ODU 17–13  22,652
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 7

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 106:30 p.m.Coastal CarolinaAppalachian StateKidd Brewer Stadium • Boone, NCESPN2 CCU 27–24  34,252
October 1411:00 a.m.Georgia SouthernJames MadisonBridgeforth Stadium • Harrisonburg, VAESPN2 JMU 41–13  25,097
October 142:30 p.m.TroyArmy Michie StadiumWest Point, NY CBSSNW 19–0  27,829
October 146:00 p.m.MarshallGeorgia StateCenter Parc Stadium • Atlanta, GAESPN2 GSU 41–24  16,718
October 146:00 p.m.Louisiana–MonroeTexas StateBobcat Stadium • San Marcos, TXESPN+ TXST 21–20  27,537
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 8

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 176:30 p.m.Southern MissSouth AlabamaHancock Whitney Stadium • Mobile, ALESPN2 SOAL 55–3  23,478
October 196:00 p.m.James MadisonMarshallJoan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, WVESPN JMU 20–9  22,109
October 211:00 p.m.Louisiana–MonroeGeorgia SouthernPaulson Stadium • Statesboro, GAESPN+ GASO 38–28  21,068
October 216:00 p.m.Appalachian StateOld DominionS.B. Ballard Stadium • Norfolk, VA (Oyster Bowl)NFLN ODU 28–21  20,017
October 216:00 p.m.Coastal CarolinaArkansas StateCentennial Bank Stadium • Jonesboro, ARESPN+ CCU 27–17  18,228
October 217:00 p.m.Georgia StateLouisianaCajun Field • Lafayette, LAESPNU GSU 20–17  20,044
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 9

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 266:30 p.m.Georgia StateGeorgia SouthernPaulson Stadium • Statesboro, GA (Modern Day Hate)ESPN2 GASO 44–27  23,389
October 282:30 p.m.Southern MissAppalachian StateKidd Brewer Stadium • Boone, NCESPN+ APPST 48–38  32,601
October 284:00 p.m.Arkansas StateLouisiana–MonroeMalone Stadium • Monroe, LAESPN+ ARKST 34–24  14,006
October 284:00 p.m.LouisianaSouth AlabamaHancock Whitney Stadium • Mobile, ALESPN+ ULL 33–20  16,709
October 285:00 p.m.MarshallCoastal CarolinaBrooks Stadium • Conway, SCNFLN CCU 34–6  21,324
October 286:00 p.m.TroyTexas StateBobcat Stadium • San Marcos, TXESPN+ TROY 31–13  22,369
October 287:00 p.m.Old DominionNo. 25 James MadisonBridgeforth Stadium • Harrisonburg, VA (Royal Rivalry)ESPNU JMU 30–27  26,239
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

Week 10

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 26:30 p.m.South AlabamaTroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, AL (Battle for the Belt)ESPN2 TROY 28–10  28,212
November 42:00 p.m.LouisianaArkansas StateCentennial Bank Stadium • Jonesboro, ARESPN+ ARKST 37–17  15,881
November 42:30 p.m.James MadisonGeorgia StateCenter Parc Stadium • Atlanta, GAESPN2 JMU 42–14  15,320
November 42:30 p.m.Coastal CarolinaOld DominionS.B. Ballard Stadium • Norfolk, VAESPN+ CCU 28–24  17,982
November 43:00 p.m.Louisiana–MonroeSouthern MissM. M. Roberts Stadium • Hattiesburg, MSESPN+ USM 24–7  20,193
November 44:00 p.m.Georgia SouthernTexas StateBobcat Stadium • San Marcos, TXESPN+ TXST 45–24  18.204
November 45:00 p.m.MarshallAppalachian StateKidd Brewer Stadium • Boone, NC (The Old Mountain Feud)NFLN APPST 31–9  34,057
#Rankings from College Football Playoff. All times are in Central Time.

Week 11

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 96:30 p.m.Southern MissLouisianaCajun Field • Lafayette, LAESPNU USM 34–31 OT 15,137
November 1112:00 p.m.Old Dominion Liberty Williams StadiumLynchburg, VA ESPN+L 10–38  21,481
November 111:00 p.m.UConnJames MadisonBridgeforth Stadium • Harrisonburg, VAESPN+W 44–6  25,240
November 111:00 p.m.Appalachian StateGeorgia StateCenter Parc Stadium • Atlanta, GAESPN+ APPST 42–14  14,260
November 111:00 p.m.TroyLouisiana–MonroeMalone Stadium • Monroe, LAESPN+ TROY 45–14  7,683
November 112:30 p.m.Texas StateCoastal CarolinaBrooks Stadium • Conway, SCESPN+ CCU 31–23  15,832
November 114:00 p.m.Arkansas StateSouth AlabamaHancock Whitney Stadium • Mobile, ALESPN+ SOAL 21–14  15,242
November 116:00 p.m.Georgia SouthernMarshallJoan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, WVNFLN MU 38–33  19,175
#Rankings from College Football Playoff. All times are in Central Time.

Week 12

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 1811:00 a.m.Louisiana–MonroeNo. 13  Ole Miss Vaught–Hemingway StadiumUniversity, MS SECNL 3–35  60,752
November 1811:00 a.m.Coastal CarolinaArmyMichie Stadium • West Point, NYCBSSNL 21–28  26,867
November 1811:00 a.m.Southern Miss Mississippi State Davis Wade StadiumMississippi State, MS SECN+/ESPN+L 20–41  53,855
November 181:00 p.m.Appalachian StateJames MadisonBridgeforth Stadium • Harrisonburg, VAESPN+ APPST 26–23 OT 25,838
November 182:00 p.m.Texas StateArkansas StateCentennial Bank Stadium • Jonesboro, ARESPN+ ARKST 77–31  16,721
November 182:30 p.m.LouisianaTroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, ALNFLN TROY 31–24  26,621
November 184:00 p.m.MarshallSouth AlabamaHancock Whitney Stadium • Mobile, ALESPN+ SOAL 28–0  14,105
November 185:00 p.m.Old DominionGeorgia SouthernPaulson Stadium • Statesboro, GAESPN+ ODU 20–17  20,032
November 187:00 p.m.Georgia StateNo. 15  LSU Tiger StadiumBaton Rouge, LA EPSN2L 14–56  100,212
#Rankings from College Football Playoff. All times are in Central Time.

Week 13

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 2511:00 a.m.TroySouthern MissM. M. Roberts Stadium • Hattiesburg, MSESPNU TROY 35–17  19,766
November 251:00 p.m.Georgia StateOld DominionS.B. Ballard Stadium • Norfolk, VAESPN+ ODU 25–24  15,717
November 251:00 p.m.Louisiana–MonroeLouisianaCajun Field • Lafayette, LA (Battle on the Bayou)ESPN+ ULL 52–21  13,892
November 252:30 p.m.Georgia SouthernAppalachian StateKidd Brewer Stadium • Boone, NC (rivalry)ESPNU APPST 55–27  31,248
November 252:30 p.m.James MadisonCoastal CarolinaBrooks Stadium • Conway, SCESPN2 JMU 56–14  16,196
November 252:30 p.m.Arkansas StateMarshallJoan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, WVESPN+ MU 35–21  18,673
November 256:00 p.m.South AlabamaTexas StateBobcat Stadium • San Marcos, TXNFLN TXST 52–44  15,617
#Rankings from College Football Playoff. All times are in Central Time.

Championship Game

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
December 23:00 pmAppalachian StateTroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, AL (Sun Belt Conference Championship Game)ESPN TROY 49–23  20,183
#Rankings from College Football Playoff. All times are in Central Time.

Postseason

Bowl Games

Legend
 Sun Belt win
 Sun Belt loss
Bowl gameDateSiteTelevisionTime (CST)Sun Belt teamOpponentScoreAttendance
Myrtle Beach Bowl December 16 Brooks StadiumConway, SC ESPN 10:00 a.m.Georgia Southern Ohio L 21–418,059
New Orleans Bowl December 16 Caesars SuperdomeNew Orleans, LA ESPN 1:15 p.m.Louisiana Jacksonville State L 31–34OT14,485
Cure Bowl December 16 FBC Mortgage StadiumOrlando, FL ABC 2:30 p.m.Appalachian State Miami (OH) W 13–911,121
Famous Toastery Bowl December 18 Jerry Richardson StadiumCharlotte, NC ESPN 1:30 p.m.Old Dominion Western Kentucky L 35–38OT5,632
Frisco Bowl December 19 Toyota StadiumFrisco, TX ESPN 8:00 p.m.Marshall UTSA L 17–3511,215
Birmingham Bowl December 23 Protective StadiumBirmingham, AL ABC 11:00 a.m.Troy Duke L 10–1720,023
Camellia Bowl December 23 Cramton BowlMontgomery, AL ESPN 11:00 a.m.Arkansas State Northern Illinois L 19–2111,310
Armed Forces Bowl December 23 Amon G. Carter StadiumFort Worth, TX ABC 2:30 p.m.James Madison Air Force L 21–3130,828
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl December 23 Albertsons StadiumBoise, ID ESPN 2:30 p.m.Georgia State Utah State W 45–2212,168
68 Ventures Bowl December 23 Hancock Whitney StadiumMobile, AL ESPN 6:00 p.m.South Alabama Eastern Michigan W 59–1020,926
Hawaii Bowl December 23 Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics ComplexHonolulu, HI ESPN 9:30 p.m.Coastal Carolina San Jose State W 24–147,089
First Responder Bowl December 26 Gerald J. Ford StadiumUniversity Park, TX ESPN 4:30 p.m.Texas State Rice W 45–2126,542

Rankings are from Final CFP rankings. All times Central Time Zone.

Selection of teams

Sun Belt records vs other conferences

2023–2024 records against non-conference foes:

Sun Belt vs Power 5 matchups

This is a list of games the Sun Belt has scheduled versus power conference teams (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, Notre Dame and SEC). All rankings are from the current AP Poll at the time of the game.


DateConferenceVisitorHomeSiteScore
September 2Pac-12Coastal CarolinaUCLARose Bowl • Pasadena, CAL 13–27
September 2ACCOld DominionVirginia TechLane Stadium • Blacksburg, VAL 17–36
September 2Big 12Arkansas StateNo. 20 OklahomaGaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium • Norman, OKL 0–73
September 2Big 12Texas StateBaylorMcLane Stadium • Waco, TXW 42–31
September 9ACCAppalachian StateNo. 17 North CarolinaKenan Memorial Stadium • Chapel Hill, NCL 34–40 2OT
September 9ACCJames MadisonVirginiaScott Stadium • Charlottesville, VAW 36–35
September 9ACCSouthern MissNo. 4 Florida StateDoak Campbell Stadium • Tallahassee, FLL 13–66
September 9Big 12TroyNo. 15 Kansas StateBill Snyder Family Football Stadium • Manhattan, KSL 13–42
September 16Big TenGeorgia SouthernWisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WIL 14–35
September 16ACCWake ForestOld DominionS.B. Ballard Stadium • Norfolk, VAL 24–27
September 16SECLouisiana–MonroeTexas A&MKyle Field • College Station, TXL 3–47
September 16Big 12South AlabamaOklahoma StateBoone Pickens Stadium • Stillwater, OKW 33–7
September 23ACCVirginia TechMarshallJoan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, WVW 24–17
September 30Big TenLouisianaMinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MNL 24–35
October 7ACCMarshallNC StateCarter–Finley Stadium • Raleigh, NCL 41–48
November 18SECGeorgia StateNo. 15 LSUTiger Stadium • Baton Rouge, LAL 14–56
November 18SECLouisiana–MonroeNo. 13 Ole MissVaught–Hemingway Stadium • Oxford, MSL 3–35
November 18SECSouthern MissMississippi StateDavis Wade Stadium • Starkville, MSL 20–41

Sun Belt vs Group of Five matchups

The following games include Sun Belt teams competing against teams from the American, C-USA, MAC, or Mountain West.

DateConferenceVisitorHomeSiteScore
September 2AmericanSouth AlabamaNo. 24 TulaneYulman Stadium • New Orleans, LAL 17–37
September 9C-USAJacksonville StateCoastal CarolinaBrooks Stadium • Conway, SCW 30–16
September 9AmericanUABGeorgia SouthernPaulson Stadium • Statesboro, GAW 49–35
September 9AmericanMarshallEast CarolinaDowdy-Ficklen Stadium • Greenville, NCW 31–13
September 9AmericanMemphisArkansas StateCentennial Bank Stadium • Jonesboro, ARL 3–37
September 9AmericanTexas StateUTSAAlamodome • San Antonio, TXL 13–20
September 16AmericanEast CarolinaAppalachian StateKidd Brewer Stadium • Boone, NCW 43–28
September 16AmericanGeorgia StateCharlotteJerry Richardson Stadium • Charlotte, NCW 41–25
September 16AmericanLouisianaUABProtective Stadium • Birmingham, ALW 41–21
September 16AmericanTulaneSouthern MissM. M. Roberts Stadium • Hattiesburg, MSL 3–21
September 23Mountain WestAppalachian StateWyomingWar Memorial Stadium • Laramie, WYL 19–22
September 23MACGeorgia SouthernBall StateScheumann Stadium • Muncie, INW 40–3
September 23Mountain WestJames MadisonUtah StateMaverik Stadium • Logan, UTW 45–38
September 23MACBuffaloLouisianaCajun Field • Lafayette, LAW 45–38
September 23MACCentral MichiganSouth AlabamaHancock Whitney Stadium • Mobile, ALL 30–34
September 23Mountain WestNevadaTexas StateBobcat Stadium • San Marcos, TXW 35–24
September 23C-USAWestern KentuckyTroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, ALW 27–24
November 11C-USAOld DominionLibertyWilliams Stadium • Lynchburg, VAL 10–38

Sun Belt vs FBS independents matchups

The following games include Sun Belt teams competing against FBS Independents, which includes Army, UConn, or UMass.

DateVisitorHomeSiteScore
September 2ArmyLouisiana–MonroeMalone Stadium • Monroe, LAW 17–13
September 9UConnGeorgia StateCenter Parc Stadium • Atlanta, GAW 35–14
September 30Arkansas StateUMassWarren McGuirk Alumni Stadium • Hadley, MAW 52–28
October 14TroyArmyMichie Stadium • West Point, NYW 19–0
November 11UConnJames MadisonBridgeforth Stadium • Harrisonburg, VAW 44–6
November 18Coastal CarolinaArmyMichie Stadium • West Point, NYL 21–28

Sun Belt vs FCS matchups


DateVisitorHomeSiteScore
August 31Rhode IslandGeorgia StateCenter Parc Stadium • Atlanta, GAW 42–35
September 2Gardner-WebbAppalachian StateKidd Brewer Stadium • Boone, NCW 45–24
September 2The CitadelGeorgia SouthernPaulson Stadium • Statesboro, GAW 34–0
September 2BucknellJames MadisonBridgeforth Stadium • Harrisonburg, VAW 38–3
September 2AlbanyMarshallJoan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, WVW 21–17
September 2Northwestern StateLouisianaCajun Field • Lafayette, LAW 38–13
September 2Alcorn StateSouthern MissM. M. Roberts Stadium • Hattiesburg, MSW 40–14
September 2Stephen F. AustinTroyVeterans Memorial Stadium • Troy, ALW 48–30
September 9LamarLouisiana–MonroeMalone Stadium • Monroe, LAW 24–14
September 9Southeastern LouisianaSouth AlabamaHancock Whitney Stadium • Mobile, ALW 35–17
September 16DuquesneCoastal CarolinaBrooks Stadium • Conway, SCW 66–7
September 16Stony BrookArkansas StateCentennial Bank Stadium • Jonesboro, ARW 31–7
September 16Jackson StateTexas StateBobcat Stadium • San Marcos, TXW 77–34
September 23Texas A&M-CommerceOld DominionS.B. Ballard Stadium • Norfolk, VAW 10–9

Home game attendance

TeamStadiumCapacityGame 1Game 2Game 3Game 4Game 5Game 6TotalAverage% of Capacity
Appalachian State Kidd Brewer Stadium 30,00036,07540,16834,252110,49536,832122.7%
Arkansas State Centennial Bank Stadium 30,40618,72414,32716,60118,22867,88016,97055.8%
Coastal Carolina Brooks Stadium 21,00016,00618,11615,24849,37016,45778.3%
Georgia Southern Paulson Stadium 25,00017,80320,10326,48321,06885,45721,36485.4%
Georgia State Center Parc Stadium 24,33315,54615,18616,53616,71863,98615,99765.7%
James Madison Bridgeforth Stadium 24,87723,75626,06425,09774,91724,972100.3%
Louisiana Cajun Field 41,42618,18617,67415,05320,04470,95717,73942.8%
Louisiana–Monroe Malone Stadium 27,61718,91413,15419,91912,09964,08616,02258.0%
Marshall Joan C. Edwards Stadium 38,22725,10131,47522,65222,109100,33725,08465.26
Old Dominion S. B. Ballard Stadium 21,94418,15418,27616,93820,01773,38518,34683.6%
South Alabama Hancock Whitney Stadium 25,45015,23718,36923,47857,08419,02874.7%
Southern Miss M. M. Roberts Stadium 36,00030,33525,03821,30422,65299,32924,83268.9%
Texas State Jim Wacker Field at Bobcat Stadium 30,00824,11819,25727,53770,91223,63778.7%
Troy Veterans Memorial Stadium 30,47028,17926,63426,12426,957107,89426,97488.5%

Bold – At or Exceeded capacity
†Season High

Awards and honors

Player of the week honors

WeekOffensiveDefensiveSpecial Teams
PlayerTeamPositionPlayerTeamPositionPlayerTeamPosition
Week 1 [12] T. J. Finley Texas StateQB Clayton Isbell Coastal CarolinaSAndrew SteinSouthern MissK
Week 2 [13] Davis Brin Georgia SouthernQB Jason Henderson Old DominionLB Aiden Fisher James MadisonLB
Week 3 [14] Darren Grainger Georgia StateQB LaMareon James Old DominionCBCamden WiseJames MadisonK
Week 4 [15] Rasheen Ali MarshallRBBrian HollowayTexas StateLB Dominic Zvada Arkansas StateK
Week 5 [16] Jaylen Raynor Arkansas StateQBMarques Watson-TrentGeorgia SouthernLBMichael HughesAppalachian StateK
Week 6 [17] Kimani Vidal TroyRB Jason Henderson (2)Old DominionLB Dalen Cambre LouisianaWR
Week 7 [18] Grayson McCall Coastal CarolinaQBRichard JibunorTroyLBScott Taylor RenfroeTroyK
Week 8 [19] Jalen White Georgia SouthernRB Jalen Green James MadisonDLRyan HansonJames MadisonP
Week 9 [20] Gunnar Watson TroyQBCameron WhitfieldLouisianaLBMichael LantzGeorgia SouthernK
Week 10 [21] Jordan McCloud James MadisonQB Jason Henderson (3)Old DominionLBDominic Zvada (2)Arkansas StateK
Week 11 [22] Jordan McCloud (2)James MadisonQB Javon Solomon TroyLBJayden HarrisonMarshallWR
Week 12 [23] Ja'Quez Cross Arkansas StateRBEthan JohnsonAppalachian StateCB Ja'Quez Cross Arkansas StateRB
Week 13 [24] Jordan McCloud (3)James MadisonQB Tyrek Funderburk Appalachian StateCBKole WilsonTexas StateWR

Sun Belt individual awards

The following individuals received postseason honors as voted by the Sun Belt Conference football coaches at the end of the season. [25]

AwardPlayerSchool
Player of the Year Jordan McCloud James Madison
Offensive Player of the Year Kimani Vidal Troy
Defensive Player of the Year Jalen Green James Madison
Freshman Player of the Year Jaylen Raynor Arkansas State
Newcomer of the Year Joey Aguilar Appalachian State
Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti James Madison

All-Conference teams

The following players were selected as part of the Sun Belt's All-Conference Teams. [25]

All-Americans

Currently, the NCAA compiles consensus all-America teams in the sports of Division I-FBS football and Division I men's basketball using a point system computed from All-America teams named by coaches associations or media sources. The system consists of three points for a first-team honor, two points for second-team honor, and one point for third-team honor. Honorable mention and fourth team or lower recognitions are not accorded any points. College Football All-American consensus teams are compiled by position and the player accumulating the most points at each position is named first team consensus all-American. Currently, the NCAA recognizes All-Americans selected by the AP, AFCA, FWAA, TSN, and the WCFF to determine Consensus and Unanimous All-Americans. Any player named to the First Team by all five of the NCAA-recognized selectors is deemed a Unanimous All-American.

PositionPlayerSchoolSelectorUnanimousConsensus
First Team All-Americans
DL Jalen Green James MadisonAP, SI, The Athletic, USAT, WCFF
LB Jason Henderson Old DominionTSN, WCFF
KRJayden HarrisonMarshallCBS, FOX, FWAA, WCFF
AP Ismail Mahdi Texas StateCBS
PositionPlayerSchoolSelectorUnanimousConsensus
Second Team All-Americans
DL Jalen Green James MadisonAFCA, CBS, FOX, FWAA, TSN
LB Jason Henderson Old DominionAP, FWAA, USAT
AP Ismail Mahdi Texas StateFWAA
PositionPlayerSchoolSelectorUnanimousConsensus
Third Team All-Americans
RB Kimani Vidal TroyAP

NFL draft

The NFL draft will be held at Campus Martius Park in Detroit. The following list includes all Sun Belt players in the draft.

List of selections

PlayerPositionSchoolDraft
Round
Round
Pick
Overall
Pick
Team
Rasheen Ali RB Marshall 530165 Baltimore Ravens
Javon Solomon DE Troy 533168 Buffalo Bills
Kimani Vidal RB Troy 65181 Los Angeles Chargers
Micah Abraham CB Marshall 625201 Indianapolis Colts
Travis Glover OT Georgia State 626202 Green Bay Packers
Nathan Thomas OT Louisiana 713233 Dallas Cowboys

Notes

  1. James Madison was ineligible to participate in the conference championship game due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules. [26]
  2. Due to a lack of bowl eligible teams, James Madison was deemed bowl eligible despite its two-year postseason ban during its transition from FCS to FBS.

References

  1. 1 2 "Sun Belt Announces 2023 Football Schedule". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. February 24, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  2. "Sun Belt Announces Football Preseason Awards & Poll". Sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. July 24, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  3. Rittenburg, Adam (November 27, 2022). "Texas State fires football coach Jake Spavital after 4 years". ESPN. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  4. "Welcome G.J. Kinne". txst.com. Texas State University. December 7, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  5. Thamel, Pete (December 4, 2022). "Coastal Carolina hires NC State OC Tim Beck as coach". ESPN. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  6. "ULM to Seek New Leadership for Football Program". ulmwarhawks.com. University of Louisiana Monroe Athletics. November 26, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  7. "Bryant Vincent Named ULM Head Football Coach". ulmwarhawks.com. University of Louisiana Monroe Athletics. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  8. "Cignetti Named 30th Head Football Coach at Indiana University" (Press release). Indiana Hoosiers. November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  9. "Bob Chesney Selected to Lead JMU Football as New Head Coach". jmusports.com. James Madison University Athletics. December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  10. "Tulane hires Troy's Jon Sumrall on 6-year deal, sources say". ESPN. December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  11. "Troy Hires Notre Dame OC Gerad Parker as head coach". ESPN. December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  12. "Texas State's Finley, Coastal Carolina's Isbell & Southern Miss' Stein Earn Sun Belt Football Weekly Accolades". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  13. "Georgia Southern's Brin, Old Dominion's Henderson & James Madison's Fisher Claim Sun Belt Football Weekly Honors". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. September 11, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  14. "Georgia State's Grainger, Old Dominion's James & James Madison's Wise Earn Sun Belt Football Weekly Awards". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  15. "Marshall's Ali, Texas State's Holloway & Arkansas State's Zvada Claim Sun Belt Football Weekly Accolades". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  16. "Arkansas State's Raynor, Georgia Southern's Watson-Trent & App State's Hughes Earn Sun Belt Football Weekly Honors". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  17. "Troy's Vidal, Old Dominion's Henderson & Louisiana's Cambre Secure Sun Belt Football Weekly Awards". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  18. "Coastal Carolina's McCall, Troy's Jibunor & Troy's Renfroe Earn Sun Belt Football Weekly Accolades". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  19. "Georgia Southern's White, James Madison's Green & James Madison's Hanson Claim Sun Belt Football Weekly Honors". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  20. "Troy's Watson, Louisiana's Whitfield & Georgia Southern's Lantz Earn Sun Belt Football Weekly Awards". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  21. "James Madison's McCloud, Old Dominion's Henderson & Arkansas State's Zvada Claim Sun Belt Football Weekly Accolades". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  22. "James Madison's McCloud, Troy's Solomon & Marshall's Harrison Claim Sun Belt Football Weekly Honors". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  23. "Arkansas State's Cross & App State's Johnson Earn Sun Belt Football Weekly Accolades". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  24. "James Madison's McCloud, App State's Funderburk & Texas State's Wilson Secure Final Sun Belt Football Weekly Awards". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. November 27, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  25. 1 2 "Sun Belt Announces 2023 Football Postseason Awards & All-Conference Teams". sunbeltsports.org. Sun Belt Conference. November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  26. Frankenberry, Jami (October 19, 2023). "Unbeaten JMU leads Sun Belt, but despite pleas NCAA rules keep Dukes from a bowl, conference title game". The Virginian-Pilot . Retrieved November 27, 2023.