No giant stands out this fall as North Texas' dominance of the Sun Belt has concluded. As many as five teams could potentially come away with the conference title and any of the others could surprise.

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Louisiana-Lafayette, Troy, North Texas and Arkansas State head this year's class and should play right down to the final week to decide who walks away as champion. Louisiana-Lafayette is the most likely bet if a favorite had to be chosen. They have the Sun Belt's best talent, including potential conference Player of the Year quarterback Jerry Babb. However, North Texas' junior tailback Jamario Thomas led the country in rushing as a freshman and will give Babb a run for his money.

Arkansas State surprised everyone in 2005 and captured its first conference title since 1986 and won its first ever D I-A bowl game. Despite a late surge by Louisiana-Lafayette to win its last five games, the Indians held off the Cajuns to win the tiebreaker and take the conference crown. Three games separated all eight teams from worst to first and 2006 should again be similar. Not to forget is Louisiana-Monroe who also compiled a 5-2 conference record, as the Warhawks were the third team tied for first at the end of the regular season. North Texas, a perennial Sun Belt favorite, surprisingly finished the season with a 2-5 record, good for seventh in the conference.

CONFERENCE FAVORITE: Louisiana-Lafayette Cajuns (6-5 overall, 5-2 conference, T-1st in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 16 (7 offense; 8 defense, punter)

Skinny: After saving its season last year by winning the last five games on the schedule, the Ragin' Cajuns should bring that momentum into the season and focus on winning the conference outright. With a 4-5-1 record ATS, mediocrity reigned supreme overall, but things should be brighter this year. Its biggest question mark is on the wide receiving corps and its lack of experience. If the run defense continues to improve, they will be the ones to beat.

Best Bet: Oct. 28, vs. Middle Tennessee State. Three straight wins against the Blue Raiders, these two programs are headed in different directions.

TEAM ON THE RISE: Troy Trojans (4-7, 3-4; T-4th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 15 (10 offense; 4 defense, kicker)

Skinny: Even worse against the spread at 3-7, Troy will be headed towards better days in '06. Led by JUCO quarterback Omar Haugabook, the Trojans feature a spread-type style offense that should flourish in a conference without much fighting power. With ten players returning on offense, including the offensive line, the defense is not a reliable unit this year and scoring will carry this team in the fall.

Best Bet: Nov. 11 at Florida Atlantic. 3-0 against FAU since '02, Troy has had their number and that trend should continue this year.

TEAM ON THE DECLINE: Florida International Golden Panthers (5-6, 3-4; T-4th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 12 (5 offense; 6 defense, punter)

Skinny: The good news is that three-year starter Josh Padrick returns, but not much else is there from last year for the offense. He and only four players return to the starting offensive unit. Four straight losing seasons have plagued this program in the Sun Belt and with seven road games in '06 another struggle appears soon to happen.

Best Bet: Nov. 25, at Florida Atlantic. The good news for bettors is that FIU produced a winning record ATS at 5-4 last year. One legit win they had last year was against FAU, 52-6, and a road game against them this year should produce a quality victory once again.

After you finish this feature be sure to view Doc's sports betting bonus page. Our NCAA football betting guide page is also a valuable tool for your college football research. When it comes to betting college football our sports betting tips feature is a must for any NCAA fan. Each of the handicappers listed under "the Advisory board" on the left navagation bar posts free college football picks on their individual pages.

TEAM TO WATCH OUT FOR: Arkansas State Indians (6-6, 5-2; T-1st in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense; 9 defense)

Skinny: Back to defend its league title, Arkansas State should again be at the top of the mix in the Sun Belt. While they don't have the best talent in the league, the Indians have more depth than they did a year ago. The defense only replaces two starters and should be one of the conference's best units. Its 5-6 mark ATS was as inconsistent as its up-and-down 2005 showed in the win column.

Best Bet: Sept. 30, at Florida International. Last year's 66-24 thrashing was no fluke. This is one team ASU can take care of without much of a challenge.