This Week in the Sun Belt – Week Eight

College football moves past the halfway point this week and the Sun Belt has four conference games this week, plus a very interesting game in Atlanta.

It all starts tonight.

WEDNESDAY

South Alabama (1-5, 0-2) (+16) at TROY (2-3, 0-1)  7:00 pm ESPN2--The Trojans have dropped two in a row and have yielded 92 points in the process.  It looks like Kaleb Barker will play after being listed as questionable by head coach Chip Lindsey.  That's bad news for the Jaguars, who have played decent football on defense, but may have a tough time against Troy's passing attack.  South's offense has struggled.  Can they put something together against this Troy defense?

THURSDAY

LOUISIANA (4-2, 1-1) (-6') at ARKANSAS STATE (3-3, 1-1)  6:30 pm ESPNU--The Cajuns' defense was stout against Appalachian State last week, but could have a big challenge against the Red Wolves.  Arkansas State's wide receivers have had great days against every team not named Georgia and they'll be bolstered by the return of RB Marcel Murray.  Speaking of running backs, can Blake Anderson's squad slow down the Cajun Trinity of Trey Ragas, Elijah Mitchell and Raymond Calais with their injury riddled defense.  The two teams combined for 90 points in last year's game.

SATURDAY

COASTAL CAROLINA (3-3, 0-2) (+6') at GEORGIA SOUTHERN (2-3, 1-1) 2:00 pm ESPN3--Coastal got a rude awakening last week against Georgia State at home and need to put some things together if they want a shot a bowl eligibility.  Georgia Southern's offense has impressed no one this season.  But the Eagles' defense has had its moments.  They need some good moments this week.  And, it would be great if that offense could get untracked.

ULM (3-3, 2-0) (+14') at #24 APPALACHIAN STATE (5-0, 2-0) 2:30 pm ESPN+--All kudos to the Mountaineers for obtaining the SBC's highest ever ranking.  But the Mountaineers better not get caught patting themselves on the back.  Granted ULM's two conference wins are against Texas State and South Alabama.  But they can be a dangerous squad.  Josh Johnson and Caleb Evans make for a potentially dangerous offense.  The question is can the Warhawks slow down the Mountaineers.  Deny it if you'd like, but this is a potential trap game.

ARMY WEST POINT (3-3) (-6') at GEORGIA STATE (4-2) 6:00 pm ESPN+--The Black Knights had that close call with Michigan but honestly haven't been that impressive in wins over UTSA, Rice and Morgan State.  More concerning is their loss at Western Kentucky last week.  Georgia State is playing pretty well right now, especially on offense.  Can they figure out the triple option?  If so, this one could raise some eyebrows at the end of the night.