These are two of the best defensive teams in the Sun Belt Conference. I give Louisiana Lafayette a slight edge on defense and a strong checkmark at quarterback. The Ragin' Cajuns also get their best runner, Chris Smith, back after he missed the last two games. Smith averages 5.7 yards a carry after averaging 5.6 the past two seasons. 

The Ragin' Cajuns have gotten turned around after a three-game losing streak that followed opening 2-0. They upset Marshall, 23-13, on the road two weeks ago and then rolled past Arkansas State, 38-18. 

Chandler Fields began the season as Lafayette's starting quarterback. He's back from injury, but Ben Woolridge has played so well that he remains the starter. Woolridge has completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 986 yards with an impressive 10-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He's played exceptionally well the last two weeks.

The difference in quarterbacks is the Ragin' Cajuns' big edge. 

Southern Mississippi also lost its starting quarterback, Ty Keyes. Zach Wilcke replaced him and hasn't been impressive. Only once in six games has he passed for more than 200 yards. He also has a 7-to-8 touchdown to interception ratio and has been sacked 12 times. 

The Golden Eagles rank 13th out of 14 Sun Belt teams in yards per play. Lafayette also has the better defensive numbers ranking 21st in the nation in scoring defense and 33rd in total defense. Southern Miss ranks 35th in scoring defense and 36th in total defense.