South Alabama Men’s Basketball ready for the Court

South Alabama had a winning season last season, losing a few games in some close calls and there was some games where the players seems as though they just gave up.

After Middle Tennessee, South Alabama was the only team in the East Division to have a record above .500 overall (17-12), but at 8-8 in conference play, didn't give much pressure to the Blue Raiders in terms of division supremacy. In 2012-2013, Ronnie Arrow is hoping his squad will be able to rectify that. Like the Blue Raiders, the Jaguars are extremely potent up front. Last season South Alabama was the top rebounding team in the conference (39.7 pg) and the eighth best in the nation overall.

Junior forward Augustine Rubit (15.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg) is the major reason for the Jaguars strong inside game. Last season he connected on 71.3 percent of his shots as is scoring numbers jumped by two points per game from his freshman season, although his rebounding did drop by nearly the same amount in that time. Mychal Ammons (10.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) is more of a swingman but can play both on the inside and outside effectively on both sides of the ball.

More consistent guard play could push the Jaguars to the next level. Freddie Goldstein (11.7 ppg) was the best scorer from the perimeter, while Trey Anderson (5.8 ppg, 3.1 apg) turned in the best numbers in terms of assists. TCU transfer Xavier Roberson is also an intriguing backcourt option after averaging 9.9 points per game in eight games last season.

South Alabama will begin its regular season on November 9^th against Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida.

Sun Belt Preseason Men's Basketball All-Conference Team

Basketball season is almost here and players of the year and possible conference champions are already being mention.

Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year Tony Mitchell was named 2012-13 Men’s Basketball Preseason Player of the Year, while Middle Tennessee and North Texas were unanimous selections to win the SBC East and West Divisions, respectively, the league office announced Wednesday.

In conference games last season, Mitchell averaged a double-double and led the league in points per game (15.9), rebounds per game (11.8), three-point percentage (.471) and blocked shots (50). The sophomore forward also shot 58.1 percent from the field which placed second in the league.

MT was tabbed to win the SBC East after taking all 11 preseason first place votes. The Blue Raiders won the SBC Regular Season crown in 2011-12 with a 14-2 mark and earned votes in this year’s USA Today coaches’ preseason poll for the first time in program history.

North Texas was placed to finish first in the SBC West after receiving all 11 preseason first place votes.

The Blue Raiders return 10 of their top 12 leading scorers from last season, including Preseason All-SBC First Team selection Marcos Knight. The senior guard from Rentz, Ga., registered 11.8 points and 3.0 assists per game last year. His 1.6 assist:turnover ratio in conference play ranked third in the league.

Picked to finish second in the SBC East was South Alabama under the direction of 14th-year head coach Ronnie Arrow. The Jaguars return seven letterwinners and their top three scorers from last year’s 17-12 squad, with Preseason All-SBC First Team selection Augustine Rubit leading the way.

Rubit, a junior forward from Houston, Texas, earned All-SBC First Team accolades last year and was the only Jaguar to start all 29 games. He led the league in rebounding for the second consecutive season and ranked 38th in the nation with 9.2 per game. He also returns as the league’s leading scorer after dropping in 15.2 points a game last season, second best in the conference.

After leading UALR to a first-place finish in the SBC West last season, sophomore Will Neighbour inked his name on the Preseason All-SBC First Team. In his rookie season, the big man poured in 10.5 points per game while pulling down 5.3 rebounds. He also proved his shooting accuracy by knocking down 81.5 percent from the free throw line and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Neighbour was a Second Team All-SBC selection last season and will look to lead a young UALR team that welcomes nine newcomers. The Trojans are guided by 10th-year head coach Steve Shields and are projected to finish third in the SBC West as they return three letterwinners.

Arkansas State senior guard Trey Finn rounded out the Preseason All-SBC First Team after sinking 11.6 points per game last season for the Red Wolves. Finn tallied 21 double-digit scoring games last season and also brought down 5.3 rebounds per game. He started 29 of 30 contests for ASU and connected on a team-high 61 three-pointers while shooting 45.9 percent from long-range.

Under the direction of fifth-year head coach John Brady, ASU was picked to finish second in the SBC West Division. The Red Wolves return four starters from last year’s team, including leading scorer and Preseason All-SBC Third Team selection Marcus Hooten.

Defending SBC Tournament champions WKU was tabbed for a third place finish in the SBC East and returns 63.3 percent of its scoring from last season. The Hilltoppers knocked off Mississippi Valley State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season and have won at least one game in its last three NCAA Tournament appearances (2008, 09, 12).

WKU returns four starters and nine letterwinners from last year’s team, including Preseason All-SBC Second Team selection George Fant. The Hilltoppers have made it to at least the SBC Tournament semifinals in eight consecutive seasons.

The SBC will have two regular-season nationally televised games on ESPN2 in addition to the SBC Championship finals in Hot Springs on March 11. Florida Atlantic will travel to Indiana on Dec. 21 in the first nationally televised game, and either WKU at MT or UALR at NT will be aired on ESPN2 on Jan. 26.

Four SBC contests will be nationally televised on ESPNU, and an additional eight matchups can be seen on ESPN3.com. The Sun Belt Network will air seven regular-season games and the SBC Championship quarterfinals and semifinals.

2012-13 Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference First Team

 ■Will Neighbour (UALR, Jr., Forward)

 ■Trey Finn (Arkansas State, Sr., Guard)

 ■Marcos Knight (Middle Tennessee, Sr., Guard)  

 ■Tony Mitchell (North Texas, So., Forward)

 ■Augustine Rubit (South Alabama, Jr., Forward)

2012-13 Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Second Team

 ■Brandon Peterson (Arkansas State, Sr., Forward)

 ■Greg Gantt (Florida Atlantic, Sr., Guard)

 ■JT Sulton (Middle Tennessee, Sr., Forward)

 ■Bruce Massey (Middle Tennessee, Sr., Guard)

 ■George Fant (WKU, So., Forward)

2012-13 Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Third Team

 ■Marcus Hooten (Arkansas State, Sr., Guard)

 ■Raymond Cintron (Middle Tennessee, Sr., Guard)

 ■Javier Carter (South Alabama, Sr., Forward)

 ■Freddie Goldstein (South Alabama, Sr., Guard)

 ■T.J. Price (WKU, So., Guard)

2012-13 Men’s Basketball Preseason Player of the Year

 ■Tony Mitchell (North Texas, So., Forward)

2012-13 Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll

(First place votes in parentheses)

EAST DIVISION

1. Middle Tennessee – 65 points (11)

2. South Alabama – 51 points

3. WKU – 47 points

4. Florida Atlantic – 29 points

5. Troy – 22 points

6. FIU – 17 points

WEST DIVISION

1. North Texas – 55 points (11)
2. Arkansas State – 40 points
3. UALR – 33 points
4. Louisiana-Lafayette – 24 points
5. Louisiana-Monroe – 13 points

Western Kentucky holds Florida International down

Western Kentucky pull away with another win and made their chances a bit better for the Sun Belt Conference champions. With a win over Florida International, FIU has no chance of picking up a conference crown before they depart for C-USA.

Antonio Andrews rushed for a 3-yard score with 2:24 remaining, and the Western Kentucky defense forced its fourth turnover of the contest on the final play in a 14-6 win over FIU Saturday night.

After the Hilltoppers (6-2, 3-1 Sun Belt Conference) improved their season record and now they are officially bowl eligible with six wins under their belts, the Golden Panthers (1-8, 0-5)  have no chance of entering post season play or picking up a Sun Belt crown as pre-season polls had favor the departing team. 

FAU QB Wilbert help lift Florida Atlantic to a victory over Troy

Graham Wilbert's fourth touchdown pass, a 22-yarder to William Dukes with 17 seconds remaining, lifted Florida Atlantic to a 34-27 victory over Troy on Saturday night in FAU homecoming game.

It’s also the first FBS and conference win for the FAU Owls this season, after newcomer South Alabama defeated FAU in their homecoming game in Mobile, Alabama. FAU is now Owls (2-6, 1-4 Sun Belt Conference) and the Troy Trojans are (4-4, 3-3 Sun Belt Conference). The Florida Atlantic Owls may have hinder the Trojans chances of reclaiming the Sun Belt Conference crown.

Middle Tennessee handles departing North Texas for a win

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders is only one win away from becoming bowl eligible and they are in the running for the Sun Belt Conference crown.

The Blue Raiders increased their chances for all the above with a win over struggling Mean Green of North Texas, who is schedule to depart for C-USA alone with FIU. Middle Tennessee handed them another loss in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Middle Tennessee QB Logan Kilgore threw three touchdowns as Middle Tennessee defeated North Texas 38-21 Saturday.

Griswould finished with 140 yards and two touchdowns on three catches. Middle Tennessee's Anthony Amos led all receivers with 121 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. It was Amos' fourth 100-yard receiving game this season.

Middle Tennessee has a chance to finish on a good note if they continue to play with great excitement. 

UL-Monroe protects their record in Homecoming over South Alabama Jaguars

ULM defeats South Alabama 38-24 during the Warhawks homecoming game. 

South Alabama (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt) tried their best to upset ULM on during their homecoming in Monroe, LA.

The Warhawks (6-2, 4-0 Sun Belt) is the leading surprised team in the Sun Belt Conference. As it looks the ULM is in the run to be the new conference champions. With a perfect record for the first in a long time, UL-Monroe is bowl eligible with 6 wins and a perfect conference record which puts on top as #1 in the Sun Belt Conference.

As it stands UL-Monroe is the best mid-major conference team to my record and likes. The Warhawks should be ranked at least No.24 or No.23 in the BCS and all other college football polls. They are overlooked but they are the most improved and best mid major team out there today along with Western Kentucky.

South Alabama Jaguars held on with the Warhawks in the first half and the beginning of the second half of the game, they just couldn’t win the strength to pull an upset in Monroe. The Jaguars play on offense have increased and gotten much better under the leadership of new starting quarterback Ross Metheny a transfer from Virginia. The defense and special teams also stepping up their game and making big plays. There is room for growth with the Jaguars as they move forward in the FBS and Sun Belt Conference.

ULM racked up a total of 420 yards in their win over new comer South Alabama, while South Alabama collected a total of 360 total yards.

ULM QB K Browning passed for a total of 250 yards and 4 TD’s including 1 Interception. The Jaguars QB R. Metheny passed for a total of 211 yards and 2 TD’s and 1 Interception.

South Alabama still have a chance to improved their record before this season is over, and ULM have a chance to be the new Sun Belt Conference champions and enter into a post season game in January.

Top players of this game…. 

Passing: K. Browning (ULM) - 250 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: D. Baker (SOAL) - 14 CAR, 115 YDS
Receiving: B. Leonard (ULM) - 9 REC, 126 YDS, 4 TD

Arkansas State upsets UL-Lafayette on Tuesday

The Red Wolves (5-3, 3-1 Sun Belt Conference) upset UL-Lafayette on Tuesday. Arkansas State is also in the running for the conference crown once again under their new head coach Gus Malzahn.
It was Brian Davis who kicked five field goals and Arkansas State rolled up 526 yards of offense in a 50-27 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette on Tuesday night.

Arkansas State QB Ryan Aplin completed 21 of 31 passes for 269 yards and one touchdown. Rocky Hayes led the Red Wolves in rushing, gaining 86 yards on three carries with one touchdown.

UL-Lafayette still have a chance to come back and get back in this game to become post season eligible and contend for the conference championship.

SBC had some dog fights on yesterday, that favored Troy, South Alabama, and ULM

SBC had some dog fights on yesterday, that favored Troy, South Alabama, and ULM

Weekend Scores:

ULM 43

West Kentucky 42 OT

UL-Monroe Warhawks scored a two – point conversion in overtime to down West Kentucky in a Sun Belt Conference matchup at Houchens Industries – L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, KY.

QB Kolton Browning led the Warhawks to a 5-2, 3-0 Sun Belt record for the first time in years. Kwaun Jakes didn’t let down either, as they broke their four game winning streak.  Jakes threw for 308 yards in the air and four touchdowns. It just wasn’t enough to stop those Warhawks from Monroe, LA.

FIU – 37

Troy – 38

No overtime game here but a dog fight still. Troy improved its record to 4-3, 3-2 Sun Belt, while FIU continue it losing streak as I count them out of the conference title run officially. They can now prepare for their new home over in C-USA.

Will Scott made a game winning 42- yard field goal for the Troy Trojans to beat the Florida International panthers .

Troy No.2 QB Deon Anthony paved the way for a victory on yesterday as Corey Robinson sit out with an injury. Anthony has 115 rushing yards on 19 carries with (2) touchdowns.  Eric Thomas caught six passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

FIU QB Jake Medlock was back with 18 of 29 passes completion, three touchdowns and one interception. Medlock passed for 316 yards in this hard fought game.

Florida Atlantic – 34

South Alabama – 37  (2^nd OT)

For the first homecoming in FBS and against a FBS conference team, South Alabama picked up their first victory over an FBS program in division one at Ladd Pebbles Stadium during their homecoming. Yes indeed the Jaguars are celebrating today.

South Alabama beat Florida Atlantic in double overtime 37-34. South Alabama came back from a 14 point deficit in the 4^th quarter to pick up their first FBS win of the program history.

There is no doubt that South Alabama new starting QB is connecting with players and improving the offense at South that has been struggling in the first half of the season. Ross Methany completed 13 of 27 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown under center while Gabe Loper racked in (4) catches for 91 yards and a score. Demetre Baker return from a suspension with 73 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries as South Alabama send FAU back to home with a loss.

FAU QB Graham Wilbert showed up with 303 yards and two touchdowns on 27 of 41 passes. Jonathan Wallace added 101 yards and a score on 21 carries. William Dukes made 5 catches for a game high of 119 yards and a touchdown.

This indeed was a comeback win for the Jaguars, which they took it to the wire and fought hard to overcome the Owls of FAU.  This is the type of offense I like to see and now that Ross Metheny is in the game as starting QB, OC Robert Matthews new spread up tempo offense is working.

Middle Tennessee – 3

Mississippi State – 45

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders traveled to Starkville, MS to face No. 12 Mississippi State Bulldogs on last evening, and that turned out not to be a good evening for the Blue Raiders.

Mississippi State handed Middle Tennessee a lost, as the Blue Raiders seek to build their record and reach post season play this season.

We are still not counting Middle Tennessee out for post season play, as we hope they will bounce back and get their needed wins to reach the post season. 

Middle Tennessee defeats Florida International in their last game as a conference foe

Middle Tennessee showed no mercy to Florida International in their last game as a conference foe as they rallied for a 34-30 victory on Saturday night.

Reggie Whatley scored on a 7-yard TD rush with 36 seconds to go as Middle Tennessee rallied to defeat FIU 34-30 on Saturday night. Whatley helped set up his own game-winning score after FIU (1-6, 0-3) had taken the lead, returning the ensuing kickoff 43 yards to set up Middle Tennessee at the FIU 40-yard line in the game's final minute.

Benny Cunningham scored two touchdowns and rushed for a career-high 232 yards on 36 carries for the Blue Raiders, while Logan Kilgore threw for 267 yards and a touchdown.

This was a game I gave to Middle Tennessee, and they pull it off just like that. I can also say that I am counting FIU out of a conference title with the Sun Belt Conference as they depart for their new home in the C-USA.

Middle Tennessee is bouncing back for success in the Sun Belt on a winning streak and looking to get to post season action. Seemed as though someone did call Tyrone!...lol. The new defensive coordinator is work is showing on the newly improved Blue Raiders team.

Reggie Whatley, Logan Kilgore and Benny Cunningham are my top players of the game on Saturday night in Miami. 

South Alabama back in the game as they lose a tight game to Arkansas State 36-29

The much needed changes with a new starting quarterback to lead the offense showed that was what the Jaguars of South Alabama needed. South Alabama lost to Arkansas State Red Wolves by a touchdown. What a improved team and stats since their three game losing streak.

Arkansas State fought back to keep a win at home in Jonesboro with a 36-29 victory over South Alabama.

 

This is the team that I want to see in South Alabama a team that I love and support. A couple of the most improved is the reductions of turnovers and interceptions. And then the quarterback and offense got more end zone action for touchdowns. South Alabama Jaguars produced (3) touchdowns in Saturday game against Arkansas State.

South Alabama lead the first road game in the Sun Belt Conference in stats. The Jaguars came out with the most first downs, the most in passing and rushing yards and 4^th down conversions.

South Alabama QB Ross Metheny led the Jag with 241 passing yards to Arkansas State QB Ryan Aplin 203 passing yards. On the ground rushing the Jaguars lead the Red Wolves with 132 yards to 113 for the Red Wolves.

With first quarter action Kendall Houston caught a 4 Yd Pass From South Alabama QB Ross Metheny to give the Jags their first score and touchdown.

With 11:55 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Taylor Stockemer caught a 9 Yd Pass from Arkansas State QB Ryan Aplin and a (David Oku Run for Two-Point Conversion) put the Red Wolves in a position to cap the win for a victory over South Alabama.

South Alabama returns home to prepare for their homecoming game against Florida Atlantic at Ladd Pebbles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. This is a game where I expect South Alabama to get their first conference win.

UL-Monroe rolls over Florida Atlantic

UL-Monroe Warhawks are on a roll and they just kept on rolling as they defeated FAU at home to improve their conference standing.

Kolton Browning tossed a pair of touchdown passes and Monterrell Washington ran for two more, as Louisiana-Monroe rolled to a 35-14 win over Florida Atlantic in Sun Belt Conference action Saturday night.

The Warhawks (4-2, 2-0) jumped on the board first when Browning completed a 3-yard score to Brent Leonard. Washington followed that up with a 36-yard touchdown run, and then Mitchell Bailey scooped up a muffed punt attempt in the end zone to stretch the advantage to 21-0.

Louisiana-Monroe held FAU (1-4, 0-3) to 1.2 yards per carry and outgained the Owls 195-46 on the ground with no runner accounting for more than 60 yards.

The win makes Louisiana-Monroe one of three remaining undefeated teams in the Sun Belt.

FAU QB Graham Wilbert was 26-of-39 passing for 261 yards for the Owls.

Week 7 Sun Belt Conference Football Action

MIDDLE TENNESSEE (3-2) vs. FIU (1-5)

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders travels to Miami to take on the Gold Panthers of FIU. This will be the last game as conference foes for the two as Florida International prepare to leave for Conference USA next season.

Oh but wait before they leave, FIU was the pre-season favorite to win the SBC title in football this season. However that is not looking to good for a team that is struggling to get a win. They have already lost to two SBC teams. FIU may be leaving the Sun Belt without a title as they came in.

Both teams have inquired players that are still questionable for today game. 

Middle Tennessee WR T. Jefferson (Hamstring)

FIU RB K. Rhodes (Ankle)

FIU QB J. Medlock (Foot)

This game is schedule to kick off at 5:00pm at FIU. Middle Tennessee is the favorite in this game, but FIU have a chance to bounce back to reality to get back into competition to be the conference champions.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC (1-4) vs. UL-MONROE (3-2)

Florida Atlantic has trouble finding that win under their new head coach Carl Pelini. The Owls will travel to ULM for some of that good football actions they been putting forth this season as the most improved team in the SBC under my radar.

Florida Atlantic is operating under some newbie’s as well as their first year under their new head coach and staff. So this year may not be such a good year for the Owls as they adapt and get the new system in place and under their belt.

For UL-Monroe Warhawks they are riding on some momentum as they have defeated the No. 8 team in the country and then almost upset their second SEC team at Auburn in overtime.

This should be another game that ULM picks up to improve to a 4-2 record and help them toward their first post season game.  

There are no reported inquiries on these two teams, and the game will be broadcasted on ESPN3. 

South Alabama faces Arkansas State the Conference defending champs today in Jonesboro

After a bye week and much practice that Jaguars return to the game action on the road in Jonesboro, AR, to face off against Arkansas State the Sun Belt Conference defending champions. South Alabama will meet the Arkansas State Red Wolves at 6 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Bank Stadium. This is the first road game for the Jaguars in the SBC.

“Arkansas State is a very good football team.  I watched them play last Thursday at FIU, they went down there on the road and beat a very good team.  Their losses have come to the likes of Oregon and Nebraska, so they are a very good football team.  They’re very good on offense, and have a lot of juniors and seniors starting in their offensive and defensive lineups.” Said Coach Joey Jones.

South Alabama  offense is coming off a performance in its conference debut against Troy on Sept. 29 that included a season-best 193 yards rushing, with Demetre Baker collecting 62 yards on 16 carries to help spark that effort.  He is among the top 10 in the Sun Belt Conference with nearly 60 yards per outing, and has led the Jags rushing attack in four of the team’s first five games.

Five Jaguar wideouts have caught at least 10 passes, led by Bryant Lavender’s 13 for 122 yards.  Jeremé Jones has a team-high 160 yards on 12 receptions, while Corey Besteda and Greg Hollinger have 10 catches apiece for 144 and 135 yards, respectively.  Junior transfer Ross Metheny, who has completed 34-of-59 passes for 354 yards and a score, was named the starting quarterback this week by Jones and his staff.

“We have to be able to stick the ball into the end zone.  Defense and special teams are playing good enough to win, so if we can get that part going on offense then we’re going to get this thing rolling.  But we have to get out there and get it done.” said Coach Jones.

The Jags have a chance to pick up a win and show their strengths with this game against the Red Wolves. South Alabama offense will have to learn to play good end zone football as the coach has said, and eliminate the penalties and turnovers. They have to control and secure the ball on each play. South Alabama defense will need to step up to the plate a lil tougher and stop the pass play of Arkansas State. It can be done!

Ross Metheny is in as starting quarterback for South Alabama against Arkansas State, after coach Joey Jones and staff made the decision after the Troy game. Ross now will have the chance to prove that he is the guy to the lead the offense at South Alabama and help this team to a victory or more.

University of South Alabama head football coach Joey Jones announced Friday afternoon that running back Demetre Baker, the Jaguars' leading rusher, has been suspended for Saturday's game against Arkansas State for a violation of team rules.

Through five games this season, Baker, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound sophomore running back who transferred to South Alabama from Georgia, has carried the ball 69 times for 294 yards and a touchdown. He also has six pass receptions for 55 yards.

WKU won its 4th straight game of the season over Troy (Thursday)

In a game where both team Western Kentucky and Troy was looking for a win, one had to win and one had to lose. Western Kentucky wasn’t the team that wanted to lose their momentum in the past Thursday night game on ESPNU in Troy, Alabama.

Western Kentucky got off to a slow start but when they picked up their game and speed they couldn’t be stopped. Kawaun Jakes threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns, and Antonio Andrews finished with over 100 rushing yards for the fourth straight game as the Western Kentucky University football team won their fourth straight game with a 31-26 victory over Troy a team that is trying to bounce back from a poor season last year.

The win improved the Hilltoppers to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the Sun Belt, while Troy fell to 3-3 and 2-2 in league play.

With Robinson sidelined with an injury suffered late in the first half, Deon Anthony took over under center for the Trojans and led them on a scoring drive of their first possession of the half.

"It was an ugly game, but we found a way to win," said Hilltopper head coach Willie Taggart.  "We were a little sluggish early, and knew Troy would stack the box and try to stop the run.  But we did a great job throwing the football tonight and opened some things up for us offensively.  This was a good win for us, and we're looking forward to getting back home next week."

Jakes finished the game completing a season-high 21 of 31 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns.  It was the third time this year he threw for at least three scores.  McNeal hauled in a career-high six catches for 68 yards, while Doyle finished with five catches for 39 yards and a touchdown.  Andrews carried 26 times for 113 yards.

The Hilltoppers return home for the first time in nearly a month next Saturday (Oct. 20) when they host Louisiana-Monroe in a 3 p.m. (CDT) contest for Homecoming on the Hill.  The game will be televised on ESPN3.

Western Kentucy and Troy to hit the national scene on Thursday

In a game that will test the two Sun Belt teams moving forward will determine I believe where they each stand against future Sun Belt teams on schedule.

Western Kentucky and Troy have both showed that they have improved, and they both want respect in the college football world.  Western Kentucky enters the game against Troy at 4-1 overall, 1-0 in conference play, while Troy is 3-2 overall, 2-1 in the Sun Belt.

                    

Western Kentucky and Troy are both coming off a bye week, the Trojans have also gone 12 days between games, and have won two consecutive conference games over North Texas and South Alabama to sit 2-1 in league play. WKU earned its first-ever win over the Trojans with a 41-18 victory in the 2011 season finale.

This game will be broadcasted live on ESPNU on tomorrow night in Troy, Alabama. The Hilltoppers will now look for their first victory on Troy's home field, as the Trojans have won four of the five previous meetings on their home turf, with the other contest resulting in a tie.

After its win over Arkansas State, the Hilltoppers became just the third team in the history of the Sun Belt Conference to start a season with a 4-1 record or better. In 2011, Louisiana-Lafayette began the year by winning six of its first seven games, and in 2001 Middle Tennessee began the year 5-0.

The Hilltoppers are 1-0 to start Sun Belt Conference play for the first time since joining the league in the 2009 season. The Hilltoppers have now won eight straight Sun Belt Conference games dating back to last season. 

Troy will look to stop Western Kentucky roll on tomorrow, as Troy seeks to regain their champion status.

This is indeed a game to attend on a Thursday night and watch for your pleasure.

Sun Belt Conference roundup of teams scores and Week 6 highlights

UL-Monroe – 31

Middle Tennessee – 17

Tulane – 13
UL-Lafayette – 41

North Texas - 21

Houston – 44

Arkansas State - 34

FIU - 20

UL-Monroe is on a roll and it’s looking good for the Warhawks.

In Murfreeboro, TN – ULM QB Kolton Browning completed 26 of his 38 passes for 285 yards and one touchdown to lead the ULM Warhawks to a 31-17 victory over Middle Tennessee in the Sun Belt Conference.

ULM running back Jyruss Edwards ran for 87 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns and Je’Ron Hamm caught three passes for 62 yards and a touchdown and Brent Leonard added a game high eight catches for 73 yards to contribute to the Warhawks victory.

Middle Tennessee Logan Kilgore completed 23 of his 34 passes for 238 yards and his managed to throw on interception.

The second quarter was all ULM and midway through the third quarter Middle Tennessee scored a touchdown on a 7 yard run by Cunningham.

Arkansas State holds off FIU in their last game as a conference member

FIU is now having a game winning streak as hoped for or thought they would have. FIU was predicted to win the conference title before they exit to the C-USA. Umm, this is not going to good for FIU to capture that title, forcing them to change quarterbacks at the same time.

Arkansas State went to Miami on Thursday to hold off the Golden Panthers and say good bye.

David Oku ran for three touchdowns as Arkansas State rolled to a 34-20 victory over Florida International.

J.D. McKissic caught five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, while the Arkansas State Red Wolves running game totaled 198 yards to come away with an victory.

E.J. Hillard FIU replaced quarterback completed 18 of his 27 passes for 133 yards with a touchdown and a interception for the Golden Panthers, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Arkansas State.

Arkansas State took control in the 3^rd quarter to take the lead and come back to Arkansas State with an victory of the soon once to be member FIU. 

Middle Tennessee bouncing back with a win over Georgia Tech

Benny Cunningham running with motivation

With an upset over one of the ACC powerhouses Benny Cunningham rushed for 217 yards and five touchdowns Saturday to lead Middle Tennessee State to a 49-28 win over Georgia Tech.

Middle Tennessee QB Logan Kilgore passed for 246 yards (17-of-23 passes) for Middle Tennessee (3-1), of the Sun Belt Conference, as the Blue Raiders dominated the Yellow Jackets at home.

The loss was Georgia Tech's first loss to a non-BCS school since 1996. The Yellow Jackets have also lost consecutive home games for the first time since 1988.

Middle Tennessee open their season on a unexpected lose to McNeese State, since then came back and showed that they are ready to compete again. The Blue Raiders have won three games straight since their first game of the season, beating two non-conference teams in C-USA Memphis and ACC Georgia Tech and then conference foe Florida Atlantic.

Middle Tennessee will host UL-Monroe another improved SBC team that is on the move in the Sun Belt on Saturday, October 6^th at 3:30, this will be an awesome matchup to watch and attend.

South Alabama Just Can’t Get It Together

Week in and week out the South Alabama Jaguars claims to be improving in practice for their next game, and correcting mistakes in previous games. At least that’s what head Coach Joey Jones is saying every week.

Coach Joey Jones claims every week that his team is having good practices and he is pleased with the team. Really Coach Jones…Are you really pleased? Many fans and supporters are not pleased.

It seems as this once young program can’t get it together. Those first three years was great, but now the Jaguars are in the biggest and number one lead in college football and this is no time to practice, in case you didn’t know it’s time to win. South Alabama should not be in the business of trying to model its problem off of another program, but instead build a team from where we in Mobile and those across the country will know it.

In Saturday game against Troy, South Alabama still played poor and the same ole mistakes were made on the field. The offense is terrible and there is no passing game with the Jaguars offense to produce a touchdown. Is the players on offense really with the new spread offense that was put in place by OC Robert Matthews, or do he have the players with the talent needed to play the new spread offense. Or should the Jaguars have stuck with their old offense?

In my personal opinion and I think others will agree, there needs to be an evaluation on offense and make the necessary changes quick, if the Jaguars want to make a statement and be a better team. That means swapping out starters and replacing them with other talented team members.

The offense has not produced but a total of (2) touch downs since their first seasonal opener against UTSA.

On the other hand, their coaching on the sidelines is not that of all favor. When you move into your opponents 25-40 yard line, and on third down you refuse to kick a field goal? What’s up with that? All points matter and count, you don’t ever give up points.

There is no motivation with this South Alabama team; you have a coach that continues to give praises to other teams, instead of praising his players and their goals every week. Where is the team leader on the team, which motivates the team? I just don’t see that.

Quoted by Mobile Press Register Tommy Hicks on September 30^th, for the same reasons that have plagued the Jags recently -- turnovers, troubles with the passing game, giving up big plays on defense. South Alabama has to improve its passing game to add balance to its offense and defensively it has to cut out the big plays of an otherwise solid performance.

Where's the offense? And Who's the quarterback? The passing game must improve and finding the player to direct the offense would be a key. The two-quarterback system hasn't worked thus far, but to be fair, neither C.J. Bennett nor Ross Metheny has separated himself from the other. There has been no consistency, no spark from either player.

It’s not only me that is thinking this way, the fans are being turned off for this very reason, and the Jaguars are not coming anywhere close to winning a game they play.

South Alabama will have a week off this week and return to the field against conference Arkansas State, Oct. 11^th at ASU. This is the time for hard practices and team evaluations to get better, I know it’s hard to make those chances in the middle of the season, but sometimes it’s needed to improve. It seems as though the ones that is starting is not starting well.

I want to know what you all think my readers, if I am wrong tell, if I am right let me know what you think is the problem. 

Troy rolls over new in-state rival South Alabama

Troy didn’t come to Mobile to pretend, they came to win and win big.

The Troy defense forced four turnovers and held South Alabama to just 252 yards of offense as the Trojans ran past the Jaguars 31-10 Saturday afternoon at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Troy (3-2, 2-1 Sun Belt) held South Alabama (1-4, 0-1) to just 51 yards of total offense in the second half as the Trojans moved to 3-0 on the road. Troy is one of just five teams in the country sitting at 3-0 away from home this season.

Combined with the seven points Troy allowed at North Texas last week, it is the fewest points allowed in back-to-back games by the Trojans since they held Western Kentucky and Arkansas State to a combined 12 points in 2008. South Alabama's quarterbacks were a combined 8-for-20 for just 59 yards through the air.

Troy picked up 214 yards on the ground on a season-high 51 attempts. Shawn Southward rushed 17 times for 86 yards to lead the Trojans. Backup quarterback Deon Anthony had seven carries for 37 yards, while D.J. Taylor rushed nine times for 35 yards and Troy's final touchdown of the game. Justin Albert added 30 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

Corey Robinson completed 15-of-24 passes for 223 yards but threw three interceptions, while Anthony was 3-of-3 for 58 yards and his first career passing touchdown. Chandler Worthy had five catches for 48 yards and his first touchdown of the season to go along with 30 rushing yards. Eric Thomas and Chip Reeves both narrowly missed touchdowns as they had catches down to the 1-yard line and 2-yard line, respectively.

Turnovers and penalties plagued the middle of the second quarter as the teams traded interceptions. There were a combined six turnovers and 18 penalties for 163 yards in the opening 30 minutes of action. South Alabama finished the game with 15 penalties for 142 yards.

The Trojans will enjoy a bye week next weekend before hosting Western Kentucky in a nationally televised game on ESPNU on Thursday, Oct. 11, in Veterans Memorial Stadium.