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College Football: 10 best under-the-radar games in 2016

By Michael Collins

Nov 14, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls fans celebrate on the field after beating the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls won 44-23. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls fans celebrate on the field after beating the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls won 44-23. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Jonesboro, AR, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves players celebrate after the game against the Idaho Vandals at Centennial Bank Stadium. Arkansas State defeated Idaho 49-35. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Jonesboro, AR, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves players celebrate after the game against the Idaho Vandals at Centennial Bank Stadium. Arkansas State defeated Idaho 49-35. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Game Date: Wednesday Oct. 5 2016
Venue: Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, Ar. 
Series Record: Georgia Southern Leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: Dec. 20, 1986 Div. 1-AA National Championship (Ga. Southern 48, Arkansas State 21)
Why it’s intriguging: First meeting since 1986 1-AA title game

When these two teams last met in 1986, they were at the top of the heap in the AA (now FCS) division of college football. Now, after growth and many changes in both programs, they find themselves in the same FBS conference, both making good names for themselves.

The Red Wolves are the reigning Sun Belt Conference champs, unseating the Eagles who were champs in 2014. Both are considered favorites to win the conference in 2016, so this early October meeting could have some big conference and possible bowl game implications.

Few teams run the option better than Georgia Southern, and Arkansas State finished 12th nationally in scoring offense, putting up 40 points per game, rushing for 231 yards per game. There will be a ton of handoffs in this matchup.

It’s a long shot that the winner of the Sun Belt gets a playoff bid, but it can go a long way to a decent bowl berth. This game has the potential to decide where.

Next: Game Number Four

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