MTSU (1-1) at UL Lafayette (1-2), 7:05 pm ET GamePlan
Why to watch: With North Texas looking lousy and Troy losing to New Mexico State, the Sun Belt title appears to be up for grabs and these two teams want a shot. UL Lafayette hasn't been all that bad with a respectable performance in a 40-20 loss to Kansas State and pushing Louisiana Tech in a 24-20 loss. MTSU's season got off to a slow start with the postponement of the Florida game, but a road win at Akron made everything better. The loser here will most likely be out of the Sun Belt race.
Why MTSU might win: In what should be a tight game, a big special teams play could turn everything around and it could come from MTSU's Kerry Wright. The star receiver has also become a top punt returner averaging 19.25 yards per try. The Ragin' Cajuns are 107th in the nation in punting averaging only 29.59 yards per kick.
Why UL might win: The numbers suggest a strange fit for MTSU. The Blue Raiders are currently 113th in the nation running the ball and third passing it, and is also second-to-last in pass defense. UL Lafayette has the nation's ninth ranked pass defense, but that's mainly because Louisiana Tech's Ryan Moats and Kansas State's Darren Sproles spent so much time running the ball. ULL's problem is stopping the run, but MTSU can't do it.
Who to watch: MTSU QB Clint Marks it throwing for a ton of yards, but he's also turning it over with four interceptions in two games and only one touchdown pass. With the running game not doing much of anything, he has to keep on pushing the ball and needs to continue to make more big plays to get the win.
What will happen: UL Lafayette has been battle tested and is just strong enough on both sides of the ball to come away with the win. MTSU's lack of consistency will prove costly.
CFN Prediction: UL Lafayette 27 ... MTSU 24 ...
Line: MTSU -2.5 |
Must See Rating: 2.5
(5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Dr. Phil Primetime Special)
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