The 2010 Sun Belt Conference football season was the 10th season of college football play for the Sun Belt Conference. The season began September 2, 2010 and concluded January 6, 2011 as part of the 2010-11 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Sun Belt Conference consisted of 9 football members: Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Troy, and Western Kentucky.
Troy (9âÂÂ4) was the Sun Belt champions and lost to Central Michigan in the GMAC Bowl 44âÂÂ41 in overtime. Although Troy was the conference champion, the team decided to accept an invitation to play in the GMAC Bowl, giving another Sun Belt team the privilege of playing in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. That team was Middle Tennessee (10âÂÂ3), who became the Sun Belt's first ever 10 win team since the league began playing FBS football in 2001. The 10âÂÂ3 record earned Middle Tennessee a trip to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl where they faced Southern Miss and won 42âÂÂ32.
One other Sun Belt team, Louisiana-Monroe, was bowl eligible with record of 6-6 but was not invited to a bowl game.
The 2010 Sun Belt coaches preseason poll was announced during a two-day media web-based event on July 19 and 20. Middle Tennessee was selected as the favorite to win the conference.
First Place Votes in Parentheses
Offense
Defense
Special teams
Offensive Player of the Year
Defensive Player of the Year
All three bowl-eligible Sun Belt teams were invited to participate in bowl games. These teams compiled a 2âÂÂ1 record in postseason play.
2010 Sun Belt Player of the Year awards
Coaches All-Conference Selections