Troy vs Florida A&M: Preview & Prediction

Location: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy Alabama

Kickoff: Saturday September 8th, 6:00 PM Central Time

TV: ESPN+

Live Stats: www.statbroadcast.com

Audio: TROY SPORTS RADIO NETWORK

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Trojans host the Florida A&M (FAMU) Rattlers this Saturday in Troy at 6 PM Central Time.

FAMU has a new coach (Willie Simmons) who has installed a new offense. It operates similar to Troy’s with the quarterback in a shotgun formation and no-huddle, fast paced, play calling. It certainly worked against Fort Valley State last week, when the Rattlers pounded them 41-7, but it’s a look and tempo that Troy’s defense is used to seeing.

FAMU’s offense was working, but the defensive numbers on the ground were even more impressive. They only allowed twelve yards rushing, sacked the quarterback five times, and had ten tackles for a loss. Troy’s offensive line will have a challenge.

Troy has some other challenges that will have to be addressed after the loss to Boise State: the defensive secondary and putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. They didn’t do that very well last Saturday.

FAMU’s weakness last week was in pass defense as well. They allowed over 300 yards in passing. This is good news for Troy’s quarterback, Kaleb Barker. In his first college start last Saturday, Barker threw for 211 yards and one touchdown against the seasoned Boise State defense.

FAMU will be the underdog in this game, and they are coming off an impressive win. Troy was humbled last Saturday. FAMU is an FCS team, and they’re not supposed to beat an FBS team like Troy, but sometimes they do. Troy needs to get control of this game quickly and not allow FAMU to gain any momentum.

This game should be a confidence builder for the Trojans. It’s a chance to show that things have been fixed from last week and that they’re back on track for another run for the Sun Belt Championship.

Prediction: Troy’s defense steps up and plays at a much higher level. Troy’s offensive line will be a much more coordinated bunch that protects the quarterback better and opens holes for the running back. Troy 45 FAMU 13