Take this season as an example. Sun Belt conference teams have defeated some of college football's 'power conference' teams.
In the first week of the season, the University of Louisiana-Monroe took down the then No. 8 ranked, Arkansas Razorbacks in OT, 34-31.
Western Kentucky went on the road to in state big brother, Kentucky. Knocking off the Wildcats 32-31 in another over time victory for the Sun Belt over a power conference team.
Middle Tennessee State traveled to Atlanta and put it on Georgia Tech, winning 49-28 in September.
This season, the stat lines are rising for many top level talent players in the Sun Belt conference. We are going to introduce you, to some of those players; in an on-going series, you may not know. However, you may want to keep your eyes on them as the season plays out.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
LB Andrew Jackson | 6-1, 262 lbs.
If Andrew Jackson was playing in the BIG10 or SEC, everyone would know exactly who he is. One of the best linebackers in the country, in my opinion. Jackson is a very aggressive, downhill attacking linebacker for the Hilltoppers.
Leads the team in tackles so far in 2012 with 78 (55ua, 23a) and has 10 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hurries and 2 forced fumbles. Jackson does a very nice job of shooting the gaps on the O-Line to penetrate into the backfield easily.
He is always flying around the ball on nearly every play. A very good NFL prospect who will play on Sundays.
RB Antonio Andrews | 6-0, 211 lbs.
Another over looked player for the Hilltoppers. Andrews is currently 9th in the country in rushing yards, 1,053, and has gone over the 100 yard mark in his last 7 games. Including a 215 yard performance against Sun Belt Conference opponent, Arkansas State.
Andrews has good size for a next level running back at 6, 0" and 211 pounds. He is a versatile running back as he can line up in the back field, split out wide as well as returning punts. Displayed very good hands for a running back during the game.
He does a nice job of always churning and moving forward to make positive yards out of nothing. Displays good balance after contact, as well as good vision following his blockers and finding open gaps. Versatile back who can create offense as a receiver as well as out of the back field.
TE Jack Doyle | 6-6, 253 lbs.
Doyle, obviously a very big target at 6-6 is not only the 'heavy' tight end used in blocking schemes. He is also No. 1 on the team in receptions (40) and No. 2 in receiving yards (419).
A very good blocker in the run game. Doyle also displays very good blocking techniques for his fellow receivers down field. Engages defenders nicely, uses his size to keep them locked up until the play is finished.
Western Kentucky has him lined up all over the field in most games. In the traditional tight end set, out of the back and split out as the slot receiver in their West Coast style offense. Doyle is also one of 26 players on the mid-season list for the John Mackey award. Going to the country's best tight end.
Next week, we will take a look at the Sun Belt sleepers on the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
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