Just a few weeks ago, the Red Wolves were the clear favorites to win their division, but in Week 7 they didn’t just lose to the Mountaineers, they lost BIG, getting stomped 35-9 in Jonesboro.
The disparity between the two divisions has never been more apparent, though of course it’s a short history of the Belt being divided in two. Still, a divide along strictly geographical lines should yield at least some accidental or initial parity. Instead, Louisiana-Lafayette obliterated New Mexico State this week in a non-conference matchup, raising the Ragin’ Cajuns to 3-3 overall, their 1-1 conference record good enough for sole possession of first place in the West.