Dollar General Bowl: Ohio vs. Troy Preview

Bowl: Dollar General Bowl (Ohio Bobcats vs. Troy Trojans)

Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama

When: Friday, December 23 at 7:00 CT

TV Broadcast: ESPN

Radio: 94.7 WTBF (Troy)

Spread: -4 Troy, O/U 50

College football season is wrapping up and fans are excited about bowl mania. The Ohio Bobcats (8-5 overall, 6-2 MAC) take on the Troy Trojans (9-3 overall, 6-2 Sun Belt) in the Dollar General Bowl. Both teams looked good in each of their conferences.

Ohio

Ohio won the Eastern Division in the MAC and took on undefeated Western Division winner Western Michigan (13-0 overall, 9-0 MAC). The Bobcats fought hard, but ultimately fell to the Broncos, 29-23.

Offensively Ohio moves the ball effectively threw the air and on the ground. The Bobcats average 217.5 passing yards and 174.8 rushing yards accumulating a total of 392.2 offensive yards. Ohio’s defense has come away with 34 turnovers, 43 sacks, and opponents average 363.2 yards per game with 257.4 yards passing.

Ohio Strengths

The Bobcats’ strengths come from the offensive side of the ball. Ohio has two productive quarterbacks, Greg Windham and Quinton Maxwell. Windham passed for 1580 yards with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Maxwell has passed the ball for 1247 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. The low interception rate will keep Ohio in a steady paced offense.

The sack machine defense is something that has been causing fits for Ohio opponents. The 43 sacks for Ohio could cause problems for Troy.

Troy

The Trojans are a team that has risen from the ashes and came back to be a prominent force in the Sun Belt. Troy had a chance to share the Sun Belt title amongst Appalachian State and Arkansas State by taking down Georgia Southern. The Trojans fought the Eagles hard but were unsuccessful falling 28-24.

Offensively the Trojans have been highly productive. Troy has accumulated a total of 438.6 offensive yards with 262.6 coming through the air and 176 yards on the ground per game. Defensively Troy has been great by forcing turnovers. The Trojans are tied for fifth in the nation for the most interceptions with 18.

Troy Strengths

Troy’s productivity on offense has been a potent force against opponents. Brandon Silvers and Jordan Chunn numbers has been the reason for the effective offensive ball movement. Silvers has passed the ball 269 for 419 for 2945 yards passing with 22 touchdowns and ten interceptions.

Chunn has carried the ball 259 times for 1232 yards rushing with 13 touchdowns. Defensive backs Blace Brown (six interceptions) and Jalen Rountree (four interceptions) have been giving opponents fits by forcing turnovers.

What Wins the Game

Ohio’s quarterback duo, if utilized correctly could give the Trojans trouble. The low turnover rate for the Bobcats could help Ohio move the ball at an even pace. On the defensive side of the ball Ohio has sacked opponents’ quarterbacks 43 times so Troy better watch out.

The Trojan offensive line could potentially keep the Bobcats from sacking seeing that Troy’s o-line has only given up seven sacks. The big men upfront are key for the offensive productivity that will open holes for Chunn and protect Silvers in the pocket. The 18 interceptions for Troy can be a menace for this Ohio football team. This will be a great matchup and if Troy can make plays and protect Silvers then the Trojans should win and easily cover the spread.