This Week in the Sun Belt

A crazy game last night in Mobile as Arkansas State scored 29 points in the fourth quarter to beat South Alabama 49-31  The Red Wolves' defense scored two touchdowns and set up another score.  The Jags defense held A State under 350 yards in offense but the offense turned it over five times.

Here's what's happening in the league this week:

GEORGIA STATE (1-4, 1-1) at BALL STATE (2-4 1-2 MAC) (-15.5) 2pm, ESPN3--Cards are tough to figure out.  They've played some low scoring games, including a close one at Northwestern, then gave up a bunch to Northern Illinois.  They'll play without their quarterback this week.  Nick Arbuckle will test the Ball State defense, but will the Panthers be able to stop the Cardinals, even without their QB?

IDAHO (1-4, 0-2) at TROY (1-4, 0-1) (-12.5)  2:30, ESPN3--Idaho had last week off while Troy was beaten by Mississippi State  This line could really fluctuate as both quarterbacks are listed as questionable right now.  Idaho has been better offensively.  Troy has been better defensively  Troy can't afford to drop another SBC contest at home.

NEW MEXICO STATE (0-5, 0-1) at GEORGIA SOUTHERN (4-1, 2-0)(-28.5) 5pm ESPN3--The Eagles have continued to roll since their opening loss to West Virginia and they're a heavy favorite to continue that trend.  NMSU has moved the football this year, but will they be able to do it without quarterback Tyler Rogers, who is out for this game.

APPALACHIAN STATE (4-1, 1-0) at UL MONROE (1-4, 0-1) (+11) 6pm ESPN3--Once again the Warhawks will be without Rashon Ceaser and that spells trouble for the Warhawks against a very stout App State defense that hasn't allowed folks to run the football much.  The Mountaineers need to be focused however, and not be looking ahead to next Thursday's showdown with Georgia Southern at "the Rock."

LOUISIANA (2-3, 1-0) at ARKANSAS STATE (3-3, 2-0) Tuesday, 7pm ESPN2--The Cajuns' defense played extremely well last week against Texas State and it may come down to their play against a potentially potent Red Wolves' offense.  Quarterback Fredi Knighten is back after missing three games and, although they didn't get a lot done offensively against South Alabama, this team has a lot of weapons.