This Week in the Sun Belt

The big one is in Boone on Thursday, but Louisiana and South Alabama have some critical games this week as well.

THURSDAY

ARKANSAS STATE (5-2, 4-0) at APPALACHIAN STATE (7-1, 4-0) (-11.5) 6:30 ESPNU--App State survived a classic trap game last week, getting by Troy in overtime, setting up this showdown of league unbeatens.  Arkansas State hasn't lost since Fredi Knighton came back from injury.  The Red Wolves, however, are going up against the league's best defense at a place where the home team doesn't lose very often.  When was the last time a Sun Belt school was 7-1?  That would be never.

SATURDAY

LOUISIANA (3-4, 2-1) at GEORGIA STATE (2-5, 1-2) (+3.5) 1pm ESPN3--The Cajuns got it done in the rain last week and take the trip to Atlanta to play a team they've struggled against the last two years.  The Cajuns had to come from behind and score with three and a half minutes left to escape Cajun Field with a narrow win.  It's pick your poison with the Cajuns' defense.  Pressure Arbuckle and take a chance on giving up big plays one on one....or play back and let him sit in the pocket, where he can be pretty dangerous.  Not a good matchup for Louisiana.

NEW MEXICO STATE (1-7, 1-3) at TEXAS STATE (2-5, 1-2) (-16.5) 3pm ESPN3--Texas State has had some extra time to prepare since their game against Georgia Southern last Thursday.  They played pretty decent defense against the Eagles and they'd better bring that defense to Bobcat Stadium.  NMSU roared back from wayyyy back against Idaho and got their first win.  They'll be excited to play this week.  But they'll have to show they can stop someone, something they really haven't done this year.  Sixteen and a half is a LOT of points.  Just sayin.....

IDAHO (2-3, 3-5) at SOUTH ALABAMA (3-4, 1-2) (-9.5) 2pm, ESPN 3 --This is the first of three "must win" games for the Jaguars if they're going to get to six wins.  Idaho had the rug jerked out from under them this week, and the Paul Petrino bashers are back with a vengeance after the Vandals blew a 23 point lead over previously winless New Mexico State.  Any faint hope Idaho had of getting to six wins is pretty much done, now.  South Alabama will have motivation.  Will the Vandals?

ULM (1-7, 0-4) at TROY (2-6, 1-3) (-9) --2:30pm, ESPN 3--Troy has to be smarting after last week's near miss against league leader Appalachian State.  But that game makes it obvious Neal Brown still has his team playing with passion despite the record.  ULM, meanwhile, has lost six straight and you wonder if they have any passion left, especially after blowing a 15 point lead against Louisiana in the rain last Saturday.  Both teams have been battered by injuries this season.  It looks like the Warhawks will finally get Rashad Ceaser back.  But will it be enough?

Don't forget the Cajuns and Panthers kick off at 1pm.  Local pregame from the Mellow Mushroom in Lafayette begins at 11am.  Network pregame starts at noon.