This is unquestionably the game of the year in the Sun Belt Conference. Louisiana-Lafayette and Troy are both 4-1 tied atop the league standings with one conference game remaining after this one. The winner clinches at least a share of the conference championship and must win its final game to secure the first outright Sun Belt title since 2004.

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week. ULL dropped its first Sun Belt game to defending co-champion FAU, and it must now rebound against the other defending co-champion in Troy. The Trojans, meanwhile, squandered a 31-3 lead in a 40-31 loss to LSU. “You’ve got to get off your back and get ready to go,” Troy coach Larry Blakeney said of his team. “You’re staring into the barrel of a very good football team, and championship implications are on this game. We wanted to be in this situation, and now we’re in it.”

Troy has big-game experience on its side. The Trojans have won a share of the last two Sun Belt titles, but ULL has not been in the championship hunt since 2005. “These games get bigger and these games will only get tougher each week,” ULL coach Rickey Bustle said. “It’s a big game. It’s probably the biggest game because there’s a lot on the line for both teams. We don’t have much experience in these type of games, and they do.”

The teams have exaggerated their offensive strengths lately. ULL is averaging 48 rushing attempts in the last four games to power the nation’s third-ranked ground game. Troy’s league-leading pass offense has averaged 51 pass attempts in the last four games, including 76 attempts versus LSU last week. The team with the most offensive balance should have the edge.

Notes:

Special teams could decide a close game. Troy kicker Sam Glusman hit 12 straight field goals to start the year, but has made 4-of-11 since then. ULL blocked two kicks last week, giving it 34 blocks since coach Rickey Bustle’s arrival in 2002. That’s tied for third most in FBS during that span.

ULL scored its 48th rushing touchdown this season last week, breaking its school record of 46.

ULL running back Tyrell Fenroy is a powerful runner, but he will meet resistance in the Troy defensive front. The Trojans lead the nation in tackles for loss with 85.

Key Player (Ragin’ Cajuns) — Michael Desormeaux, QB

The dual-threat star QB has had less impact since returning from a knee injury three games ago. He has rushed for only 157 yards in three games combined and tossed five interceptions.

Key Player (Trojans) — Boris Lee, LB

The junior is coming off a 14-tackle performance at LSU. Lee must run from sideline to sideline to defend ULL’s dangerous runners, especially running back Tyrell Fenroy and quarterback Michael Desormeaux.

Troy by 6