(01-04-2019 11:06 PM)Oldyeller Wrote:  

(01-04-2019 10:51 PM)APPdiesel Wrote:  Whether or not the Sunbelt's upward trajectory continues depends on how Troy and App State weather the storm of coaching change (No disrespect to Ga Southern fans I'll explain later). App and Troy are rising brands. Both are just on the edge of gaining critical mass. Both have been ranked. One has two marquee power 5 wins. Either or both taking a step back sets the league as a whole way back.

If App and Troy stumble Georgia Southern could be the toast of the league next year but they need 3 more 10 win seasons to get on the same brand level as App and Troy. They're 30 wins away from achieving that same critical mass. That's not to say they couldn't do it, but in the eyes of national writers being a good G5 one year isn't good enough. You have to be good for three.

That’s cool. See UCF. I like that route better.

The UCF route has been winning big bowl games and finishing top 25 for a good bit. This isn't their 2nd only good year.