In its first year back in the Sun Belt Conference since 2004, the Idaho football team has been tabbed to finish ninth out of 11 teams by the league's coaches. The preseason poll, released Saturday afternoon, had the Vandals just ahead of Georgia State and fellow newcomer New Mexico State. The three bottom teams were separated by a mere four points in the poll.

Louisiana Lafayette was the unanimous pick to win the league after garnering all 11 first-place votes. The coaches voted Arkansas State second, followed by South Alabama and Troy.

The Vandals open the season on Aug. 30 at Florida. The following Saturday, Sept. 6, they travel to face UL Monroe in their first Sun Belt game. Each Sun Belt team plays eight conference games, and this season Idaho misses UL Lafayette and Georgia State.

UI went 1-11 last year in Paul Petrino's first season as head coach.

Preseason Sun Belt coaches poll

1. UL Lafayette 121 (11)
2. Arkansas State 102
3. South Alabama 98
4. Troy 84
5. UL Monroe 78
6. Texas State 70
7. Appalachian State 47
8. Georgia Southern 44
9. Idaho 29
10. Georgia State 27
11. New Mexico State 26

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