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When: Saturday, November 5th at 2:30 p.m. CT
Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy, Alabama
Radio: 94.7 FM (WTBF Troy)
Broadcast: Watch ESPN, ESPN3
Spread: -21 Troy O/U 57
The Troy Trojans are back in action this week against the Minutemen of UMass. The Trojans were off this past week while UMass enjoyed their second win of the season. Troy stands at 6-1 overall and 4-0 in the SunBelt and UMass is 2-7.
Troy’s last game was against South Alabama where the Trojans came away with a 28-21 victory in Mobile. The Minutemen’s last game was against Wagner winning 34-10.
UMass has a balanced attack on offense. The Minutemen have two guys that they rely on the most. Quarterback, Andrew Ford will lead the UMass’s passing attack. Ford has thrown the ball 1719 going 148 for 243 with 19 touchdowns and 11 picks.
Ford’s favorite target this season is Adam Breneman. Breneman has caught the ball 52 times with 622 yards and six touchdowns. On the ground, the Minutemen are led by Marquis Young. Young has carried the ball 151 times for 717 yards with three touchdowns.
Opponents verses UMass average 30.8 points, 189.3 rushing yards, and 259.2 passing yards per game. The Trojans’ offense could have a field day Saturday against this Minutemen defense.
Brandon Silvers could have a big game against UMass. Silvers has passed the ball for 1834 yards going 156 for 247 with 15 touchdowns and six picks. Silvers favorite targets have been Deondre Douglas and Emanuel Thomas. Douglas has caught the ball 41 times for 469 yards and 4 touchdowns. Thomas has caught the ball 43 for 407 yards and four touchdowns.
Running the ball will be Jordan Chunn. Chunn has carried the ball 156 times for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Trojan defense has been the driving force for this Troy team. Troy is still tied for second for most interceptions with 14.
Advantages:
Offense: Troy: The Trojans have a clear advantage on offense. The offensive line for Troy has been a dominant force this year, giving up only one sack.
Defense: Troy: The Trojan defense have been a turnover machine this year. Ford’s 11 interceptions could be UMass’s downfall.
Special Teams: Troy: Ryan Kay has been nothing short of a dominant kicker. Kay was just named a Groza Award Semifinalist. This award goes to the best kicker in FBS.