Will anyone catch James Madison? The Sun Belt Conference is losing them soon to the American Conference, and this might be the Dukes’ final season. Will anyone defeat them, or will they leave the conference unbeaten? One additional looming question is who goes with them? Marshall has now been rumored to be exploring a move to the American as well.
- James Madison (No change from last week)
Obviously, no change for the Dukes, who dispatched Georgia State, the previously second ranked team, in a 49-22 blowout. This week, the Dukes travel to Boone, North Carolina, to play App State, a team they have historically struggled against. James Madison is the only 7-0 team in the FBS.
- South Alabama (+1)
South Alabama didn’t play, but looked the best this season out of the West Division. Tuesday, the Jaguars take on Marshall, hoping to continue the strong offensive showing.
- Louisiana Tech (+1)
Both Louisiana Tech and South Alabama moved up with Georgia State’s poor showing against James Madison. The Bulldogs this week shut out ULM 24-0, which was not an easy feat against ULM’s offense. They also have a chance to add to their winning streak with Old Dominion at home Saturday, which sets up consecutive road games against South Alabama and Troy.
- App State (+2)
App State has its biggest game of the season Thursday night against James Madison, but needed to take down Coastal Carolina to do so. The rushing attack finally showed up, with quarterback Henry Hasselbeck coming in for an injured Malachi Singleton, and totaled over 220 total yards. Running back Jaquari Lewis was the Offensive Player of the Week with 4 rushing touchdowns. Regardless of who the quarterback is this week, it will take a giant effort to upset the Dukes.
- Georgia State (-3)
Nobody has looked good against JMU this season, but Georgia State never had a chance. The offensive finally showed to be mortal, and now have to travel to Arkansas State to try and grab the momentum back. The offense should bounce back, but the defense is worrying.
- Louisiana (+1)
A bounce back win for Louisiana, who took care of Troy 33-6. The Ragin’ Cajun defense has been the best in the conference in opponent yards per game, and they limited the Trojans to just 267 Saturday, forced 2 turnovers and only let up 12 first downs all game. It was one of the best defensive performances in the conference this season.
- Georgia Southern (+1)
Other than JMU, Georgia Southern is the only other team in the Sun Belt East that is over .500 in conference play. This week, the Eagles took care of business against Old Dominion in a Thursday night game. They get their bye week before a Halloween battle with rivals App State.
- Troy (-3)
Troy looked rough again. After putting up 55 points in a Tuesday night game against Southern Miss, the Trojans managed just 6 against Louisiana. It is another week where quarterback play was shaky, something they need to figure out if they want to stay in the race for the division.
- Arkansas State (+2)
Arkansas State had to have it, and they got it. A 23-13 win over Southern Miss, a win that puts it right back in the race to win the division. The West Division is wide open, and anything can happen in the second half of conference play, but the Red Wolves had to win to stay in the mix.
- Coastal Carolina (-1)
The Chanticleers were in it for the entirety of the game, but just couldn’t stop the rushing attack of App State. Quarterback Deuce Bailey is young, and it has shown. The explosive plays are there, but he needs to be more consistent if he wants to be a great FBS quarterback. The talent is there, and it showed against the Mountaineers, consistency is the next step.
- Old Dominion (-1)
The win over App State is saving Old Dominion. If the Monarchs didn’t get it, they would be 1-6 with few winnable games left. Bowl eligibility will be hard to reach after the 8-point home loss to Georgia Southern.
- Marshall (-)
No game for Marshall last week, but a huge opportunity to salvage the season Tuesday, at home against South Alabama.
- Southern Miss (-)
The Golden Eagles will have a number of opportunities to play spoiler against the Sun Belt’s top teams, but bowl eligibility is unlikely.
- ULM (-)
With Charlotte defeating Temple Saturday, ULM is now the last winless team in the FBS.
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