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Kickoff: Saturday, December 2, 6:30 pm CST
TV: ESPN2 / Streaming on ESPN3
Radio: EAB Red Wolves Sports Network (107.9 FM, flagship)
Location: Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro Ark.
Series: ASU lead 8-5
Live Stats: AStateStats.com/AStateRedWolves.com
Live Game Notes: twitter.com/AStateGameDay
Vegas Odds: Arkansas State -1 O/U 60
When the 2017 schedule was finalized way back in the spring, there were two games that all ASU fans circled on it, the Jonesboro appearance of the U and the season finale at home against Troy. The former was an opportunity for the Red Wolves to feature their brand on a national stage but hurricane weather stole the game away and left the team and fans secretly longing for the potential of what could be that first weekend in December.
Arkansas State (7-3, 6-1)
For Blake Anderson’s team this will be a chance to at least secure a share of its 3rd consecutive Sun Belt title, it would be the 6th title out of 7 years, and is already bowl eligible for the 7th straight year. The Red Wolves come in having won six of their last seven and averaging a hefty 40 points per contest as the offense is 7th in the country in passing led by junior QB Justice Hansen. Seven different receivers have at least 20 catches for ASU and Hansen with 32 TD tosses to go with 3200 yards of passing, already owns most single season passing records now.
Defensively for ASU they will have to find a way to refocus after giving up 50 to ULM in a 17 point win. Ja’Von Rolland Jones needs just 2 sacks to become the NCAA career leader in that category as he sits at 43 currently. Kyle Wilson left last weeks game with an injury but should be ready to play on Saturday night.
Troy (9-2, 6-1)
The Troy Trojans come in after making their own scoring statement by putting 62 on a hapless Texas State team last week and needing a win to claim at least a share of their first league title since 2010. Neal Brown’s team is also just one win shy of back to back 10 win seasons. QB Brandon SIlvers is dangerous in the pocket still, averaging 249 YPG even though his TD count is down 23 to 11 from last year. Jordan Chunn leads the Sun Belt’s most talented backfield with over 700 yards rushing on the season. Defensively something has to give in this game as the ASU offense comes in at almost 40 points a game while the Trojan D has not allowed over 24 points in any contest this season.
Prediction
All assume that this will be a shootout but could turn into a defensive slugfest on Saturday night in Jonesboro. Anderson’s team finds a way to do it at home in a tight one. ASU Over Troy 27-24.