If there's anything we've learned about the Sun Belt Conference this season, it's...well...we haven't learned much at all.

And, we may or may not learn more this week.

Here's a look at the games

THURSDAY

LOUISIANA (3-3, 2-1) (+12') at ARKANSAS STATE (3-2, 2-0) 6:30, ESPNU--Cajuns' defense has gotten a lot better but are they ready for Justice Hansen?  The Arkansas State quarterback leads the league in passing efficiency and has thrown for 19 touchdowns.  A-State hasn't been very good against the run this year and that could mean a big night for Trey Ragas and company.  Home team has dominated this series over the last quarter century.

IDAHO (2-4) (+15') at MISSOURI (1-5)  11 am, SEC Network--Vandals blew a 20 point lead in a heartbreaking loss to Appalachian State last week.  Can they muster enough offense to keep up with Mizzou.  The Tigers aren't good, but quarterback Drew Lock is.  A good pass rush is essential here.

TROY (4-2, 1-1) (-9) at GEORGIA STATE (3-2, 2-0) 1:00 pm, ESPN3--The Panthers have righted the ship after that embarrassment against Tennessee State.  Connor Manning is starting to look like the quarterback the Panthers hoped they had when he signed.  Troy is a very angry team after their colossally bad performance against South Alabama.  This is a chance tor GSU to make a statement.  But don't expect it.

COASTAL CAROLINA (1-5, 0-3) (+23') at APPALACHIAN STATE (4-2, 3-0) --2:30 ESPN3--Mountaineers, to their credit, have found a way to win, coming from behind against all three of their conference foes.  Will they play down to the level of their competition this week?  They'll have to be really bad for the Chants to have a chance.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN (0-5) (+7) at UMASS (0-6)--How badly is it going for the Eagles.  They are a touchdown underdog.  Against UMASS.  Which lost to Coastal Carolina.  Many believe Eagles' coach Tyson Summers is on his way out after just two seasons.  A loss here just might confirm that.

ULM (3-3, 3-1) (+4) at SOUTH ALABAMA (2-4, 1-1)  4:00, ESPN3--Matt Viator bemoaned his team's lack of energy after the Warhawks suffered a beatdown at the hands of Georgia State.  Now they're facing a South Alabama team who showed plenty of energy after a win over Troy.  Beware the hangover, Jags.

 

 

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