Saturday in the Sun Belt

Arkansas State won the battle for first place on Thursday, and two schools that have had tough years had reason to smile yesterday.  Here's what happened yesterday in the 'Belt.

GEORGIA STATE 30, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 24--The Panthers responded to interim head coach Tim Lappano, jumping out to a 20-0 lead and holding off Georgia Southern.  Connor Manning threw for three touchdowns for the Panthers (3-8, 2-5).  The Eagles' two quarterbacks who were injured last week Favian Upshaw and Kevin Ellison, both played on Saturday and the Eagles (4-7, 3-4) blocked three kicks, but it wasn't enough to avoid their sixth loss in their last seven games.

APPALACHIAN STATE 42, UL MONROE 17--Marcus Cox became Appalachian State's all time leading rusher and the Mountaineers bounced back from their disappointing loss to Troy a week ago.  Cox rushed for 153 yards and three scores and now has 4,820 yards in his career.  Quarterback Taylor Lamb threw for two scores and rushed for 95 yards to aid the Mountaineers' (8-3, 6-1) cause.  ULM (4-7, 3-4) saw its two game winning streak snapped and will have next week off to prepare for the season finale against Louisiana.

NEW MEXICO STATE 50, TEXAS STATE 10--It was a big day for quarterback Tyler Rogers who accounted for five touchdowns in the Aggies' win.  Rogers day including touchdowns rushing, passing and receiving for New Mexico State (3-7, 2-4).  The game was delayed after Texas State (2-8, 0-6) was involved in a minor accident en route to the game.  No serious injuries were reported.

GEORGIA 35, LOUISIANA 21--Big plays and turnovers doomed the Cajuns (4-6) on Saturday as the Bulldogs (7-4) scored on a long run, a long pass play and a long punt return in the contest.  The Cajuns also turned the ball over four times.  Nick Chubb rushed for 108 yards and caught a 49 yard touchdown pass.  The Cajuns lost despite a 125 yard rushing performance from Elijah McGuire.  Anthony Jennings ran for three scores, but was intercepted three times.  The Cajuns had 465 yards in offense, 276 on the ground.

SOUTH ALABAMA 31, PRESBYTERIAN 7--The Jaguars (5-5) wrapped up a perfect non conference slate with Saturday's win.  Xavier Johnson had 116 yards rushing for the Jaguars in the game.  South Alabama roared out to a 21-0 lead.  The Blue Hose (2-9) only score came on a fumble return.