Each week we will give an update of what’s going on around the conference. Here’s a rundown of all the games this past week in the Sun Belt.

Troy vs. South Alabama: Oct. 23

Sawyer Smith, who replaced Kaleb Barker in his second start as Troy’s quarterback this season, threw for three touchdowns. Junior RB B.J. Smith ran for a touchdown and 170 yards to contribute to the win. Troy improves to 6-2 and 4-0 in the conference. They are tied for first in the eastern Sun Belt, while South Alabama falls to 2-6 (1-3 in the conference).

Troy wins 38-17.

Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern: Oct. 25

In an exciting upset on a cold and rainy Thursday, Georgia Southern took down the first ranked team to come to Paulson Stadium – No. 25 Appalachian State.

Behind Shai Werts’ 57-yard passing touchdown and 129 rushing yards, running back Wesley Fields’ two touchdowns, and the defense’s forcing of five turnovers, the Eagles rolled past their rival to improve to 7-1 and 4-0 in the conference. ASU falls to second in the Sun Belt behind GS and Troy (5-2, 3-1 in the conference). The Mountaineers have lost their ranking, while the Eagles are now number No. 28 in the AP poll.

Georgia Southern wins 34-14.

Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia State: Oct. 27

In a race for third place in the eastern Sun Belt, Coastal Carolina traveled to Atlanta to take on the Panthers. While Coastal took a lead in the first half (20-13), GSU rallied to score three touchdowns in the third quarter.

With a last-minute touchdown and field goal, Coastal rallied to a 37-34 victory. CCU will improve to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference, while GSU falls to 2-6 and last in the conference with a 1-3 record.

CCU wins 37-34.

Texas State vs. New Mexico State: Oct. 27

Texas State quarterback Willie Jones III’s first game back from injury saw the completion of two passing touchdowns and 110 rushing yards. They prevailed over a struggling New Mexico State, who had two turnovers and three sacks. The Aggies will drop to 2-7, while the Bobcats improve to 2-6 overall but remain 0-4 in the conference.

TS wins 27-20.

Louisiana vs. Arkansas State: Oct. 27

In a close game in Lafayette, Louisiana, there was a clash between the No. 2 and No. 3 in the western Sun Belt. In an action-packed first quarter, 35 total points scored on offense. Both teams kept the game interesting.

With a score of 43-40 and 1:18 left to play, the Ragin’ Cajuns sophomore running back Trey Ragas ran for 2 yards to secure a touchdown and put his team in the lead. While both teams are at a 4-4 overall record, UL improves to 2-2 in the conference and ASU falls to 1-3 in the western Sun Belt.

Louisiana wins 47-43.

Amanda Arnold, The George-Anne Sports Candidate, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu