Sun Belt programs face challenging week one openers against major opponents

Sun Belt Conference teams opened the football season with several tests against Power 4 programs during the opening weekend. West Virginia held off a late rally from Coastal Carolina to secure a 31-24 victory, despite the Chanticleers closing a 24-0 halftime deficit in the final minute. Penn State defeated Marshall 45-0 at Beaver Stadium, limiting the Thundering Herd to 147 total yards while keeping preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year Carlos Del Rio Wilson to 102 passing yards. Elsewhere, James Madison began its conference title defense with a 20-13 victory against Liberty. The Dukes utilized a two-quarterback rotation throughout the game as they navigated uncertainty at the position. These matchups provided early opportunities for Sun Belt schools to evaluate their depth and talent against higher-level competition.

• 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Sun Belt Week 1 Recap