Tue Sep 2 12:41:06 2008

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Sun Belt Conference News and Notes

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Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - ARKANSAS STATE: The Red Wolves made the biggest headlines for the SBC this past week, as they marched into College Station and upended Big 12 power Texas A&M by an 18-14 score. ASU amassed an impressive 255 rushing yards in the win, with 145 of those yards coming from Reggie Arnold. Josh Arauco made all four of his field goal attempts, and the defense also did its part by forcing four turnovers and holding Texas A&M scoreless in the second half. The Red Wolves kick off a three-game homestand this weekend by hosting Texas Southern.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC: The defending SBC champion Owls opened their 2008 campaign at nationally-ranked Texas and like many expected, they were no match for the Longhorns in a 52-10 defeat. Rusty Smith, the reigning SBC Player of the Year, threw for 253 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but FAU's ground attack produced a measly 37 yards compared to 232 rushing yards by Texas. The Owls will kick off their home slate this weekend against UAB.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL: The Panthers, coming off a one-win campaign, were pitted against nationally-ranked Kansas to open the season and they were easily defeated 40-10 in Lawrence. Paul McCall had a rough game under center, as he completed just 10-of-28 tosses for only 73 yards and two interceptions. The lone highlight for FIU in the setback was a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown by T.Y. Hilton. The Panthers will look to rebound this weekend when they face Iowa on the road.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE: The Blue Raiders kicked off their season with a SBC game against Troy on Thursday night which resulted in a 31-17 setback. Joe Craddock threw for 200 yards, one touchdown and an interception, while Phillip Tanner toted 16 times for 61 yards and a score. The Blue Raiders as a team, didn't get much going on the ground, rushing for only 84 yards on 50 carries. A showdown with ACC foe Maryland awaits Middle Tennessee this weekend.

NORTH TEXAS: It was over quickly for the Mean Green this past weekend, as it trailed 28-0 at the half before losing out to Kansas State by a 45-6 margin. Giovanni Vizza hit on 16-of-29 tosses for 100 yards and a score in the loss, and Casey Fitzgerald had six catches for 31 yards. North Texas, which has not won a season-opener in the last 11 years, was outgained 471-205 by Kansas State. The Mean Green will try to reverse its fortunes this weekend against Tulsa.

TROY: With a 31-17 victory over Middle Tennessee on Thursday night, the Trojans become the first team to win a SBC game in 2008. Troy, which improved to 13-5 in season-openers under head coach Larry Blakeney, were able to overcome four turnovers by rushing for 164 yards. Dre Harris led the way with 148 yards and two scores on 19 carries, while quarterback Jamie Hampton added 41 yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts. Hampton also threw for 200 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. The Trojans though, have a tougher task this weekend, as they take on nationally-ranked LSU.

UL-LAFAYETTE: Despite racking up 263 yards on the ground against Southern Miss last weekend, the Ragin' Cajuns were easily handled in a 51-21 loss. Quarterback Michael Desormeaux rushed for a team-high 146 yards on 16 carries, but he struggled through the air, throwing for only 98 yards and two interceptions. ULL turned the ball over four times in the game, in addition to allowing Southern Miss to roll up a whopping 427 yards on the ground. The Cajuns have a week off to regroup and refocus before heading back into action against Illinois on September 13th.

UL-MONROE: The Warhawks fell to 0-7 all-time against Auburn after a 34-0 blanking this past weekend. Kinsmon Lancaster completed 20-of-38 pass attempts for 136 yards for ULM, which saw its first offensive play result in a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Auburn. The Warhawks were also pushed around and allowed 321 rushing yards. Another SEC school awaits ULM this weekend, as Arkansas comes to town.