South Alabama (3-4) at No. 25 Louisiana (6-1)
Game Time: 1 p.m.
Radio: ESPN 1420
TV: ESPN+
Mic'd Up Preview with Dave Shultz
Back in the Top 25: For the second stint this season the Ragin' Cajuns find themselves ranked in the top 25. That makes two ranked Sun Belt teams, neither named Appalachian State (Let that sink in) who are nationally ranked. South Alabama is 1-5 against ranked opponents all time, beating then ranked no. 19 San Diego State 42-24 in 2016. Louisiana is 2-1 all-time as a ranked team, that one loss against Coastal Carolina.
Bend But Don't Break: South Alabama's defense defines the saying "bend but don't break." If you isolate conference only states, the Jaguars are mid-conference in most defensive teams stats except two, scoring third down defense. Allowing just 20.2 points-per-game, USA ranks third in the sun Belt behind App State and Coastal Carolina. The Jags have yet to allow more than 24 points to a Sun Belt team. The Jags have allowed Sun Belt teams to convert just 28.3 of third downs, which ranks second in the conference. That's been a struggle for Louisiana who's converted 34.5 percent in SBC games.
Battle for the West: A win over USA would essentially give Louisiana the Sun Belt west, though if you follow a trail of tie-breakers the Jags won't be technically eliminated. South Alabama is the only team that can catch the Cajuns in a weak SBC West. Billy Napier said this week the team is well aware that they can win the west, but well aware South Alabama can do the same if they run the table.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers