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Georgia State is gonna be just fine
The Panthers weren’t off to an encouraging start, standing at 1-3 going into conference play. Despite some signs of life in their hard-fought 24-20 victory over Kennesaw State in week one, State dropped their next three contests by an average of 30 points a game, including a 34-15 loss to a middling Western Michigan team out of the MAC.
The ULM Warhawks appeared like a team on the rise ready to make a run for a bowl game, so for the Panthers to beat this Warhawks team, and by a decisive 46-14, is no small accomplishment.
After an underwhelming start, the Panthers have shown they will not be an easy out going forward, winning their first conference game of the season and showing they’re ready for whatever may be coming their way.
Coastal Carolina is not ready to compete with the Sun Belt’s best yet
Last week we observed that the Chanticleers maybe could take a run at things, after victories over UAB in week two and a close win over the Ragin’ Cajuns in week four. But for all their improvement on the field this season, they couldn’t hold a candle to Troy, losing 45-21.
As thrilling and strange as it always is to have a new team in your conference, the Chanticleers are a better-coached team this year vs. last year, but had no answer for the Trojans as Troy’s ground game alone rushed for 282 yards and three touchdowns.
After a promising start for the Chants, there’s still time for this season to end with a bowl game, but the Sun Belt East title is off the board for this season.
The Sun Belt East is a meat grinder
Other than Coastal Carolina, every Sun Belt East team won this week.
Granted, every East team was playing a West team except for Troy vs CCU, but this just showcases the immediate disparity between the divisions.
Of these conference games, all but one were decisive, with Georgia Southern winning by only a touchdown over Arkansas State. But hey, lest we forget: it was Arkansas State, still the favorite to win the West.
While the division is still likely to be decided on November 24th between App State and Troy, Georgia State and Georgia Southern look like they’re prepping to at least make things interesting, as we head into proper conference play.