First ever conference game between Troy & South Alabama set for Saturday

Fans preparing for the new In-State conference rivalry game between Troy & South Alabama. This is expecting to be a big rivalry game between two in state schools less than 200 miles apart. Many fans are preparing for the tailgating and some good football that is set to be a lasting experience.

South Alabama will play its first ever conference game against Troy on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 2:30pm at (40,000 seat) Ladd Pebbles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama the home of the South Alabama Jaguars. It’s the largest stadium in the Sun Belt Conference and is expected to be near full capacity.

Troy who once was the all time champs of the Sun Belt Conference is fighting to regain its status and crown in the Sun Belt Conference. But it want be without a fight from the South Alabama Jaguars on Saturday at Ladd Pebbles Stadium. South Alabama is looking to prove that they belong in the Sun Belt Conference and they too can win.

I am looking for both teams defense to step up and show their skills on the field. But its going to be a battle between both teams offense. Corey Robinson the quarterback for Troy is putting up some passing yards for end zone action, with South Alabama new spread offense in place under OC Robert Matthews; it will be interesting to see how they respond with QB Bennett and Metheny the Virginia transfer with end zone action.

I don’t think the Troy Trojan will so happy if they lose to South Alabama, and I think South Alabama would be happy for their first ever conference win over a established name as Troy the once all time champions of the Sun Belt.

You can watch this game on ESPN3.com. 

FIU defeated by the Louisville Cardinals

The team that I thought would be playing well, seems not be doing just that. But the FIU Golden Panthers are preparing for their last Sun Belt Conference play and projected to win the conference.

The Golden Panthers want have a easy ride out of the Sun Belt Conference and taking the crown with them. They have to get pass the new improved Western Kentucky, ULM, ULL and Troy.

In the game against Lousiville, FIU Darian Mallary and Jake Medlock both rushed for touchdowns for the Panthers (1-3), who open Sun Belt play next week at Louisiana-Lafayette.

"We did real good job, forced a couple turnovers, (were) real good against the run for long stretches," FIU coach Mario Cristobal said. "We played very physical against the (No. 20) ranked team in country, a team that last week took their first six possessions right down and scored on North Carolina."

Medlock completed 10 of 16 passes for 116 yards. E.J. Hilliard -- who took over at Miami Northwestern High, one of South Florida's fabled programs, when Bridgewater went to college -- replaced Medlock at quarterback and was 9 for 10 for 82 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers.

FIU has to get better to even think about going up against ULL and Western Kentucky.

ULM tried to hold off the Bears of Baylor

In a close game between UL-Monroe and Baylor at the Warhawks home field, it was a game that I thought the Warhawks should have won, however it didn’t happen that way.

 

There was some mistakes that cause that lost, but the Warhawks played very well and is on my most improved list.

Louisiana-Monroe fell to 1-2, dropping its home opener in front of a Malone Stadium-record crowd of 31,175. The Warhawks opened with consecutive overtime games, beating Arkansas and losing to Auburn.

Baylor headcoach admitted "It was a dogfight," Baylor coach Art Briles said. "They are an extremely hot football team right now that has a tremendous amount of confidence. We walked into an environment that we knew would be a great football atmosphere to begin with. They have been good for a while. They just play a tough, tough nonconference schedule."

Browning end finished 25 of 39 for 272 yards and two touchdowns.

South Alabama shows improvement against Mississippi State, but fail to get more red zone action

This past Saturday South Alabama Jaguars traveled to Starkville, MS to face its first ever ranked team and SEC opponent in Mississippi State. The Jaguars showed some improvements as they faced off against their SEC opponent in the No.1 conference in the nation. It was not an easy game for the young growing football team; they came within the point spread of -34.5 and lost by only 20 points.

When South Alabama (1-3) lost its first game against a Southeastern Conference opponent. C.J. Bennett completed 14-of-26 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown and one interception.Demetre Baker added 49 yards rushing. I also give credit to QB Ross Metheny as well, that showed up for the Jags against Mississippi State.

"I am really proud of this football team," South Alabama coach Joey Jones said. "There are a lot of things we can work on for sure. I saw a lot of heart on that football field tonight. I told the team in the locker room that I can handle (the final score)."

South Alabama couldn't take advantage. The Jaguars had a chance to take the lead early in the second quarter, but Michel Chapuseaux missed a 47-yard field goal and Mississippi State suddenly shook out of its extended malaise.

"We fought well," South Alabama receiver Jereme Jones said. "It's disappointing that we didn't come out with the W, but we are still learning and we should have things straight by next week."

South Alabama held the Bulldogs of Mississippi State to zero points in the first quarter of the game. I can say that the defense did step up in that game to prove that they are still able and ready to compete. The Jaguars offense needs serious work, they improved as well but not enough for red zone action to produce more points and touchdowns for the Jaguars.

South Alabama had three turnovers, and it’s important for the players to learn how important that is not to turn over the ball. The South Alabama offense has a problem controlling the ball and protecting ball on carries. Fumbles and turnovers are not accepted.

Going into Conference play South Alabama offense must improve, and get tough with the ball improve their rushing and passing skills that’s important. I really believe that this is going to be a great team. They are doing how I projected or thought they would. But the Jaguars have to understand they are not playing small schools anymore that they can run over, they are in the big boy league and it requires tough play and skills.

So Jaguars you did better over the past couple of games, continue to improve and you will be better.

The Jaguars between their first ever conference play against Troy on Saturday at 2:30 in Mobile @ Ladd Pebbles Stadium. This is the beginning of the true test for the Jaguars in their own conference as a Division 1 program. 

Western Kentucky Slams Southern Miss

This is the most improved team in the Sun Belt Conference along with ULM. But I have to give it to the Hilltoppers for their back to back wins over SEC Kentucky and C-USA Southern Miss.

The Hilltoppers is responding and playing well, and has become a real competitive team in the division 1 play. Coach Willie Taggert has shown that he can turn around a ailing program.

Western Kentucky's offensive line paved the way for 369 yards rushing on Saturday night as the Hilltoppers beat Southern Mississippi 42-17.

Antonio Andrews accounted for 136 rushing yards, 74 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Freshman Leon Allen rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. It was the 28th time Western Kentucky has had two 100-yard rushers, and the first time since 2008.

"Whenever you can get two 100-yard rushers, (the offensive line) is doing a great job," coach Willie Taggart said. "Those guys were physical, and they kept coming off the sideline saying, `Coach, keep running it."

Western Kentucky is 3-1 for the first time since 2008. Southern Miss is 0-3 for the first time since 1976.

The Hilltoppers amassed 560 yards of total offense while playing in front of a crowd of 23,252 -- the biggest in school history.

Southern Miss came back with a 13-yard touchdown pass by third-string quarterback Lloyd to Tyre Bracken. Western Kentucky standout safety Jonathan Dowling was ejected from the game after hitting Bracken in the head after the catch.

Per Sun Belt Conference rules, Dowling must sit out the next game, which is a Sun Belt opener against defending league champ Arkansas State on Saturday night in Jonesboro, Ark.

I expect this to be a awesome conference game in Jonesboro, AR has Coach Taggart and Malzahn debut their new offenses. I expect this to be a high scoring game. Can I get 42+ combine points or more?

Top Performers

Passing: K. Jakes (WKU) - 172 YDS, 3 TD

Rushing: A. Andrews (WKU) - 15 CAR, 136 YDS, 1 TD

Receiving: A. Andrews (WKU) - 4 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD

Ross to start for South Alabama against No.23 Mississippi State

Ross Metheny, who has played a backup role at quarterback in South Alabama's first three games, is expected to be the starter for Saturday's game against SEC Mississippi State.

QB Ross Metheny 

Ross has proven to be a quality quarterback on the field and in the game, but his real test will come tomorrow night in Starksville.

Metheny threw for more yards than Bennett in last weeks game, becoming for first South Alabama quarterback to lead the team in passing yards since the UC-Davis game of 2010, when Bennett began a string of 17 straight games as the top passer. 

Metheny and Bennett are expected to share time against MSU as they have done the past two games.

I guess someone at South Alabama reads my blog and most recent article about the Jaguars mentality and attitude, that got about 1,700 views...I hope that Metheny will be that quarterback to connect with the offense to get the ball to first downs and in the red zone a lot more.

South Alabama Must Improve Their Attitude and Mentality

What is happening with South Alabama, or is the Jaguars showing their confidence and dedication?  Some fans think not and so do I.

This is not the offense that many envisioned of the new spread fast tempo offense brought in by offensive coordinator Robert Matthews. The question today by many is what happened or what’s happening?

After getting many inquiries on a team that I love and support, I often give them a lot of coverage here on the Insider and I wanted to respond just a little bit to some that may be wondering just as I am. We are now into week 4 of the 2012 testimonial season for the Jaguars, and there are several serious testimonial games on schedule that’s to come and has gone.  Now, have we seen the strength in the team or just some key players?  I have to say that it’s not with the team, but it’s most definitely with some key players.

After a close game with UTSA and a game that should have been won by the Jaguars, went down by two points from what the team showed on the field to be good adaption to the new spread offense by Robert Matthews. Yes, the team made some mistakes but it was a great game, but the team put up 31 points and moved the chains. However in week two against their FCS opponent Nicholls State, they struggle and didn’t manage to get a touchdown but three field goals to win the game. And then goes week three they lost by more points they did last season to NC State.

What we see here is that the mentality and attitude is not there, little team efforts and too much sympathy and praises to other teams. As a transitional and FBS divisional 1 team, you have to go out there and prove who you really are and give it all that you have. It’s no time to give praise or have sympathy; this is big boy ball and the next step to the grand league. So what comes with this is determination and confidence from the coaches, his staff and the players. This is no time to duplicate no other team, this is the time to be who you are and play what you know.

What I do believe as many other fans is that Offensive Coordinator Robert Matthews and Coach Jones needs to make a change at QB and put Ross Metheny in the game, he played well against NC State, has experience in Division 1 and made a touchdown with 189 total passing yards. Something QB Bennett failed to do against Nicholls State an FCS team.  Not only that it’s the mistakes Bennett makes and his decisions in passing the ball are not helping the Jags offense. Those fumbles and turnovers is not acceptable. Other team members on the offense have to also learn to connect with signal calling and most of all protect the ball, to reduce fumbles and turnovers.  There are some great players on offense and defense and I love the plays and stats of Baker, Houston, Saxton, Bestada, Waldon, Page, Johnson, Jones, and others.  

In these games communication is the key, and I am not here to talk down of our team, but build it up. I want to help keep our fan base happy and wanting to come to the games, but there is no question that the coaching and the team must get better.  In week four South Alabama has a chance to go to Starkville and play No.23 Mississippi State like new champs with a dominate attitude and mentality. It can be done, correct those mistakes and pass the ball, run the ball, protect the ball, and connection with key players the game would be a lot closer and better than previous games. This is the real true testimonial in non-conference games for South Alabama, to show their improvement and if they are prepared and ready for FBS division 1.

The Jags player may be small in size compared to Mississippi State, but their minds are large and strong. The Jags need more team leaders, guys that would be that strong motivator and voice on the field and encourage the players…..we can do this.

Week in and week out the Jaguars coach says he like the improvements the team is making in practices, but where is that translating and showing in the game?

I hate it when I see Coach Joey Jones get in front of Mobile Press Register, or local TV media outlets and other media sources and give these praises of other teams as if they are too good to be beat by our Jaguars.  Coach Jones…, this is division 1 in case you forgot, and the repeats of “we are going to play a really good team that has a good defense and offense is a challenge for us,” needs to stop and start showing confidence in our team. However yes indeed, but our Jaguars are just as good as any other team we are facing. Make them play and not wine about the games.  

The conference games begin with Troy on September 29 on ESPN 3, a true rivalry game with two in-state conference teams, which is expected to be a large crowd of fans and tailgating for the Sun Belt Conference and both teams. However, South Alabama needs to prove that they can compete in the Sun Belt Conference and win games.  Let us stop the giving all high praise and get serious, because we too are division 1 now and we can win games as well.

Coaches Willie Taggart of WKU and Todd Berry of ULM say and believe of their opponents, they are good teams and play well, but we are to. It’s the mentality and attitude you take into these games regardless of who you are playing. You may not win all and you may win a couple of upsets, but when you come out, the score, performance and game plan was much better than expected. And just that mentality and attitude with good game plans produce excitement for their teams and brought down then No. 8 Arkansas and Kentucky both of the powerhouse SEC.

Troy Trojans nearly beat Mississippi State this past weekend as well as ULM with Auburn. But can South Alabama go to Starkville and forget about the crowd and play good football and do the same and as its conference teams has done and prove that they too are in the game of winning football games regardless of who they are playing?

I hope that Coach Jones, OC Matthews and DC Clark will bring out the toughness in this week practice leading up to Saturday night game. Get those players minds ready, teach them to be focus and believe that they can win.

I will be watching, I will be monitoring the progress and play stats against Mississippi State to see are the Jaguars truly ready to face their own in the Sun Belt Conference come Sept. 29th and indeed a improve team.

Western Kentucky defeats SEC Kentucky

The second upset in a week for a Sun Belt Conference team, first it was ULM in overtime at Arkansas and now Western Kentucky at Kentucky. This overtime wins proves that the teams are challenged to win with dedication on the field and from the coaches. Two teams that was projected to not be at what many was thinking, is making big statements to prove them wrong.

Kentucky's stunning loss to Western Kentucky, coupled with its season-opening loss to Louisville, has put Joker Phillips and the Wildcats on the defensive.

The coach declined to say what he told his team following Saturday's setback.

"That's our business," Phillips said. "Again, we give credit to Western Kentucky but what we say in our locker room is our business."

Taggart dug into his bag of tricks on a two-point conversion.

The Hilltoppers (2-1) went for the win after Antonio Andrews pulled them within a point on a 2-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Kawaun Jakes threw a lateral to Andrews, who threw back to Jakes to clinch the victory.

The defeat ended a 19-game winning streak for Kentucky over opponents from outside Bowl Championship Series conferences, dating back to a 28-16 loss to Ohio on Oct. 2, 2004.

The announced crowd of 53,980 Saturday night was the smallest since the final home game of the 2006 season and slightly larger than the 48,346 who showed up for the Wildcats' 2012 home opener against Kent State. That was the smallest home crowd since the 1996 finale.

After Western Kentucky staged a wild celebration on the field at the end the game, Taggart took a swipe at Kentucky's program.

"WKU red is the new blue," he said.

The win was the second in as many weeks for a Sun Belt team over a school from the powerful SEC. Louisiana-Monroe upset then-No. 8 Arkansas in Fayetteville on Sept. 8 and nearly did the same to Auburn earlier Saturday. The loss was Kentucky's second to an in-state foe this season, as the Wildcats were shellacked 32-14 by Louisville in the season opener.

The Hilltoppers dominated early. They raced out to a 17-0 first-half lead, intercepting Kentucky's Maxwell Smith three times -- the sophomore quarterback would add another later. Smith did lead Kentucky on a 77-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 22-yard, game-tying touchdown pass to wide receiver DeMarcus Sweat.

Jakes completed 16 of 20 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown and Andrews rushed 34 times for 123 yards and three scores to lead the Hilltoppers' upset victory.

Smith entered the game ranked 24th nationally in total offense but struggled from the outset before coming to life late, completing 37 of 60 passes for 332 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Smith came in having not thrown an interception in 89 pass attempts.

The Hilltoppers has improved to 2-1 this season and marching on to another most improved season. Way to go Western Kentucky.

Middle Tennessee wins on the road against Memphis

Middle Tennessee improved their season to 2-1 over Memphis Saturday.

Logan Kilgore threw two touchdown passes and the Middle Tennessee defense forced four Memphis turnovers in a 48-30 win on Saturday night.

Kilgore, who was 22 of 30 for 253 yards, opened the scoring with a 12-yard toss to Christian Collis.

The Blue Raiders (2-1) extended their lead to 20-10 after Kevin Byard's 68-yard interception return for a score. Jacob Karam's 10-yard pass to Marcus Rucker pulled the Tigers (0-3) back to within 27-17 just before halftime, but that was as close as they'd get.

Benny Cunningham's 1-yard TD run less than four minutes into the second half, and Drayton Calhoun's 2-yard score nearly five minutes later pushed Middle Tennessee's advantage to 41-17 -the Blue Raiders cruised from there.

Cunningham finished with two touchdowns on 57 yards rushing for Middle Tennessee.

Karam threw for 325 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Rucker had 177 receiving yards and two TDs.

If the Blue Raiders in Middle Tennessee continue their good playing, they can rise again and may even get to a bowl game this season.

UL-Monroe has put SEC on alert with their 3 point loss to Auburn

UL-Monroe almost pull another upset since beating then No.8 Arkansas at their house. UL-Monroe to Auburn into overtime for a 31-28 loss.

The Tigers (1-2) stopped Kolton Browning and the Warhawks to start overtime, and Justin Manton's 37-yard field goal attempt was deflected by Angelo Blackson.

Then Tre Mason rushed for 10 yards, and Kiehl Frazier downed the ball on the next play to set up Parkey's winning kick.

The Warhawks (1-1) rallied from 28-7 down to shock Arkansas in overtime a week ago, a rare victory against the SEC. This one wouldn't have been that much of a shocker against struggling Auburn, which led 28-14 midway through the fourth quarter.

Browning threw two incompletions in overtime, overthrowing Je'Ron Hamm in the end zone on third down as he was hit by Dee Ford.

He went 28-of-46 passing for 237 yards and three touchdowns, two in the final 6:15. He also ran 14 times for 58 yards even if he couldn't duplicate his 412-yard passing performance against the Razorbacks.

UL-Monroe truly has put the SEC on alert that they too can win.

The Warhawks continues this weekend coming with another non-conference game against Baylor which is another national televised game at home for the Warhawks.

South Alabama couldn’t stop NC State Wolfpacks

In another loss for South Alabama Jaguars, they allow a total of 384 yards in their first real testimonial game against NC State. NC State Mike Glennon threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns Saturday, leading North Carolina State to a 31-7 non-conference football victory over the University of South Alabama at Carter-Finley Stadium.

“We knew when N.C. State held Connecticut to seven points last weekend that they were a very good defensive football team,” stated USA head coach Joey Jones. 

“When you look at their film from last year and this year, they are two totally different teams.  They showed that today.  They were very good up front, and got to the quarterback several times.  We could have done some things better, but they are very good defensive football team.

I also think South Alabama could have done better in this game, one thing South Alabama has to do is learn to protect and control the ball on catches and carries, and learn to move the ball to the red zone and make those big plays that will help them in situations like that against another Wolfpack like team in the future. South Alabama has a problem in this area on offense, in protecting the ball and reducing penalties and the turnovers. It seems like the players can’t get it together. This is not the time to try and make pretty plays, this is the time to prove who you really are as a team.

“I thought we fought hard defensively, and the positive thing was that I thought we won the second half.  I challenged them [the team] at halftime to win the second half, and we came out and did that.  We didn’t quit; our kids fought hard.  There are obviously some things we can work on, but a lot of it had to do with the fact that they were pretty good on defense.”

Yes, a lot has to be corrected and worked on coach Jones been saying that after every game and pratice. The question is, are the players really getting it? Only 7 points and our South Alabama defense allow 31 points from the Wolfpacks. A Jag turnover midway through the second quarter led to N.C. State’s other score in the opening half.

Jake Johnson led the Jags defensively with a season-high 14 stops, which included a school game-record 11 of the solo variety.  It’s the third game in a row that the senior has paced the unit in tackles. South Alabama needs more guys like Jake Johnson and his mentality on defense.

Enrique Williams added nine tackles and Terrell Brigham had seven.  Clifton Crews and Tyrell Pearson made six stops each — a season-high total for the former and a career best for the latter — while Alex Page ended up with five including a career-best two sacks.

Baker finished with a team-leading and game-high 100 all-purpose yards, gaining 45 on seven rushes while catching five passes for 55 more — the receiving figures were both career highs.  Saxton had four receptions for 72 yards, Besteda caught three passes for 68 yards and T.J. Glover collected three catches as well.  Metheny completed 14-of-20 attempts for 189 yards, while Bennett was 10-of-15 passing for 74.

QB Ross Metheny, had great stats in Saturday game against NC State, even though he has experience playing ACC teams coming from Virginia. He really helped the offense in Saturday game.  Metheny was 14-20 of his completions and put up 189 total yards and 1 and only touchdown when he connected with a 8 yard pass to Jereme Jones.

I as many other fans of South Alabama believes Coach Jones needs take another look at his offensive line and make some decision on who should start and not, better mentality and players are needed on the offense to help the Jaguars get to where they need to be in these games. QB Metheny needs more playing time and reps with the team. He should become the team starting QB asap.  I think the new offensive coordinator has a great game plan but it has to be executed much better on the field in game time decisions.  Games like that of UTSA, Nicholls State and now NC State should have been much better, we don’t need to continue to give excuses and sympathy for our team because we are now in the big boy league that require big boy plays. Coach Jones, OC Matthews and DC Clark need to get down and dirty with this team this week in practice to make them realize these are real games this season and no time to take any team for a joke. These games can be won, they can even be won on a small point margin.

I truly believe that NC State could have been beat, and not only that UConn held NC State to only 10 points in their game a week prior to facing South Alabama. So there were some answers to be given to the Wolfpacks from the Jaguars but the Jags failed to do that. I am disappointed in our team and the players, because I indeed believe they could have step up to the plate with better answers to the Wolfpacks and other teams. They still have a chance to get it right before this season is over.

The Jags will next be in action on Saturday, Sept. 22, when they face Mississippi State at 6 p.m. in Starkville, in the final game prior to the program’s first Sun Belt Conference contest.

Week 3 First Five Non-Conference Games For the Sun Belt; Any Upset Possible This Week

South Alabama (1-1) at NC State (1-1)

Both teams records are at (1-1) and both teams are coming off defensive games. South Alabama Jaguars first appeared before the NC State Wolfpacks last season as their first ever FBS game and was defeated by 22 points. But the South Alabama defense held the Wolfpacks to only 35 points, better than what many had expected.

This season both teams are looking to showcase a improved team on Saturday, while South Alabama is looking to get some get back from a year ago.

Can South Alabama upset NC State….maybe? As I look at the NC State offense they are struggling in areas, especially when I watched them play against Tennessee and then in week 2, they only manage to put up 10 points to get a three point lead over UConn.

I believe South Alabama defense has made some corrections to fix the mistakes they were making to stop NC State offense from scoring or putting up so many points. However, I still have doubt in the Jaguars QB C.J. Bennett, they have made to many wrong decisions on the field, I believe that South Alabama should give No.2 Ross Methany more playing time in the game to help the offense.

The Jaguars are allowing 102.5 yards per game on the ground and 258 overall after two games.

The Jags are averaging just under 300 yards per game of offense through two outings this fall.  Demetre Baker and Kendall Houston have done the bulk of the work on the ground with 52 of the 58 rushing attempts by running backs, with Baker leading the team in both games after gaining 75 yards on 20 attempts against the Colonels last time out.

I do put this game in my watch column.

UL-Lafayette (2-0) vs. Oklahoma State (1-1)

UL Puts 2-0 Record On The Line At Oklahoma State and the Ragin’ Cajuns Will Attempt To Improve To 3-0 For First Time Since 1988.

Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns football team remains on the road for the second straight week, traveling to Stillwater, Okla. to face Oklahoma State on Saturday, Sept. 15 beginning at 11:00 a.m. CDT in Boone Pickens Stadium, the game will be televised live on Fox Sports Network with Joel Meyers, Brian Baldinger and Jim Knox providing the commentary. . . the Ragin’ Cajuns are 2-0 for the first time since 2009 and just the second since 1990 after winning at Troy, 37-24, last week.

Alonzo Harris rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown to spark the UL offense while kicker Brett Baer made three field goals to break the Sun Belt Conference record for consecutive fields goals made. . . Baer, who has made 18 straight kicks going back to last season, leads the nation with seven field goals in two games. . . senior wide receiver Javone Lawson made three receptions at Troy to become the 10th player in UL history to catch 100 passes in a career. . . Lawson begins the week ranking 10th in career catches (100) and eighth in receiving yards (1,542). . . the UL defense allowed just 60 yards rushing at Troy and begins the week ranking sixth nationally in rushing defense (49.0 ypg). . .  Oklahoma State (1-1) was ranked as high as 16th in the national polls last week before dropping out of both after suffering a 59-38 decision at Arizona last week. . . the Cowboys own an 8-0 lead in the all-time series, including wins in each of the last two years.

Where do I place the Ragin Cajuns, I placed them on my watch list as well. The Ragin Cajuns have a chance to go to Stillwater and upset the Cowboys this season with all the talent they have at UL-Lafayette and the great style of game they been playing.

Through the first two games, the UL offense has scored on all 11 trips to the red zone.  The Cajuns scored on all five possessions vs. Lamar and all six at Troy, totalling seven touchdowns and four field goals over that span.  Last year, UL  was successful on 38 of its 41 red zone trips (.927), scoring 27 touchdowns.

Western Kentucky (1-1) vs. Kentucky (0-1)

Hilltoppers Head To Lexington To Battle Kentucky on Saturday.  

Western Kentucky will be looking to get a upset win over SEC non-conference foe Kentucky this weekend. Western Kentucky has proven over the last season they have improved and now a competitive team. A upset in this match up will be huge for the Hilltoppers.

Despite a 35-0 loss last week to top-ranked Alabama, the WKU defense was able to hold its own statistically against the Crimson Tide.  The Hilltoppers held Alabama to just 103 rushing yards on 31 attempts - an average of just 3.3 yards per carry.  Overall, the Tide managed 328 yards of total offense, which was 103 fewer than they put up a week earlier in a 41-14 win over nationally-ranked Michigan. 

For the second straight game in 2012, and fifth consecutive game dating back to last season, senior tight end Jack Doyle led the Hilltopper attack through the air.  Doyle hauled in seven catches for 45 yards against Alabama, on the heels of a five-catch, 76-yard effort in the opener against Austin Peay.  Even with two standout efforts this season, and leading the Toppers in receiving last year, the end zone had alluded Doyle for quite some time.  In fact, he has caught 67 passes since last catching a touchdown.  That last scoring catch came on Oct. 9, 2010 at Florida International.  Doyle played in just two more games that season before being sidelined with an injury, then hauled in a team-best 52 catches for 614 yards last season without a score.

Western Kentucky defense must stop Kentucky offensive plays and Western Kentucky offense line will have to step up to help QB Jakes pass or run the ball. There is a possible upset here, it will take dedication from WKU.

UL-Monroe (1-0) vs. Auburn (0-2)

ULM pulled off the biggest upset of the team's FBS-era with a come-from-behind win over then-No. 8 Arkansas in Little Rock (Sept. 8).  ULM found itself down by 21 points (28-7) with 9:42 to play in the third quarter.  The Warhawks then began the comeback attempt as Jyruss Edwards scored from three yards out (3rd; 5:41) and Kolton Browning connected with Kevin Steed on 4th-and-1 to close the gap to seven (28-21) with 14:08 to play.

Late in the fourth quarter, Kolton Browning hit Brent Leonard for a 23-yard touchdown with just 47 seconds to play.

In the extra session, ULM deflected three consecutive passes in the endzone and Arkansas was forced to settle for the field goal.  Trailing 31-28 and facing 4th-and-1 at the 16, Kolton Browning picked up the first down and more as he dove inside the right pylon to lift ULM to the 34-31 win.

ULM finished 6-for-7 on 4th down and the squads final three touchdowns of the game were scored on 4th down.

The victory over Arkansas was the first-ever win over the Razorbacks and it was the first win over a ranked opponent by the Warhawks. 

It was also the first-ever win over a top-10 team by a member of the Sun Belt Conference and ULM becomes just the second Sun Belt team to defeat a ranked foe (Troy def. Missouri, 2004).

Kolton Browning was the easy choice as ESPN's Player of the Game in the upset victory over then-No. 8 Arkansas.  The junior set new career highs in attempts (67), completions (42), passing yards (412) and total offense (481).

Coach Berry and QB Browning is looking to take that upset win at Arkansas to Auburn Saturday. Auburn offense has been playing terrible, their QB is distracted and this could be another possible upset for the Warhawks on Saturday and move the Warhawks to the top 25 next week.

Mississippi State (2-0) vs. Troy (1-1)

Troy opened the season with a ten point win over UAB in week 1 and then lost at home to conference foe UL-Lafayette. Troy is looking to bounce back, but seems to be having a little trouble doing so.

On Troy's 21-9 win over Mississippi State in 2001

Troy head coach had this to say at his recent press conference on the Mississippi State game. “It's hard to forget about that game because there are pictures hanging all over the halls. It was a great day. I think they are a much better SEC program than they were then. We're a different team trying to find ourselves, but the impact of that win has resonated with our people through the years. It was great day for Troy. It will be harder now because I think both programs are different, but I'm looking forward to it.”

Troy face that same team on Saturday in Troy, for the first time. I will put this on my watch list, but Troy will have to step its game to win…it’s possible.

Mississippi State dominated Jackson State and Auburn, but Troy is looking to stop their domination game. 

Louisiana-Monroe hands No.8 Arkansas a 34-31 upset win upset in overtime

QB Kolton Browning made the most of his return to Arkansas with a surprising upset victory over a No. 8 ranked SEC school that many thought the Warhawks could not handle. What I liked the most of this game is that the defense showed up and Coach Todd Berry really made wise decisions in situations. All I have to say about UL-Monroe is “Way to go!”

Browning's 16-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one drive lifted the Louisiana-Monroe team to a 34-31 overtime win over the No. 8 Razorbacks on Saturday night in Little Rock in front of a loud SEC crowd of fans.

Browning accounted for 481 yards of total offense and four touchdowns to lead the Warhawks (1-0) to their first win over a Southeastern Conference team since defeating Alabama in 2007. This is an awesome way to begin the season for a team that has been looking to move to the top and get to their first bowl game of program history.

UL-Monroe has really showed us something in this game, that they too are still around and ready to be champions. Many have counted Todd Berry and is team out, however they have proved many wrong with this huge victory.

The Warhawks trailed 28-7 midway through the third quarter before rallying behind Browning. The second-team Sun Belt Conference quarterback from a season ago found Brent Leonard for a 23-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-10 with 55 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 28-28.

Browning was 42 of 67 passing for 412 yards passing, and he had 69 yards rushing on 16 carries -- his last the winding, game-winning scramble in overtime around and through the Arkansas defense.

I have to give credit to the Warhawks and Coach Todd Berry and his coaching staff, for the hard work and determination they had in this game. The players played well and the coaches coached well.

I can honestly say that UL-Monroe set the tone and example for the Sun Belt Conference on Saturday, that we are ready for the big schools and the ranked teams. Now others coaches and teams need to follow that path and look where we can go. 

Tide rolls over the Hilltoppers

Western Kentucky went to Tuscaloosa looking for a win and upset of the No.1 team or just to play a good football game. A good game it was.

Western Kentucky defense really showcase it’s stuff on yesterday with good plays, but not enough to stop the Alabama offense.

Alabama outgained Western Kentucky 328-224 yards. The Tide ran for 103 yards, but limited the Hilltoppers to 28 rushes for 46 yards.

Western Kentucky actually had one more first down (12) than the Tide in the first three quarters.

Alabama's star-studded offensive line held a 45-pound-a-man advantage over Western Kentucky's defensive front. But the visitors from the Sun Belt Conference still sacked McCarron six times.

Quanterus Smith had three of the sacks.

Kawaun Jakes completed 20 of 31 passes for 178 yards for the Hilltoppers, who also played LSU last season and lost 42-9 after keeping it close in the first half.

"It was uncharacteristic of our guys," Western Kentucky coach Willie Taggart said. "Never in a million years would I have thought they would have played like this."

Arkansas State downs Memphis in home opener

Arkansas State came out on top over Memphis in their season home opener.

Ryan Aplin had his second straight 300-yard passing game and Arkansas State overcame a 14-3 deficit to beat Memphis 33-28 Saturday night.

The Red Wolves (1-1) took their first lead on David Oku's 1-yard touchdown run with 6:31 left in the game, then held off the Tigers (0-2).

Oku had 130 yards rushing, Frankie Jackson added two short rushing touchdowns and Aplin completed 23 of 43 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown. Aplin, coming off a 304-yard passing game in a 57-34 loss to Oregon, also rushed for 73 yards.

Josh Jarboe added six receptions for 101 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown, for Arkansas State, while J.D. McKissic had eight catches for 99 yards.

Memphis scored twice on special teams, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone and recovering a fumble on a punt return in the end zone.

Arkansas State will travel to take on Nebraska in week 3 this coming Saturday.  

FIU wins in overtime against Akron

For a team that is looking to win a conference title before they exit the Sun Belt Conference for C-USA is off to a tough start. They battle a close game against Akron on Saturday to win in overtime.

Jake Medlock threw for 209 yards and rushed for 141 as Florida International defeated Akron 41-38 in overtime Saturday.

Medlock, who threw for 348 yards and two touchdowns in his debut last week, opened the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown run.

However, Akron's Dalton Williams threw three straight touchdowns to give the Zips (0-2) a 20-7 lead before Medlock's touchdown pass to Jairus Williams cut the deficit to 20-14 at halftime.

Williams threw his fifth touchdown to Marquelo Suel  to give Akron a 38-35 lead with 1:53 to play but FIU's Jack Griffin connected from 30 yards out as time expired.

Griffin's 41-yarder in overtime sealed the victory for the Panthers (1-1).

Safety John Cyprien led the FIU defense with 11 tackles. The

junior, who had nine tackles last week, now stands 10 tackles shy of tying the school-record of 302 total tackles.

Williams led Akron with 313 yards passing.

Top Performers

Passing: D. Williams (AKR) - 313 YDS, 5 TD, 1 INT

Rushing: J. Medlock (FIU) - 23 CAR, 141 YDS, 1 TD

Receiving: M. Suel (AKR) - 7 REC, 99 YDS, 2 TD

North Texas defeats in-state rival Texas Southern

Over in the Longhorn State, North Texas manages to pick up a easy win over Texas Southern to collect their first win of the season.

Brandin Byrd ran 24 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns to help North Texas defeat visiting in-state rival Texas Southern in a 34-7 rout Saturday night.

Byrd scored with 11:15 to go in the first quarter and added his second touchdown of the night before halftime to lead the Mean Green (1-1) to victory.

North Texas had 497 total yards of offense against the Tigers (1-1), 352 of which came on the ground. Antoinne Jimmerson gave the Mean Green a dual threat from the backfield, recording 15 carries for 139 yards and one score.

The Mean Green was quite efficient from the red zone, scoring six out of seven times, two of which were field goals by Zach Olen from 34 and 28 yards out.

Daniel McKayhan caught three balls for 75 yards and a touchdown for Texas Southern in the loss.

Top Performers

Passing: D. Parker (TXSO) - 106 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT

Rushing: B. Byrd (UNT) - 24 CAR, 136 YDS, 2 TD

Receiving: D. McKayhan (TXSO) - 3 REC, 75 YDS, 1 TD

North Texas will join FIU in Conference USA next season. 

The Jaguars find their first win of the season with no touch downs over Nicholls State

South Alabama Jaguars defeated Nicholls State on Saturday at Ladd Pebbles Stadium to get their first win of the 2012 season, after being defeated by UTSA in week 1.

The Jags ended week 2 with a 9-3 win, with no touchdowns over the Colonels. I believe coach Joey Jones felt good about this win.

 

What we seen in this game was some mistakes was corrected on the defensive side of the ball, the defense came out solid and help the Jaguar secure a win, which included that included 6 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss.

The Jaguars six sacks many of which came on third down were huge for the Jags team that had just 15 all of last season.

Offensively the Jags still made a couple of mistakes from last week disturbing loss. South Alabama Quarterbacks completed well this game with starter C.J. Bennett going 11 of 20 and getting a total of 111 yards. Backup Quarterback Ross Metheny went for 6 of 10 and managed to get 58 yards. RB Demetre Baker rushed for 20 yards to come out on top of the running backs.

Receiver T.J. Glover has 3 catches for a total of 43 yards.

Defensively Brigham and Byron James both accounted for 1 interception a piece.

Jaguars were hoping for a win after the game got off to no scoring in the 1^st quarter of the game. The South Alabama Jaguars did not get a touchdown in either quarter of the game to defeat the Colonels. It’s a sign that the Jaguars must continue to get better and step up their playbook.

South Alabama will now travel to NC State in week three to take on the Wolfpacks. A team they played last season, and familiar with. Could South Alabama bring on an upset like UL-Monroe? 

Ragin Cajuns turn away Troy Trojans in their own house; Troy QB makes history

Troy and UL-Lafayette open conference play Saturday at Troy. The Trojans was looking for a comeback and manage to get another disappointment.

Troy quarterback Corey Robinson broke five school records in Saturday's home opener against Louisiana-Lafayette, but the Cajuns took advantage of three Trojan turnovers to come away with a 37-24 victory at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Robinson broke the Troy career records for total offense (7,591), passing yards (7,786) and passing attempts (1,103), while setting single-game marks for completions and passing yards. Robinson finished 46-of-70 for 485 yards and two touchdowns against the Cajuns; his passing total ranked as the third highest in Sun Belt Conference history and the most in the NCAA this year.

Robinson hit nine different receivers on the night with Chandler Worthy's nine catches for 154 yards leading the way. Eric Thomas also had nine catches for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Jaquon Robinson had six catches for 79 and a touchdown.

The Trojans (1-1, 0-1 Sun Belt) pulled within three, 20-17, on a Will Scott 33-yard field goal with 9:50 to play in the third quarter, but the Cajuns (2-0, 1-0) scored the game's next 17 points to stake a 37-17 lead.

Terrance Broadway needed just five plays following the Scott field goal to put the Cajuns back on the board as he hooked up with Harry Peoples from nine yards out for his only touchdown pass of the game. ULL's backup quarterback opened the drive with a 32-yard run and had a 23-yard completion to Darryl Surgent.

Broadway finished 10-of-16 for 143 yards through the air and rushed for another 43 yards on eight carries. Alonzo Harris led the Cajuns with 137 yards and a score on 21 carries.

Troy ran a mind-boggling 102 plays in the game and racked up 588 yards of total offense. Troy backup quarterback Deon Anthony rushed for a touchdown and was 4-of-5 for 43 yards through the air. The Trojans held the Cajuns to 389 yards of total offense in the game.

Louisiana-Lafayette built a 20-7 lead midway through the second quarter as they took advantage of a Troy turnover and a pair of big plays.

The Trojans will make history next week when they host Mississippi State in Veterans Memorial Stadium. The visit by the Bulldogs will be the first-ever to Troy by a member of the Southeastern Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live by ESPN3.

Middle Tennessee open their conference play with a win over FAU

After a disappointing loss to McNeese State in week 1, Middle Tennessee found a way to come back and win in their conference season opener over Florida Atlantic.

Logan Kilgore threw two touchdown passes to Anthony Amos and Middle Tennessee dominated the ground game in a 31-17 Sun Belt Conference win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday night.

The Blue Raiders (1-1, 1-0) had two 100-yard rushers in a game for the first time since 2009. Freshman Jordan Parker finished with 117 yards on 17 carries and Drayton Calhoun rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts.

Middle Tennessee amassed 302 of its 480 yards on the ground while the Owls (1-1, 0-1) finished with 96 yards rushing.

Kilgore hit Amos with a 38-yard TD with 16 seconds elapsed in the second quarter, then found him again for a 26-yard score to make it 24-3 with 29 seconds left in the third. Amos finished with a career-high 102 yards on four catches.

Florida Atlantic's Graham Wilbert was 25 of 32 for 260 yards and two touchdowns.

Top Performers

Passing: G. Wilbert (FAU) - 260 YDS, 2 TD

Rushing: D. Calhoun (MTU) - 14 CAR, 104 YDS, 1 TD

Receiving: A. Amos (MTU) - 4 REC, 102 YDS, 2 TD

Sun Belt Teams Prepare For The Field In Week 2

All ten Sun Belt Conference football teams will be on the playing field this weekend. Several teams that lost in their season openers will look to recover from their lost and bounce back to a win. 

North Texas and South Alabama is two of those teams that lost their season openers, South Alabama Jags had a chance to win their game against UTSA of the WAC, but allow some turnovers and big plays to get pass their defense. North Texas couldn't help to lose their game against LSU one of the toughest powerhouses in the SEC and ranked #3 nationally; but it would have been a plus and a victory for the Mean Green to knock of LSU. North Texas and South Alabama both play FCS foes this Saturday on home turfs. 

• Texas Southern
• North Texas

• Nichols State
• South Alabama 

This should be the first wins of the 2012 season for both the Mean Green and the Jaguars, but look at Middle Tennessee who gave up a game against FCS McNeese State last week. Umm, watch out now Sun Belt has to step up the game. 

Arkansas State returns home to play their first home game after losing to Oregon along with Florida International. Arkansas State is the conference defending champions and FIU is predicted to win the Sun Belt Conference this year before leaving our conference for another conference. 

• Memphis
• Arkansas State

• Akron
• Florida International

Several teams will open conference play this weekend and there two games to watch. Troy will take on 

UL-Lafayette at home after defeating UAB last week in Birmingham, and FAU will travel to Middle Tennessee. FAU won their season opener against Wagner, and Middle Tennessee lost their season opener to the Cowboys of Louisiana (McNeese State).  Let's see how Middle Tennessee and FAU play as conference foes both teams are ranked in the bottom half of the Sun Belt polls this year, and we will have our eyes on Troy and Louisiana-Lafayette. Troy is looking to a return to the top and UL-Lafayette is looking to move to the top. Two great teams will showcase what they are about in conference play on tomorrow in Troy, AL. 

• UL-Lafayette
• Troy 

• Florida Atlantic
• Middle Tennessee

UL-Monroe is the only team that did not play in week 1 last week, of course it was their bye week the first week of the season, and there is no more bye's in the near future for the Warhawks. Week after week they will play tough football to try and improve their record and get to a bowl game. Western Kentucky and 

 UL-Monroe will both face SEC foes tomorrow. WKU had a great season opener in Bowling Green defeating FCS Austin Peavy. It will be a tough sell this Saturday as UL-Monroe head to face Arkansas and Western Kentucky head to Alabama. Both SEC teams are ranked in the top 25. 

• UL-Monroe
• Arkansas

• Western Kentucky
• Alabama

South Alabama, Middle Tennessee and North Texas needs to step up their plays this weekend to prove that they are better then expected. Are you ready for some football, well I am. Let's enjoy some great games on Saturday.