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ARKANSAS STATE: The Red Wolves fought hard in the second half, but weren't able to overcome a 31-7 halftime deficit in a 34-24 loss to Louisville this past weekend. ASU (1-3), which dropped its second game in a row, gave up 575 total yards and had four turnovers itself. QB Ryan Aplin had two INTs in the loss, but he did throw for 209 yards and three TDs. Sirgregory Thornton rushed for 78 yards on nine carries for the Red Wolves, who amassed 200 yards on the ground. ASU heads back into conference play this weekend, as it faces off with North Texas.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC: The Owls turned the ball over three times and had just 208 yards of total offense in a 31-3 loss to South Florida this past weekend. FAU (1-3) was paced by QB Jeff Van Camp, who threw for 136 yards and an INT 17- of-22 pass attempts while being sacked seven times. The Owls' defense came up with four sacks itself and limited South Florida to just 291 total yards. Losers of three straight, the Owls will try to snap their out of their funk versus UL-Monroe this weekend.
FIU: The Golden Panthers finished off a tough three-game road trip with a 44-17 loss at Pittsburgh over the weekend. FIU (0-4), still winless, trailed just 16-10 heading into the final quarter before Pitt scored four TDs to pull away. The Panthers were abused on the ground, allowing 300 yards behind an 8.3 yard per carry average. Darriet Perry had a pair of rushing TDs in the loss for FIU, while Wes Carroll threw for 223 yards on 23-of-38 pass attempts. The Panthers will kick off their Sun Belt slate this weekend when Western Kentucky comes to town.
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE: The Ragin' Cajuns blocked an extra-point with 31 seconds left, as they survived North Texas for a 28-27 victory. Louisiana (2-2, 2-1) led 28-14 midway through the fourth quarter before allowing North Texas to rally. A 91-yard drive put North Texas within a point prior to the blocked kick saving the game for the Cajuns, who had three TDs of 40 or more yards. QB Chris Masson threw for 310 yards and two TDs, one of which was an 82-yard strike to Aaron Spikes. Javone Lawson hauled in a 60-yard TD pass, and Lance Kelley scored on a 40-yard fumble return for the defense. The Cajuns will host Oklahoma State in a non-conference bout this Friday.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE: The Blue Raiders had the week off to prepare for their big showdown with Troy on Tuesday night. Expected to be the top two teams in the conference, the Middle Tennessee/Troy matchup could ultimately determine the league champion despite it being early in the season. The Blue Raiders are a level 2-2 on the campaign and they picked up a 34-14 victory over Louisiana in their last outing on September 25th.
NORTH TEXAS: The Mean Green had an extra-point blocked with 31 seconds left, allowing Louisiana to claim a 28-27 victory over the weekend. It was a heart- breaking loss for North Texas (1-4, 1-1), which was coming off a 21-17 victory over Florida Atlantic. Lance Dunbar paced the team in defeat with 141 yards and score on 24 carries. QB Riley Dodge added 43 yards and a score on the ground, while also passing for 191 yards and two more TDs. Darius Carey was the team's main target, as he finished with five receptions for 49 yards and a score. The Mean Green will continue their three-game homestand against Arkansas State this weekend.
TROY: The Trojans were idle this past weekend, as they clash with Middle Tennessee on Tuesday night. The defending Sun Belt champions will be on the road this Tuesday, facing its biggest challenger for the title in Middle Tennessee. Troy is an even 2-2 overall after picking up a 35-28 victory over Arkansas State on September 25th.
ULM: The Warhawks were simply overmatched this weekend, as they dropped a 52-3 decision at nationally-ranked Auburn. ULM (1-3) committed four turnovers and was outgained 505-270. Both teams had 33 rushing attempts, but ULM managed just 38 yards on the ground compared to 233 by Auburn. QB Kolton Browning completed a career-high 25 passes for 203 yards, while Luther Ambrose pulled in seven balls for 56 yards. The Warhawks will head home this weekend to face Florida Atlantic in conference play.
WESTERN KENTUCKY - The Hilltoppers are coming off a bye week and they will face FIU this weekend. WKU (0-4) is currently riding the longest losing streak in the nation at 24 games and that includes a 24-12 loss to South Florida on September 25th.