Southern Miss vs Arkansas State: Sun Belt Clash at The Rock Southern Miss hosts Arkansas State in a Sun Belt showdown at The Rock. Both teams aim to bounce back from tough losses in this crucial conference matchup. Southern Miss (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt) will face Arkansas State (2-4, 0-2 Sun Belt) on Saturday at Renasant Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Golden Eagles are looking to rebound from a 45-3 loss to Troy in Week 6, while the Red Wolves aim to recover from a 56-49 loss to South Alabama. Arkansas State's Season So FarUnder sixth-year head coach Butch Jones, Arkansas State has experienced ups and downs. The Red Wolves started the season with a 42-24 loss to Memphis in the Paint Bucket Bowl, then bounced back with a 52-7 win over FCS West Georgia. A 38-14 loss to TCU followed, but a narrow 24-17 win over Kennesaw State in Week 4 gave them hope. However, in Sun Belt play, they lost 23-20 to Louisiana and 56-49 to South Alabama in the highest-scoring FBS game this season, with 105 total points.Coach Jones expressed frustration after the South Alabama loss, saying he will work every day to fix the issues and that the performance was unacceptable. He took full responsibility for the team's struggles.Trey Owens Leads Pass-Heavy OffenseArkansas State's offense relies heavily on quarterback Trey Owens. Over six games, Owens has thrown for 1,461 yards, nearly twice the team's total rushing yards of 797. He has nine touchdown passes but also nine sacks and six interceptions. Owens has rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns, with a long of 34 yards.Southern Miss's defense has struggled against the pass, recording only seven pass deflections, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles. The team has 425 tackles, 10 sacks, and 61 yards lost on sacks. To contain Owens, the Golden Eagles must pressure him in the pocket and deflect passes.Landry Lyddy and Southern Miss OffenseQuarterback Landry Lyddy has been Southern Miss's key player, throwing six touchdown passes and only two interceptions. However, he has been sacked nine times, losing 55 yards. Lyddy is not a running threat, with 22 carries for just 12 yards and no touchdowns.Arkansas State's defensive line has been below average, recording only three sacks for a loss of 17 yards. But as seen in the Tulane game, a few breakdowns can lead to increased defensive stats. Southern Miss's offensive line must protect Lyddy and allow him to throw downfield; otherwise, the offense could struggle.This game is crucial for both teams as they seek their first Sun Belt win. Southern Miss will rely on Lyddy and the passing game, while Arkansas State will lean on Owens and their aerial attack. The matchup at The Rock is set to be a pivotal conference showdown.