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FACTS & STATS: Site: ASU Stadium (30,406) -- Jonesboro, Arkansas. Television: ESPN Regional. Home Record: North Texas 3-1, ASU 3-0. Away Record: North Texas 0-4, ASU 2-2. Neutral Record: North Texas 0-0, ASU 0-0. Conference Record: North Texas 2-2, ASU 3-0. Series Record: Arkansas State leads, 12-8.

GAME NOTES: Arkansas State will try to remain undefeated in league play when the Red Wolves host the North Texas Mean Green this Saturday evening in Sun Belt Conference play at ASU Stadium.

The Mean Green have collected three wins on the year, but none of those victories have come on the road. In four matchups as the visitor the Mean Green have dropped each by double figures. The last time North Texas was in action the team was home and was able to upend ULM, 38-21.

After losing two of their first three games, the Red Wolves have bounced back with four straight victories. Three of those wins have come in league play, including the team's recent, 34-16 decision over FIU last week. Arkansas State has also played well at home, winning all three of its matchups in Jonesboro.

The Red Wolves currently own a 12-8 edge over North Texas in the all-time series, and seven of those victories have come at home. Last time these two schools collided the Red Wolves earned a narrow 24-19 decision.

The offensive play by North Texas has been mediocre at best all year long and the only player that has been consistent is tailback Lance Dunbar. The talented runner has rushed for 672 yards and five touchdowns on the year.

The passing attack has not offered much help though, and that is because Derek Thompson has been erratic under center. The quarterback has thrown for only 1,146 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games. Thompson however, does not have many options at his disposal and that is evident by Dunbar's team-best 25 receptions on the year.

The offense did wake up in the team's last matchup, as the Mean Green scored 38 points in a victory over ULM. Thompson had possibly his best game ever, throwing for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Bynes hauled in two of those touchdown passes and finished with 85 yards on eight receptions. Adding fuel to the fire was Dunbar, who rumbled for 139 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries.

The offense needs help from the defense, but has not received much in 2011. North Texas is allowing 154.5 ypg rushing and a whopping 284.9 ypg passsing. UNT has also given up 16 passing touchdowns thus far.

Even though the Mean Green have been picked apart by the opposition the defense has still displayed an ability to get to the quarterback, with an impressive 23 sacks on the season.

Brandon Akpunku collected 1.5 sacks in the win over ULM, giving him a team- best seven sacks on the season.

The Red Wolves come into this matchup averaging 29.4 ppg, and that is shocking when considering the team's top rusher is the quarterback and that quarterback has more interceptions than touchdown passes.

Ryan Aplin has completed 65.2 percent of his throws for 1,793 yards, but he has only seven touchdowns against nine interceptions. Aplin is also pacing the squad on the ground, but he has just 341 yards and three touchdowns. Frankie Jackson helps out, as the tailback comes into this weekend with 229 yards on 52 carries.

The last time ASU was on the field the team actually trailed FIU in the final frame, but the Red Wolves were able to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns en route to the win.

Once again the team was paced by Aplin, who threw for 147 yards and one touchdown, but did much more damage on the ground, rumbling for 164 yards and two more scores.

The reason for Arkansas State's success has been the play of the defense, which is limiting the opposition to just 20.4 ppg. The Red Wolves have done a nice job stuffing the run, as the defense is holding opponents to just 114.7 yards per game on 3.1 yards per carry attempt.

The Red Wolves continued their impressive play against the run in their recent win over FIU, as they held the Panthers to just 66 yards on a mere 2.3 yards per attempt.

Arkansas State also forced two turnovers in the matchup, giving the team 13 takeaways on the year. Darryl Feemster has three of the team's nine interceptions on the year.

The Red Wolves have been paced by the play of the defense. As long as the defense for ASU continues to have success, the Red Wolves should remain a tough team to beat in Sun Belt action.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arkansas State 31, North Texas 20