“Sun Belt Showdown: Louisiana and Marshall Aim to Hold Division Leads as Three Teams Chase Bowl Eligibility in Week 13 Action!”

NEW ORLEANS – In Week 13 of the competition, Louisiana and Marshall will strive to hold onto their top spots in their divisions, with the Ragin’ Cajuns hosting Troy and the Thundering Herd making the trip to Old Dominion.

Five other teams—Arkansas State, South Alabama, and Texas State in the West Division, along with Georgia Southern and James Madison in the East Division—are just one game behind as the regular season approaches its conclusion.

Three teams—Coastal Carolina, ULM, and South Alabama—have the chance to secure bowl eligibility with wins this week, while App State and Old Dominion will need to win consecutive games to qualify for Bowl Season.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

DOWN TO THE WIRE – App State and James Madison have faced off in thrilling contests in 2022 and 2023, despite App State leading the all-time series 13-5. The Dukes made history by scoring 29 unanswered points to claim their first Sun Belt Conference win, 32-28, on September 24, 2022. Last season, the Mountaineers thwarted James Madison’s unbeaten season hopes with a 26-23 overtime victory on November 18, 2023, following the Dukes’ hosting of ESPN’s College GameDay. This matchup is critical for both teams: a win for the Mountaineers would keep them undefeated at home since Hurricane Helene, edging them closer to bowl eligibility, while a victory for the Dukes would keep them competitive in the Sun Belt East Division, leading into their final game against current division leader Marshall on Saturday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. on ESPNU.

GOING BOWLING? – After leading the nation with 12 Bowl Season participants in 2023, three of this Saturday’s Sun Belt games—ULM at Arkansas State, South Alabama at Southern Miss, and Georgia Southern at Coastal Carolina—feature teams aiming for bowl eligibility. Wins for the Warhawks, Jaguars, and Chanticleers would earn them a spot in a bowl game—marking ULM’s first since 2012, South Alabama’s third straight, and Coastal Carolina’s fifth in a row. In the history of their matchups, Arkansas State leads ULM 32-14, South Alabama holds a 4-0 record against Southern Miss, and Georgia Southern leads Coastal Carolina 6-4.

TO THE VICTOR GO THE SPOILS – The two teams that have represented the West Division in the Hercules Tires Sun Belt Football Championship Game—Troy (2022 & 2023) and Louisiana (2018-21)—will clash at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, on ESPN+. Following their recent victory over Georgia Southern, the two-time defending Sun Belt champion Trojans will look to continue their momentum against the Ragin’ Cajuns in Lafayette, Louisiana. Louisiana tops the Sun Belt West Division at 5-1 in conference play, ahead of Arkansas State (4-2), South Alabama (4-2), and Texas State (4-2). The Ragin’ Cajuns also lead the all-time series with Troy, 13-11.

STACKING YARDAGE – Fresh off a program record of 703 total yards against Southern Miss, Texas State will host Georgia State at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, on ESPN+. The Bobcats, eligible for bowls in consecutive seasons for the first time, rank sixth nationally with an average of 470.3 total yards per game. The Panthers are allowing 409.0 yards of total offense this season. A win for Texas State would give them five Sun Belt victories for just the second time in program history, while a Georgia State win would snap a seven-game losing streak overall and a 10-game skid against conference opponents dating back to the 2023 season. The victor will take a 5-4 lead in the all-time series.

THE THUNDER ROLLS – Marshall enters its road game against Old Dominion at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, on ESPNU with a Sun Belt-best four-game winning streak. This run has placed the Thundering Herd at the top of the Sun Belt East Division with a 5-1 conference record, one game ahead of Georgia Southern and James Madison, both at 4-2. Marshall leads the all-time series with Old Dominion 8-1, with the Monarchs’ only win coming in 2016. Old Dominion will need to finish strong, aiming for back-to-back victories to clinch bowl eligibility for the third time in four years under head coach Ricky Rahne. Meanwhile, Marshall looks to maintain its lead over the Eagles and Dukes leading into their final game against James Madison on Saturday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. on ESPNU.

All times are Central Time.