Broadcast, Kick Off Times, Spreads and Analysis for Every Sun Belt Game in Week 12

Out of conference games played so late in the season always throw us off. Here we are, focused on those last-ditch conference pushes, and suddenly there’s some weirdo game with LSU? I mean, I understand Army sneaking into the party (they’ve been doing it all year), but what’s Ole Miss doing here? Why are you in our yard, Mississippi State? It’s November, for the love of God. Mind your own turkeys.

Saturday, November 18

ULM (2-8) at #13 Ole Miss (8-2), 11:00 AM SEC Network, -37 Black Bears Land Sharks

The Warhawks began the season a tough-nut opponent with only bad luck separating them from a winning record. As of late, however, the Warhawks have played like spiritually defeated foes, losing by double digits to Troy, Southern Miss, Arkansas State and Georgia Southern. To complicate matters, Coach Terry Bowden is juggling QBs, bouncing between senior Jiya Wright and the freshman Blake Edwards, who his wrestling with injury. Look for ULM to challenge that massive Vegas line, but that’s about it.

PREDICTION: Ole Miss is just a big nasty bully

Coastal Carolina (7-3) @ Army (4-6), 11:00 AM CBS Sports Network, -4 Chanticleers

“Thank you Sun Belt, may I have another?” may be the unofficial slogan for the Black Knights as Army once again dips into the SBC schedule for what is projected to be another beating. Already losers to Troy and ULM, Army is set to host Coastal, who could be starting any one of three quarterbacks, including the recently injured Grayson McCall. Don’t overlook the Knights, though. In the last two weeks, Army has doubled its win total by defeating a ranked Air Force squad, plus a squeaker over Holy Cross. Coastal would do well not to discount the Black Knight’s momentum.

PREDICTION: Coastal summons the necessary effort to prevail

Southern Miss (3-7) @ Mississippi State (4-6), 11:00 AM SEC Network+, -14 Bulldogs

Forget the record: a new Golden Eagles has risen from the ashes of a horrendous season. Ever since head coach Will Hall unceremoniously fired Will Hall from play call duties, Southern Miss has found its offensive mojo, winning two of their last three behind the ground production of a furious Frank Gore Jr. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs still have a shot at a Bowl and won’t be mailing this game in. However, the positive energy surges with the Golden Eagles.

Prediction: Don’t be surprised if Southern Miss wins this one outright

Appalachian State (6-4) @ James Madison (10-0), 1:00 PM ESPN+, -9 Dukes

The Dukes are currently ineligible for the SBC title, ineligible for Bowl play, and therefore ignored by the College Football Playoff Committee. Nevertheless, ESPN Gameday will be in Harrisonburg to elevate the James Madison profile. Apart from pride, one wonders what incentive the Dukes have in pounding Appalachian State, a foe we declared dead after a loss to Old Dominion several weeks ago. However, the Mountaineers have won three straight, including last week’s brutal brutalization of Georgia State. Never count out Dukes’ head coach Curt Cignetti’s ability to transform personal slights into team touchdowns.

Prediction: Dukes pull out a W from the smoking crater

Texas State (6-4) at Arkansas State (5-5), 2:00 PM ESPN+, -3.5 Bobcats

The Bobcats have defeated the Red Wolves three times in their last three meetings – each a two-point victory. However, the stakes of this meeting are high, in particular for Arkansas State, who find themselves on the cusp of bowl eligibility. But it’s not like Texas State has little incentive to win in Jonesboro – the Bobcats have won six games in the past, only to be passed over by all bowl committees. A seventh win would do much to mitigate those fears. Still, the Red Wolves are playing with a fire and confidence unseen in several seasons.

Prediction: Red Wolves get the job done before a home crowd

Louisiana (5-5) @ Troy (8-2), 2:30 PM on the NFL Network, -16.5 Trojans

Lost in the brouhaha between the NCAA and James Madison is the fact that Troy is grossly under-ranked by both the College Football Playoff Committee and the AP – both who’ve ignored Trojan strength completely. But just look at Troy’s last five games. The defense is just without a flaw, while Gunnar Watson and the offense has grown stronger and stronger. Meanwhile, Louisiana has lost two straight since encroaching bowl eligibility and are likely feeling a little desperate, with only mighty Troy and hate in-state foe ULM remaining on the schedule.

Prediction: The Cajuns had better hope that the Warhawks show them mercy next week

Marshall (5-5) @ South Alabama (5-5), 4:00 PM ESPN+, -10.5 Jaguars

Ali Jennings celebrated Cole Pennington’s first start at QB by scoring three touchdowns to lead a 38-33 victory over Georgian Southern, the Thundering Herds’ first win after five consecutive defeats. Suddenly, Marshall is on the verge of bowl eligibility – just like the Jaguars, whose 21-14 win for Arkansas State pushed them to their fifth win. Somebody will be celebrating the prospect of a Bowl tomorrow in Mobile. It’s hard to determine who, but at this point in the season, one likes South Alabama’s strong defense more than Marshall’s streaky offense.

Prediction: Jags are bowling

Old Dominion (4-6) @ Georgia Southern (6-4), 5:00 PM ESPN+, -6 Eagles

Three weeks ago, the Eagles won their sixth game of the season and seemed to be the highly entertaining power in the Sun Belt East. Losses to Texas State and Marshall have us recalculating Georgia Southerns actual power level. The Eagles’ simply no longer field a the formidable defense that shutdown opponents at the beginning of the season. Old Dominion, confounding as ever, laid an egg against undefeated Liberty last week. Who knows what motivates this team? Is it victory? Bitcoin? Astrological signs?

Prediction: The mystical properties of Eagle Creek shields Georgia Southern from ODU’s strangeness

Georgia State (6-4) @ #15 LSU, 7:00 PM ESPN2, -31.5 Tigers

Are the Panthers dead? The first team in the Sun Belt to achieve official bowl eligibility, Georgia State has since lost three straight and look completely cooked. In those last three losses, Panthers quarterback Darren Grainger has thrown for 152, 82 and 157 yards. Against Appalachain State, he recorded a QBR of 2.1. Head coach Shawn Elliot is attempting to get every inch out of running back Marcus Carrol, but he’s gotta be pooped. Somebody needs to step up!

Prediction: LSU wins

IMAGE: Sun Belt Media