The Appalachian State Mountaineers are a team that needs no introduction. Ever since emerging onto the scene in the FBS, they have been a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt Conference. This is also an Appalachian State team that has staged historic upsets and established itself as a dynasty in the FCS before earning its promotion. With a pedigree and commitment to excellence, it is no wonder that the Mountaineers are priced as the chalk to win the Sun Belt Conference in 2019. After all, they have run this league as a three-time reigning and defending champion. This is also a football team that has yet to lose a bowl game. For those not looking to lay the juice on App State at -150, there are some sizeable alternatives. Here is our breakdown of where the value lies in the remaining favorites, contenders, and potential dark horse in the Sun Belt. Bet365 provides the odds for this write-up.
SUN BELT CONFERENCE VALUED FAVORITE
ARKANSAS STATE +350 - Let's call it what it is here. Arkansas State's schedule sets up for them to make a run that will get them to the Sun Belt Conference Championship. At that point, this renders this wager as a Money Line bet to get past whoever is waiting for them. Whether it be the likely Appalachian State or a re-match with Troy and Georgia Southern. The bottom line is Arkansas State is on paper one of the better teams in this league, and they play six games against SBC teams that played .500 ball or less in 2018. There is no reason why the Wolves can’t scoff down win after win and takes Group A. Regardless of the opponent in the Sun Belt Championship, this play has value because there is an excellent chance it will have an opportunity to cash in with an easy road to the title game where it boils down to the old adage: Any Given Sunday or Saturday, in this case.
SUN BELT CONFERENCE TOP CONTENDER
GEORGIA SOUTHERN +1600 – Georgia Southern is a team that has to be granted respect as they are as consistent as Appalachian State when it comes to their performance within the league. Equipped with a unique and innovative approach to the game of football, the Eagles’ option offense is often comparable to aspirin…give it time and it works. With Quarterback Shai Werts spearheading the attack, he is a true dual-threat nightmare that can light up opponents through the air or scamper on the ground and gash their defenses. Fueled by efficiency with the best turnover margin in the country in 2018 (+22), this 10-win program in 2018 offers tremendous upside at the price offered. After all, in 2018, GSU earned wins over two teams favored to win this league, Appalachian State and Arkansas State.
SUN BELT CONFERENCE TOP DARK HORSE
TEXAS STATE +2500 – There are reasons to salivate over this long-shot. The Bobcats return ten defensive starters that comprised a unit that finished 39th in the FBS in passing defense (201.6 passing yards per game against). In a conference that is as offensive-oriented as the Sun Belt, the Bobcats have an ace in their hole. In Group A play, three of the four matches are winnable against teams that played no better than .500 ball. The key is how things shape with up with their away fixtures at both Arkansas State and Appalachian State. Should Texas State fall as expected, they will need a lot of help to represent Group A in the Sun Belt Championship Game as Arkansas State would have to lose three times in conference play. This, of course, is feasible with Ark State drawing Georgia Southern and tough road games at UL Monroe and Troy. If you are looking for a dark horse with a chance, this is the one.
SUN BELT CONFERENCE FUTURE ODDS AS LISTED AT MyBookie.ag
- Appalachian State -150
- Arkansas State +350
- Troy +550
- UL Lafayette +1400
- UL Monroe +1400
- Georgia Southern +1600
- Texas State +2500
- Coastal Carolina +15000
- Georgia State +15000
- South Alabama +25000