My Prediction: South Al 24, Texas State 17

Actual: 36-18 Texas State

I had thought South Al was the seemingly more balanced, steady team but it appeared just the opposite. While the Jags took an early lead and didn't seem shook by getting down 12-3 at one point, once the 'Kick 6' occurred the Jaguars looked completely out of it for the remainder of the game. While Tyler Jones didn't play his best game (in the monsoon can't blame either QBs for the subpar performances) Bobcats' Robert Lower absolutely went off on the USA defense, rumbling for 248 yards on 30 carries and 3 TDs.

The roles have been reversed and the Bobcats appear to have gotten a bit of their mojo back (which they'll need come Thursday in Statesboro) while a very shaken, down trodden USA squad gets a much needed BYE before they return home to play Idaho.


ULM @ Idaho
My Prediction: Idaho 27, ULM 21
Actual Results: Idaho 27, ULM 13

Homecoming in Moscow went pretty much how I expected it, though the Warhawks were able to keep it competitive for 3 quarters prior to collapsing in the 4th. The Vandals out-gained ULM 489-243 (more than doubling the Warhawks total yards) and had Idaho not turned the ball over 3 times probably could've won by a wider margin, but the Vandals certainly won't complain-they've now added winning back to back games to their "first since" list and with a woeful Aggie squad up next Idaho is on the verge of winning four games and boasting a winning conference record heading into November.

Troy @ NSMU
My Prediction: Troy 31, NMSU 23
Actual Results: Troy 52, NMSU 7

If you look at the post game stats, you would've probably thought this was a pretty competitive game; Troy outgained NMSU 482-392, Trojans only had three more first downs than the Aggies and NMSU in fact held onto the ball longer than Troy.

However, at the end of the day the score is all the matters and boy oh boy did Troy completely beat the crud outta the Aggies. Just under 8 minutes in the 2nd quarter, Trojans were already up 35-0 and while Aggies were able to respond with an immediate Touchdown drive, Troy proceeded to score an additional 10 points prior to halftime to all but seal the deal.

Very much like Texas State, this game appears to really have rejuvenated this squad and it could be a good moral boost to have as they now turn to prepare for the current leader of the conference, Appalachian State. Meanwhile, the Aggies are now at level 'Zero' and a game that once appeared to be a strong possibility at victory in Idaho now seems to be another looming lost unless Doug Martin and crew find a way to rally together and win.