By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Previewing all the Sun Belt action in week eleven.

South Alabama bested Louisiana, last night, in a barnburner. The Ragin Cajuns were the first to draw blood after forcing a three and out on their opponents first possession, however they failed to convert the extra point. South Alabama came right back down the field, though, scoring on the very next drive and making the PAT to take the lead. Louisiana would not regain the lead until the fourth quarter, but they managed to keep the deficit to eleven, at the most, throughout the contest. The Ragin Cajuns closed the gap to five with a score, early in the fourth quarter. Then, when it looked like South Alabama was going to drive right back down the field on them, Savion Browns 85-yard pick six gave Louisiana its first lead since the first quarter. It would not hold, though, as an interception, deep in ULs own territory sealed the fate of the Cajuns when South Alabama scored the winning touchdown with just minutes left on the clock.

The first Sun Belt game of the weekend will see Arkansas State, the current favorite to win the conference, travel to Louisiana Monroe. The Red Wolves will be multi-score favorites, but it is imperative that they not look ahead. If they lose focus over the next few weeks, they could end up relinquishing the title, but if they take it one game at a time, it is theirs to lose.

Then, at 3:30, Georgia Southern will take on Troy, at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The road team is favored, and, at least on paper, should get the win. That said, Troy is coming off a huge 51-14 beat down against ULM. With that newfound confidence, the Trojans might be feeling just frisky enough to pull off the upset.

The 4:00 game is a battle of two 2-6 teams, that both happen to also be 1-3 in conference play. The loser of this Georgia State-Texas State game will join ULM in the Sun Belt cellar, while the victor moves within a win of being .500 in conference games. While this game doesnt have many big picture implications, this season, it could end up being a turning point for one of these programs. As both of these teams look to improve, it is important to win any and all conference games that they can, as they try to not only build their talent level, but their brand.

Finally, at 5:00, Appalachian State will travel to Moscow to try to redeem itself against Idaho, following last weeks defeat at the hands of Arkansas State. The Mountaineers no longer control their own destiny as far as the Sun Belt championship goes, but it is important for them to play with the same vigor as they would. Whos to say Arkansas State wont slip up these last few weeks, however unlikely that may seem in light of the schedule? Look for this one to possibly get out of hand as the Vandals try to contain an angry group of Mountaineers.