Top 5 Greatest Sunbelt College Football Rivalries

1. App State vs Georgia Southern

The Appalachian State-Georgia Southern rivalry stems from similarities rather than differences. Not only do the two schools have similar academic histories as they both were originally teacher colleges, but they also have similar histories on the Gridiron. Both joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 after building up a strong championship pedigree in the FCS. The two schools have met every year since 1993 with the Mountaineers holding a 16-13-1 advantage. Appalachian State looks to continue to have the upper hand in this rivalry.

2. Arkansas State vs ULM (Trial of Tears)

The Red Wolves and Warhawks have met on a somewhat regular basis since 1959, but things didn’t really kick-off until 2006 when ULM joined the Sun Belt Conference. The Red Wolves lead the all-time series 22 games to 14 games and have a five-game winning streak that they hope to extend when the two schools meet this season.

3. Georgia Southern vs Georgia State (Modern Day Hate)

Despite the fact that Georgia Southern and Georgia State have only met on the gridiron once there is still a strong rivalry between the two schools that dates back to 1980s. The rivalry began on the hardcourt when both teams competed in the Atlantic Sun Conference from 1983 to 1992 and since then has flourished over the fact both schools want to lay claim to the GSU moniker. Georgia Southern has won the only meeting so far 69-31 and hopes to continue that trend in the coming years.

4. Troy vs Southern Alabama

The unofficial Alabama civil war takes place each year when Troy takes on rival South Alabama. South Alabama is a relatively new program, but the Trojan and Jaguars have already established a great deal of animosity since their first encounter in 2012, which the Trojans won 31-10. The Trojans lead the all-time series 2-1 and look to extend that lead in the coming seasons.

5. ULL vs ULM (Battle of the Bayou)

The Battle of the Bayou between UL- Lafayette and UL- Monroe began in 1951 and had taken place every year since 1953. UL- Monroe may have won the first meeting 13-6, but since then things have been tightly contested with UL- Lafayette holding a 26-24 all-time series lead. A traveling trophy in the shape of a wooden boot was added in 2002, which only furthered the bragging rights that came along with winning this game. The Battle of the Bayou is one of the fiercest rivalries in the Sun Belt, and a must see for any college football fan.The Battle of the Bayou between UL- Lafayette and UL- Monroe began in 1951 and had taken place every year since 1953. UL- Monroe may have won the first meeting 13-6, but since then things have been tightly contested with UL- Lafayette holding a 26-24 all-time series lead. A traveling trophy in the shape of a wooden boot was added in 2002, which only furthered the bragging rights that came along with winning this game. The Battle of the Bayou is one of the fiercest rivalries in the Sun Belt, and a must-see for any college football fan.