In a game that has been dubbed the "Rice Bowl Rivalry" for the first time, Arkansas State will take on Louisiana-Monroe in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams at 2 p.m. Saturday at Malone Stadium in Monroe, La.
In partnership with USA Rice, the teams will compete for a traveling trophy filled with rice for the first time. The Red Wolves hold a 15-game winning streak over the Warhawks dating back to 2010, but Louisiana-Monroe enters Saturday's game as a 1 1/2 point favorite.
Arkansas State (1-3) is looking to end a three-game losing streak.