Sun Belt Whiparound – Oct. 5, 2013

While the Hilltoppers have already claimed victory, and an SBC victory at that, there are still conference games to be played today. However, it is a short schedule, and only sees 5 conference teams in action.
The first game will kick off at 12:21, and features what many believe to be the worst team in college football (Georgia St.) traveling to Dixie to take on the best team in college football (Alabama). The Crimson Tide are undefeated and the Crimson Panthers (yes, their official nickname. Look it up) are winless. Need I say more?
There are, however, two conference battles today. The game that is of early importance for WKU fans is down in Troy, where the Jaguars of the Sun Belt leading (yes, you heard that right) South Alabama (2-2, 1-0) will take on the Trojans (2-3, 0-1). And if you love passing, this is the game for you. Corey Robinson of Troy has over 1300 yards through the air after 5 games, and Ross Metheny of South Al has just under 900. Neither team’s leading rusher has over 250 yards, and each QB likes to spread the receiving wealth amongst his receivers. Troy is on the down swing, after being the face of Sun Belt football for years, and South Al is the early surprise story of the year.
While one SBC newcomer is regarded as the worst team in FBS (and even worse than some FCS schools), another new member seems to be adjusting nicely. Texas St. (3-1, 0-0) will open conference play tonight down in Lafayette to battle the Raguin Cajuins (2-2, 0-0) which is also Louisiana’s (as they have been newly branded) SBC opener. This game is of some importance to Hilltopper fans, if nothing more than to see where UL(L) is strong and weak coming into conference play. The Hilltoppers next opponent is UL on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at L.T. Smith Stadium. The Cajuins boast one of, if not the, best QB in the SBC with Terrance Broadway, and his name equals his play. Broadway has 818 yards passing, coming off a year of over 2800 yds., and 151 rushing, after totaling just under 770 in 2012. Texas St. has a two QB threat, but will most likely use Tyler Arndt, who has 366 yards passing on 39 completions. TXST also brings along with them a dual RB threat, with two guys over 230 through 4 games (Robert Lowe and Chris Nutall).
So there you are, Hilltopper fans. Three (well, really, two – unless the upset of the millennium happens) conference games to keep an eye on tonight.
Stand up and cheers.