Locked On Sun Belt - Daily Podcast On Sun Belt Conference Football & Basketball

JMU Dukes stars flood UCLA as head coach Bob Chesney rebuilds the Bruins—are we witnessing the rise of the “JMU Bruins” in the Big Ten? Wayne Knight headlines a wave of James Madison transfers, joining DJ Barksdale, Landon Ellis, Riley Robell, and more in Westwood, reshaping UCLA’s roster and sparking questions about Sun Belt talent making waves at a Power 4 program.

Dave Schultz breaks down key transfers—including Arrington Maiden from Memphis to JMU—and explores the portal’s impact on programs like Georgia State, Appalachian State, and Old Dominion.

The Sun Belt basketball spo...

ULM Warhawks reshuffle their leadership as SJ Tuohy becomes the youngest FBS athletic director at just 32. Can his fresh vision ignite a turnaround for Monroe’s sports programs?

Dave Schultz and SJ Tuohy spotlight pivotal challenges in Monroe—budget constraints, program cuts, and fan engagement—while exploring strategies for immediate and long-term improvements in football, basketball, and baseball.

Key topics include SJ Tuohy’s “4th-and-inches” approach to sports administration, expectations for new baseball coach Ford Pemberton, and the uphill battle for football coach Bryant Vincent.

The conversation covers revenue generation, community buy-in, and how the Warh...

Sun Belt quarterbacks like Colton Joseph (headed to Wisconsin), Alonza Barnett III (UCF), AJ Swann (Mississippi State), J.C. French (Cincinnati), and Jaylen Raynor (Iowa State) seek not just bigger stages but the best NIL deals—will their new homes provide the right fit or spark career leaps?

Dave Schultz breaks down each QB's path, raising questions about starting opportunities, roster competition, and what "success" truly means in the transfer portal era.

Discussion shifts to the portal’s chaos—are players or programs benefiting most, and should G5 schools be compensated for developing stars who move u...

Sun Belt quarterbacks shake up the transfer portal as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns lock down Lunch Winfield’s return. With portal deals and promises making headlines, Dave Schultz questions who truly wins in this high-stakes market—players or programs? Is big NIL money panning out, or are athletes like Zeon Chriss and Gio Lopez left boxed out after lucrative offers fall short?

Dave Schultz reviews Sun Belt portal moves—including AJ Swann to Mississippi State and Jaylen Raynor to Iowa State—while spotlighting Texas State’s Armed Forces Bowl rout over Rice and JMU’s gritty hoops win at Arkansa...

If the standard set by the P4 media is "Can You Win A Championship?" to be eligible for the postseason, can the Carolina Panthers, NFC South division winners with an 8-9 record, actually win the Super Bowl?

Dave Schultz takes on the hot-button question, analyzing the Panthers’ improbable postseason path, their home-field advantage, and the larger implications for NFL playoff standards versus college football’s G5 debate.

Key stories include Troy’s hard-fought victory over South Alabama, Georgia Southern’s nine-game basketball win streak under Charlie Henry, and Marshall’s recent surge.

Dave Schultz sp...

JMU fared much better against Oregon in Eugene than Texas Tech did on a neutral field in South Florida, sparking debate on whether Group of Five teams truly belong among college football’s postseason.

Did JMU prove the gap between powerhouse programs and rising underdogs isn’t as wide as Nick Saban claims?

Dave Schultz highlights JMU's gritty road performance in Eugene and breaks down the fallout from Sun Belt and SEC showdowns.

Saban’s comments on tradition and payment ignite hard-hitting analysis of college football’s evolving business model and coaching contracts.

Bol...

Vanderbilt’s grit against Iowa raises questions—would the Commodores truly fare better against Oregon than JMU?

Dave Schultz dismantles the narrative, comparing first-half stats, scoring drives, and the significance of defensive showings, while spotlighting Oregon and JMU’s competitive intensity.

Examining bowl motivation, rest versus rust, and power conference perceptions, he puts the SEC versus Sun Belt noise to the test.

Shifting to Sun Belt basketball, Dave Schultz highlights Marshall’s thrilling victory over Georgia State, Troy’s offensive clinic versus Texas State, and South Alabama’s grind-it-out win over the Cajuns—featuring a br...

Georgia Southern faces a major shakeup as quarterback JC French hits the transfer portal after leading the Eagles to a key Bowl victory over Appalachian State.

Is the portal move a stepping stone to bigger opportunities or a gamble in an oversaturated QB market? Dave Schultz examines French’s standout stats, his second-half surge against App State, and the domino effect for Georgia Southern’s roster heading into 2025.

Get the latest on the Sun Belt Conference’s flurry of portal activity, with 143 players seeking new homes—including starters from App State, Arkansas State, and Georgia State.<...

Georgia Southern sweeps App State with JC French’s explosive second-half performance and O.J. Arnold’s 58-yard run, setting up early 2nd Half TD—can the Eagles carry this momentum into next season? Interceptions at the goal line haunted App State, despite strong showings from Matthew Wilson and Noah Gillen, while Clay Helton’s defense stepped up with zero opt-outs.

Dave Schultz breaks down the impact of Georgia Southern’s victory and South Alabama’s win over Mobile with a limited roster.

The conversation spotlights the chaos of the NCAA transfer portal, the future for coaches...

James Madison Dukes face a mass exodus as 12 key players—headlined by Sun Belt Player of the Year Alonza Barnett—enter the transfer portal, igniting questions about NIL deals and the future of G5 programs.

Can JMU recover after losing talents like Sahir West, Wayne Knight, and several All-Sun Belt honorees? The scramble for lucrative contracts mirrors recent moves by Gio Lopez and Colton Joseph, reshaping the college football landscape.

Dave Schultz assesses the repercussions for JMU, while exploring the impact on Sun Belt contenders and upcoming bowl matchups, including Georgia Southern vs. App State amid...

Group of 5 programs refuse to back down as the battle with the Power Four heats up. Can James Madison and Tulane silence critics who call them “minor league,” or will realignment and the relentless push for money reshape college football forever?

Host Dave Schultz breaks down Sun Belt Conference struggles, NCAA uncertainty, and the evolving role of the transfer portal as key starters like Jaylen Raynor and several JMU standouts seek new opportunities.

Key topics include why the SEC and Big Ten’s dominance threatens the ACC and Big 12, the impact of NCAA’s shifting eligibil...

College Football Playoff expansion sparks controversy: ESPN's Greg McElroy's proposal guarantees a Group of Five spot but forces them to battle the No. 1 seed.

Can JMU ever pull off an upset with this playoff structure? The Power 4 keep gaining ground, but is there an alternative that truly levels the playing field for programs like Southern Miss, Old Dominion, and Boise State?

Dave Schultz spotlights the G5's urgent need for a media voice and possible playoff models, including 16- and 24-team brackets, conference championship implications, and how TV executives and powerhouse pundits like Paul Finebaum...

Power Four threatens Group of Five playoff access as college football evolves. Will the Sun Belt’s rising stars find a path to the postseason with shifting rankings and playoff rules?

Dave Schultz spotlights the brewing battle between Power Four conferences and Group of Five programs, exploring how JMU and Tulane’s recent successes impact enrollment and national profile.

The episode covers playoff expansion drama, Notre Dame’s top-12 guarantee, and the looming possibility of a G5-only playoff.

The Sun Belt faces unprecedented transfer portal activity, with teams like Appalachian State and Georgi...

JMU Dukes refuse to fold against the Oregon Ducks, covering the spread in a hard-fought showdown. Can JMU’s resilience set the tone for Sun Belt teams in future playoff spots?

Dave Schultz recaps how Alonza Barnett III and Wayne Knight stood out despite facing a high-powered Oregon squad led by Dante Moore, spotlighting crucial moments like the Dukes’ 99-yard touchdown drive and Oregon’s relentless ground attack.

The episode tackles the ongoing debate of playing in versus playing for a championship, with insights into the exposure and significance of Group of Five (G5) teams reachi...

Arkansas State edges Missouri State in an Xbox Bowl thriller, holding off a furious fourth-quarter rally to win 34-28. Jaylen Raynor shines with three touchdown passes, while Corey Rucker caps his collegiate career with a 166-yard, six-catch masterpiece, including a highlight-reel 71-yard TD.

The Red Wolves’ defense, led by an exhausting eight sacks, managed to withstand Missouri State’s late surge despite being on the field for nearly 40 minutes. Is Arkansas State building a winning culture under Butch Jones—or merely hanging on?

Dave Schultz breaks down the game’s wild stats and discusses key offseaso...

James Madison Dukes set their sights on an earth-shaking upset—can they topple the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff? Dave Schultz breaks down JMU’s underdog potential, examining how the Dukes’ explosive late-game performances could threaten Oregon’s fast-starting offense. This episode digs into quarter-by-quarter scoring trends, JMU’s defensive resolve, and the mental edge from national doubt fueling their playoff drive.

Schultz also recaps the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns’ narrow loss to Delaware, spotlighting key play-calling decisions and the impact of injuries across Sun Belt rosters.

Basketball fans get a wild look at South Alabama’...

Oregon Ducks gear up for a high-stakes clash with James Madison as fans wonder: will the Ducks cover the spread or can JMU make this playoff showdown unexpectedly close?

The conversation spotlights Oregon’s loaded NFL-caliber roster, the return of key receivers like De’Corian Moore and Gary Bryant Jr., and the importance of the Ducks’ refreshed offensive line. Insights on James Madison’s stout defense, their struggles with slow starts, and the pressure facing Alonza Barnett III are front and center.

Spencer McLaughlin and Dave Schultz debate whether Dan Lanning’s 2025 Ducks surpass last year’s squ...

Troy Trojans squander a golden opportunity in the Salute To Veterans Bowl, falling 17-13 to Jacksonville State after a string of costly missed chances and puzzling play calls.

Why did Troy’s offense have issues finding its rhythm after two crucial turnovers and failed red zone conversions overshadowed a strong defensive effort?

The absence of Tae Meadows’ decision to hit the transfer portal raise pressing questions about the future of Troy’s backfield.

Dave Schultz breaks down Troy’s offensive struggles, analyzes the impact of special teams miscues, and discusses the broader implications of Meado...

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Mike Desormeaux declares, “We’re playing bowl games, baby!” as the team gears up to face Delaware in Mobile, with postseason momentum on their side after rallying from 2-6 to bowl eligibility.

Dave Schultz spotlights Desormeaux’s leadership, Walker Howard’s return, and why earning a Sun Belt Conference bowl appearance still matters despite opt-outs and national playoff noise. Will the Cajuns’ fiery approach power them past Delaware’s high-octane passing attack?

The analysis continues with Old Dominion’s tough matchup against USF in the Cure Bowl—can Quinn Henicle lead ODU in Colton J...

Southern Miss zeroes in on their top choice, officially naming Blake Anderson as head football coach. Did the Golden Eagles get their man, or was this just procedural?

Dave Schultz breaks down the quick hiring process, Jeremy McClain’s strategic moves, and the continuity provided as all current coaches stick around for the upcoming New Orleans Bowl against Western Kentucky. Expected staff changes and likely additions, including a familiar offensive coordinator and new strength coach, signal big changes ahead.

Troy sets sights on a ninth win, facing a power-rushing Jacksonville State in bowl season, while th...

Sun Belt Conference kicks off bowl week with Troy set for a high-stakes showdown against Jacksonville State. Can Jared Parker’s Trojans leverage their defensive grit to cap off a rollercoaster season, or will Jacksonville State spoil their postseason aspirations?

Louisiana faces Delaware in Mobile, with key players like Lunch Winfield and Tyree Skipper making pivotal returns. Is a Sun Belt sweep on the cards, or will these matchups flip the script when it matters most?

Dave Schultz breaks down Troy’s Sun Belt Championship journey, examines Old Dominion’s quarterback dilemma before facing South Florid...

Old Dominion Monarchs double down on the future, extending Head Coach Ricky Rahne amid a record-setting football season. With ODU shattering its single-season rushing record and ranking in the national top 20 for key categories like rushing offense, red zone defense, and scoring defense, can Rahne’s leadership elevate the program even further—despite quarterback Colton Joseph’s departure?

Dave Schultz unpacks the significance of ODU’s four-year commitment to Rahne, the impact of player turnover, and what it means for continuity in today’s rapidly shifting college football landscape.

Plus, catch analysis on Sun Belt basketball...

Southern Miss and Coastal Carolina shake up the Sun Belt with bold head coaching hires—can Blake Anderson and Ryan Beard spark immediate turnarounds?

Blake Anderson returns to Southern Miss after a challenging personal journey, bringing years of experience and optimism for retaining key players like Braylon Braxton.

Meanwhile, Ryan Beard’s rapid rise from Missouri State to Coastal Carolina’s top spot at just 36 raises the question: Will his youth and adaptability lead the Chanticleers to the next level?

Dave Schultz analyzes both programs’ outlook, exploring Anderson’s proven leadership and Beard’s potential...

Billy Napier impresses at the JMU press conference as he prepares to steer the Dukes’ football program into a new era. Will Napier’s blend of his own coaching philosophy and the established “JMU way” keep the team contending for Sun Belt East dominance?

Dave Schultz spotlights Napier’s approach to staff transitions, transfer portal strategy, and recruiting, raising the stakes for player retention and immediate results after years of winning. Key discussions examine JMU’s fourth-ranked Sun Belt recruiting class, the realities of coaching turnover, and the evolving College Football Playoff landscape for Group of Five teams like T...

JMU football faces a rare situation: overlapping head coaches as Billy Napier steps in while Bob Chesney prepares the Dukes for their college playoff run. Could this unique handoff give JMU a competitive edge for spring ball and the transfer portal?

Dave Schultz explores the unprecedented scenario, weighing the strategic benefits and potential pitfalls for both JMU and Tulane, who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Sun Belt basketball heats up with South Alabama hit by injuries and the Cajuns scrambling after transfer setbacks. Insights include upcoming conference play, key player absences like Peyton Law, and...

James Madison Dukes dominate the Sun Belt but stumble against Louisville—can their defensive grit carry them into elite territory in the College Football Playoffs?  JMU’s six second-half shutouts showcase their coaching prowess and in-game adjustments. Curious about their matchup against the powerhouse Oregon Ducks and the statistical showdown between the Sun Belt and Big Ten contenders?

Dave Schultz examines JMU’s season trajectory, major blowout victories, and nail-biting wins amid intense conference parity.

The podcast dives into Oregon's dynamic offense led by Dante Moore, balanced rushing attack, and formidable scoring defense, comparing them to last...

JMU crashes the College Football Playoff, shaking up the power structure and sending shockwaves through the national media. Can Alonza Barnett III and Head Coach Bob Chesney ride this momentum to a legendary upset over Oregon?

Dave Schultz examines the Dukes’ defensive stand, strategic adjustments, and the matchup odds against the Big 10 powerhouse, questioning whether the narrative finally favors the underdog.

Key topics include the Sun Belt sending nine teams to bowl games, the ACC's tiebreaker chaos, and the national uproar over two Group of Five programs making the playoff.

Dave Schultz spotlights JM...

James Madison Dukes topple Troy Trojans to claim the 2025 Sun Belt Championship, powered by Wayne Knight’s explosive 212-yard rushing showcase. Can JMU punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff and prove the Group of Five deserves a shot at the big time?

Dave Schultz breaks down JMU’s gritty win, analyzing Alonzo Barnett III’s uneven quarterback performance, the dominance of the Dukes’ defense, and pivotal moments including Troy’s missed opportunities after forced turnovers.

Key topics include Sun Belt season surprises from Old Dominion and Southern Miss, the playoff debate between G5 and P4, an...

JMU Dukes shake up the college football scene by hiring former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Billy Napier—can he restore his Sun Belt magic in Harrisonburg?

Dave Schultz spotlights Napier’s coaching journey, dissecting his successes with the Cajuns, the quarterback controversies at Florida, and why his return makes waves for both JMU and the broader Sun Belt Conference.

Schultz also breaks down JMU’s sweep of the league’s postseason awards, sparking debate over whether stars like Alonza Barnett III and Trent Hendrick truly deserved their accolades over standouts such as Colton Joseph and Chris...

James Madison Dukes break into the College Football Playoff rankings at No. 25, but can they beat the odds and secure a playoff spot? The conversation intensifies around JMU’s path, the committee’s shifting criteria, and the uphill battles they face against powerhouses like Alabama and Notre Dame.

Dave Schultz questions the playoff committee’s rationale and highlights the fanbase’s surprisingly mature reaction to the rankings shakeup.

Key topics include Colton Joseph’s transfer portal announcement, Sun Belt recruiting surprises on Early Signing Day, and JMU’s dominant season despite off-field uncertainties.

Insights cov...

UCLA Bruins make a bold move by naming Bob Chesney as Head Football Coach, sparking debates about his fit and potential for instant success in the Big Ten. Can Chesney’s proven experience and recruitment prowess ignite a turnaround for a struggling UCLA program?

Zach Anderson-Yoxsimer and Dave Schultz spotlight Chesney’s dynamic personality, game-changing second-half strategies, and impressive results at James Madison despite massive roster turnover.

The conversation heats up around quarterback Nico’s future, the challenges of recruiting in Southern California, and Chesney’s ability to build defensive and offensive line depth.

With U...

JMU’s Bob Chesney lands the UCLA head coaching job, sparking fresh excitement in the college football landscape. Can the Pennsylvania native conquer West Coast recruiting and revive the Bruins vs Big Ten competition?

Dave Schultz explores whether Chesney's rapid ascent—from Holy Cross to James Madison and now UCLA—signals a new era for blue-blood programs seeking hot G5 coaches.

Key topics include Sun Belt coaching carousel drama, with Charles Huff’s name circulating for AAC and Sun Belt openings, and nine Sun Belt teams surging into bowl season.

Dave Schultz breaks down key...

Coastal Carolina fires Tim Beck despite three straight bowl appearances—can the Chanticleers recover from quarterback uncertainty and heavy losses to James Madison?

Georgia Southern shakes up its defensive coaching staff while Clay Helton doubles down, signaling big changes after a season of inconsistent play.

The episode highlights the Sun Belt’s volatile coaching carousel, the upcoming signing day crunch, and the pressure-packed Sun Belt Championship, where JMU stands as huge favorites over Troy.

Dave Schultz breaks down key stats for Georgia Southern’s porous defense, how quarterback injuries derailed Coastal Carolina, and the ra...

The Sun Belt Conference faces a season of surprising twists, missed opportunities, and a race for bowl eligibility. Can Troy or Southern Miss seize the West Division championship, and will James Madison’s flawless record earn playoff consideration despite a challenging schedule landscape?

Dave Schultz breaks down the stakes, spotlighting teams like Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion, and App State battling for postseason spots.

Analysis covers pivotal coaching changes, quarterback performances from Braylon Braxton and J.J. Kohl, and the impact of key matchups like Marshall vs. Georgia Southern and Texas State vs. South Alabama.

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Southern Miss’ defensive woes threaten their Sun Belt Championship dreams as they face Troy in a high-stakes showdown. Can the Golden Eagles regain their early-season edge and stop the ground assault that’s plagued them against Texas State and South Alabama?

Dave Schultz and Scott Watkins break down defensive mismatches, discuss Braylon Braxton’s injury status, and analyze how the 4-2-5 scheme may be Southern Miss’ undoing—unless key adjustments are made before the big game.

The conversation explores the evolving coaching landscape across Group of Five programs, the future of Charles Huff at Southern M...

James Madison Dukes face playoff roadblocks as the College Football Playoff committee continues to overlook top G5 contenders.

Is the system stacked against JMU and fellow Group of Five programs like Tulane and North Texas? Dave Schultz argues that despite James Madison’s stellar campaign and high AP poll ranking, the “big boys” have shut the door, favoring three-loss Power 5 teams and long-established programs over rising challengers.

Dave Schultz spotlights committee biases, a potential SEC–Big Ten breakaway championship, and the futility of a G5-only playoff.

Sun Belt bowl hopes heat up, with Lou...

Should the Sun Belt Conference eliminate divisions or keep its traditional East and West split? Dave Schultz tackles the heated debate as Old Dominion, arguably the second-best team, is set to miss the Sun Belt Championship due to current divisional rules. Rivalries like South Alabama vs. Troy and Louisiana vs. Southern Miss hang in the balance, raising questions about the future of Sun Belt football and fan engagement.

Key discussion points include how divisional formats impact bowl eligibility, potential coaching carousel shake-ups, and standout performances across the league.

Dave Schultz examines key matchups such as...

Southern Miss defense falters in decisive losses, putting their Sun Belt Championship hopes in jeopardy. Can the Golden Eagles recover their defensive edge against Troy with the title on the line?

Dave Schultz examines Southern Miss' defensive struggles, spotlighting their inability to force turnovers against Texas State and South Alabama while questioning whether injuries or lack of pressure are to blame. The episode previews Southern Miss vs. Troy—a winner-take-all showdown—breaking down Braylon Braxton’s injury status, Vegas odds surprises, and Troy quarterback Goose Crowder’s recent success.

Additional highlights include JMU’s second-half rally over...

In one of the most adrenaline-fueled Sun Belt matchups of the season, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns secured a gritty 34-30 victory over Arkansas State, capped by a heart-pounding goal-line stand. Momentum swung wildly throughout the contest, with turnovers and coaching decisions shaping every quarter.

Early on, the game’s complexion was transformed by a series of unexpected fumbles and opportunistic plays. Arkansas State jumped to a 10-point lead after capitalizing on a scoop and score, but the Cajuns quickly answered back after seizing an Arkansas State punt fumble, narrowing the gap to 10-7. On the very next kick...

College Football Playoff committee stirs controversy with shifting criteria—will fan outrage force a change? Dave Schultz spotlights head-scratching ranking inconsistencies affecting JMU, Tulane, Miami, Notre Dame, and Alabama, questioning whether strength of schedule and losses are being applied fairly across the board. With the Sun Belt having James Madison in the mix, is it time for greater transparency in college football’s playoff process? 

Dave Schultz previews the nationally televised clash between the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and Arkansas State Red Wolves, exploring Butch Jones’ coaching impact and the Cajuns’ roster struggles following suspensions. 

Key highlights i...