MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 7/24)
Josh Gross
With plenty of shakeups in the college football landscape heading into 2024, it’s hard to keep everything in order. In the coming weeks, I will brief you on every team, conference by conference.
One important factor in 2024? The new College Football Playoff format.
We have a new 12-team playoff format that gives more teams an opportunity to play for the College Football Championship. The five highest-ranked conference champions earn automatic bids, with the next seven highest-ranked teams completing the group.
The winner of the Sun Belt Conference will get an opportunity at the coveted fifth conference championship slot but will have to battle between the winner of the CUSA, MAC, American Athletic Conference and Mountain West.
(All odds are per FanDuel Sportsbook.)
2023 record: 9-5 (6-3 conference record)
2024 odds: Sun Belt Winner: +300; Win Total: o8.5 +112
Coach: Shawn Clark (35-18)
Appalachian State had a rocky 2023 but rebounded to reach the conference title game. They capped the season with a victory in the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl, marking their seventh bowl win. Consistency under head coach Shawn Clark (sixth season) will be crucial in 2024.
In his second season as a starter, quarterback Joey Aguilar comes off a strong campaign with 3,757 passing yards. The addition of transfer William Flowers should bolster the passing attack, which relied heavily on Kaedin Robinson, the Mountaineers’ sole receiver to surpass 600 receiving yards. With Nate Noel leaving, Kanye Roberts is a prime breakout candidate to keep the ground game potent. However, overcoming the loss of both leading tacklers will be pivotal for the defense, with linebacker Caden Sullivan expected to step up significantly.
2023 record: 8-5 (5-3)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +1700; Win Total: o6.5 +104
Coach: Tim Beck (8-5)
In his head coaching debut, Tim Beck guided the Chanticleers to an 8-5 record, culminating in a victory at the Hawaii Bowl. Following Grayson McCall’s transfer departure, Coastal Carolina faces a quarterback battle between Ethan Vasko and Jarrett Guest. The departure of their leading receiver, Sam Pinckney, creates a significant opportunity for a new playmaker to emerge. Given these changes, repeating the success of 2023 appears challenging for the Chanticleers.
2023 record: 7-6 (3-5)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +4200; Win Total: o4.5 -104
Coach: Dell McGee (new)
After a successful 2023 season that saw the Panthers triumph in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Georgia State’s upward trajectory should continue. Darren Grainger returns as quarterback after a stellar season with 2,621 passing yards and another 736 on the ground. The return of the top receivers ensures continuity in the passing game. Running back Marcus Carroll also returns after finishing second in the Sun Belt and top ten nationally in with 1,350 rushing yards. With potential defensive improvements, Georgia State could comfortably replicate their six-win season, despite the new coaching staff.
2023 record: 6-7 (3-5)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +2200; Win Total: o5.5 +110
Coach: Clay Helton (12-14)
The Golden Eagles posted a modest 6-6 record, concluding with a loss in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Senior quarterback Davis Brin returns after leading the Sun Belt with 3,781 passing yards. Wide receiver Khaleb Hood and running back Jalen White also return, maintaining strength in their respective positions. Several starters return on defense, fostering optimism for improvement. However, absent significant progress, duplicating their six-win season will be challenging.
2023 record: 11-2 (7-1)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +850; Win Total: o8.5 +128
Coach: Bob Chesney (New)
After a strong second season in FBS play that saw them finish 11-1 with a conference title, James Madison ended with a disappointing loss in the Armed Forces Bowl. Heading into the upcoming season, they have a new quarterback in Dylan Morris, and added running backs Ayo Adeyi and George Pettaway. They also retain key offensive players Elijah Sarratt and Kaelon Black, suggesting minimal dropoff for their 34.1 points per game, 23rd in the nation. Linebacker Aiden Fisher led the team in tackles and pairs with and Jailin Walker for a strong defensive duo. Of significant importance is the return of 2023 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year Jalen Green, who recorded 21 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks, second-best in college football. While repeating an 11-1 record may be challenging, achieving 10 wins seems achievable for James Madison.
2023 record: 6-7 (3-5)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +1600; Win Total: o5.5 -144
Coach: Charles Huff (22-17)
Following a promising 4-0 start, the Thundering Herd finished a disappointing 6-7. Marshall faces uncertainty heading into 2024 and is one of the most polarizing teams in the Sun Belt. The quarterback position is up for grabs, with freshman Cole Pennington likely taking the lead. They will also need to fill the gap left by the departure of lead rusher Rasheen Ali, with Ethan Payne ready to ascend. On defense, sack leader Sam Burton and standout defensive back J.J. Roberts (73 tackles) return to bolster the defense. However, achieving success could prove challenging for Marshall, and reaching five wins may be their ceiling.
2023 record: 6-7 (5-3)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +2700; Win Total: o4.5 +116
Coach: Ricky Rahne (15-23)
Despite a strong conference showing, Old Dominion fell short of a winning season and lost in the Famous Toastery Bowl. Heading into the upcoming season, they welcome back quarterback
Grant Wilson, who amassed over 2,400 scrimmage yards and 22 total touchdowns. Leading rusher Kadarius Calloway returns, but the Monarchs must fill the gap left by the departure of top receiver Reymello Murphy to the transfer portal, relying on Kelby Williams and Isiah Paige. On defense, they retain linebacker Jason Henderson, who led the Sun Belt in tackles with 179 and ranked second nationally in total tackles. Achieving another six-win season won’t be easy, but it’s a feasible goal for Old Dominion.
2023 record: 6-7 (4-4)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +1400; Win Total: o6.5 +148
Coach: Butch Jones (11-26)
Arkansas State had a modest 2023 season, culminating in a Camellia Bowl appearance where they were defeated by Northern Illinois. Entering 2024, they retain quarterback Jaylen Raynor, who posted 23 total touchdowns. Sophomore running back Ja’Quez Cross returns as a key player, leading the team in rushing yards (716), scrimmage yards (877), and sharing the team lead with seven scrimmage touchdowns. With most defensive starters back, there’s optimism for the Red Wolves, who are aiming for their first winning record since 2019.
2023 record: 6-7 (3-5)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +600; Win Total: o7.5 -134
Coach: Michael Desormeaux (13-14)
After a turbulent 2023, the Ragin’ Cajuns aim to rebound in 2024. The starting quarterback position is a battle between Chandler Fields and Zeon Chriss, both of whom have shown effectiveness. In the backfield, Dre’lyn Washington averaged over 5 yards per carry and exceeded 500 yards in a limited role last year and should replace former lead back Jacob Kibodi. Louisiana’s defense returning the majority of starters, including their top two tacklers. Reaching seven wins seems achievable for this team, but hitting double digits appears highly unlikely.
2023 record: 7-6 (4-4)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +750; Win Total: o7.5 +146
Coach: Major Applewhite (new)
South Alabama took a step back in 2023 with just six wins but did secure a bowl victory. The Jaguars enter this season with a new head coach and uncertainty at quarterback, challenges loom. On a positive note, they retain 1,000-yard rusher La’Damian Webb, pivotal to their offensive strategy. However, the departure of leading receiver Caullin Lacy in 2024 adds pressure on 5-foot-8 sophomore Jamaal Pritchett to take a huge step forward. With these changes, repeating that six-win mark seems ambitious.
2023 record: 3-9 (2-6)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +4200; Win Total: o4.5 +138
Coach: Will Hall (13-24)
After a strong 2022 season, Southern Miss plummeted to the bottom of the Sun Belt with only three wins. Aside from running back Frank Gore Jr., there were few bright spots. Heading into 2024, the Golden Eagles underwent significant changes. Quarterback Billy Wiles, who started 11 games in 2022, likely gives way to Tate Rodemaker, a transfer from Florida State. In the backfield, Rodrigues Clark appears poised to replace Gore, though Kenyon Clay will also compete for the role. Senior Jakarius Caston, last year’s leading receiver, remains a key figure. The defense yielded over 35 points per game and must improve for Southern Miss to return to bowl contention.
2023 record: 8-5 (4-4)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +450; Win Total: o8.5 +118
Coach: G.J. Kinne (8-5)
In a year marked by firsts, Texas State emerged with a solid 7-5 record and a victory in the First Responder Bowl. Quarterback T.J. Finley, after a stint at LSU and Auburn, seized his opportunity with over 3,400 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. However, Finley has departed for Western Kentucky, but Jordan McCloud is set to take his place. Running back Ismail Mahdi returns after amassing over 1,600 scrimmage yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. After ranking just 115th in points allowed per game, Texas State bolstered its defense through the transfer portal, including the addition of former 4-star recruit Tunmise Adeleye. An improved defensive performance will be crucial in compensating for Finley’s departure and positioning the Bobcats for a run at the conference title in 2024.
2023 record: 11-3 (8-1)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +1400; Win Total: o6.5 -170
Coach: Gerad Parker (New)
This year appears less promising for Troy following the departure of head coach Jon Sumrall, quarterback Gunnar Watson, wide receiver Jabre Barber and star running back Kimani Vidal. The quarterback situation, potentially led by Goose Crowder, remains uncertain. Sophomore Damien Taylor is poised to step into Vidal’s role and should perform well. With significant losses on offense, the team looks to their defensive unit to keep the Trojans competitive. Achieving six wins may prove challenging for this roster.
2023 record: 2-10 (0-8)
2024 betting odds: Sun Belt Winner: +35000; Win Total: o2.5 +148
Coach: Bryant Vincent (new)
Going 2-10 was disappointing, but the Warhawks have grown accustomed to disappointing seasons — they haven’t had a record above .500 since 2012. Offensively they struggled, averaging just 17.3 points per game. General Booty is expected to step in as the starting quarterback, replacing Jiya Wright who faced difficulties in 2023. Hunter Smith showed promise early last season with consecutive 100-yard games but needs to sustain that performance. With Michael Battin departing for Houston, Max Harris is tasked with bolstering the defensive unit in hopes of improvement.
