This Week in the Sun Belt – From the Bird’s Nest

Louisiana's win over Arkansas State Tuesday night kept the Cajuns in step with Georgia Southern as the only two undefeated teams in league play.  Obviously, those two teams have this weekend off.  Appalachian State, New Mexico State and Idaho all have byes.

This week, two in-state matchups and a game that likely ends someone's chance to win the Sun Belt highlight the three game schedule:

TROY (1-2, 1-6) AT SOUTH ALABAMA (4-2, 3-1)  (-14) FRIDAY, 6:30, ESPNU--One more loss for the Trojans would assure them of a losing season, which would mean Larry Blakeney's last game will be at home against Louisiana.  The Jagiuars, meanwhile, are very quietly putting together a nice season.  South Alabama has back to back road trips at Louisiana and at Arkansas State the next two weeks after this one.  The fact this is an in-state rivalry should keep South from looking ahead, even though they'll have to play without running back Jay Jones.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN (4-0, 5-2) (-16.5) AT GEORGIA STATE (0-4, 1-6) Sat. 1pm, ESPN3)---It's no surprise where Georgia State is.  It's a pretty big surprise where Georgia Southern is.  The Panthers came close again, but just fell short at South Alabama.  The Eagles had the week off and should be ready to get back in the swing of things.  The Eagles are one of two unbeaten teams in league play.  That shouldn't change.

TEXAS STATE (3-3, 1-1) AT UL MONROE (3-3, 2-1)(-2.5) Saturday, 6pm, ESPN3--Both teams had last Saturday off to get ready for this one, and it should be good.one.  It's certainly an important one.  The loser of this game is pretty mjuch eliminated from the conference race.  And, perhaps even more importantly, the loser is going to have to upset someone down the stretch if they want to get to six wins.  ULM still has to play Texas A&M, Louisiana and Georgia Southern, while Texas State will go up against Georgia Southern, South Alabama and Arkansas State.