Texas State at Troy: 10/10/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports
Texas State Bobcats (1-3) at Troy Trojans (1-1)
College Football: Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 12:00 pm (Larry Blakeney Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium)
The Line: Troy Trojans -8 -- Over/Under: 64.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Texas State Bobcats will travel to Veterans Memorial Stadium (AL) to take on the Troy Trojans this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The Texas State Bobcats dropped to 1-3 (1-0 Sun Belt) after being defeated by the Boston College Eagles, 24-21, on September 26th. Texas State looked like they were going to get the upset after taking a 21-7 lead mid-way through the 3rd quarter, however, the Bobcats could not hold on late as they allowed Boston College to close out the game on a 10-0 run over the final 1:11 of regulation to secure the victory. Texas State outgained Boston College by a 357-297 margin and committed one turnover in the loss. Leading the way for the Bobcats was QB Brady McBride who completed 19 of 29 passes of 229 yards, 2 TD and an INT.
On the season, Texas State is averaging 32.8 ppg on 411.3 total yards per game (265.3 passing yds/g; 146.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Texas State has been led by the backfield duo of Calvin Hill (49 att, 251 yards, 3 TD) and Brock Sturges (53 att, 213 yards, 2 TD). Brady McBride (58.8 comp %, 456 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT) has done a nice job of filling in for QB Tyler Vitt (66.7 comp %, 602 yards, 6 TD, 2 INT) who missed last weeks game due to COVID-19. The top receivers for the Bobcats have been Jeremiah Haydel (17 rec, 237 yards, 3 TD), Marcell Barbee (9 rec, 156 yards, 4 TD), Jah’Marae Sheread (12 rec, 143 yards, TD), and Chandler Speights (7 rec, 120 yards, TD).
Defensively, Texas State is allowing their opponents to average 30.8 ppg on 446.0 total yards per game (280.8 passing yds/g; 165.3 rushing yds/g).
The Troy Trojans dropped to 1-1 (0-0 Sun Belt) on the season after being defeated by the 18th ranked BYU Cougars, 48-7, on September 26th. Troy was dominated by BYU on both ends of the field throughout the game and could not fight back after the Cougars took a 31-7 lead early in the 3rd quarter. Troy was outgained by BYU by a 664-181 margin and gained only 8 first downs in the loss. Leading the way for the Trojans was QB Gunnar Watson who completed 21 of 33 passes for 162 yards.
On the season, Troy is averaging 27.0 ppg on 338.5 total yards per game (209.0 passing yds/g; 129.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Troy has been led by QB Gunnar Watson who has completed 67.1% of his passes for 410 yards, 2 TD, and an INT. The top receivers for Watson and the Trojans have been Khalil McClain (7 rec, 84 yards, 2 TD), Tray Eafford (7 rec, 82 yards), Bret Clark (8 rec, 67 yards). Leading the way for the Troy backfield has been B.J. Smith (17 att, 97 yards, TD; 7 rec, 55 yards), Charles Strong (11 att, 54 yards, TD), and Kimani Vidal (13 att, 52 yards, TD).
Defensively, Troy is allowing their opponents to average 31.0 ppg on 452.5 yards per game (313.0 passing yds/g; 139.5 rushing yds/g).
The Bobcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games, however, are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. Troy. The Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games and just 3-6 ATS in their last 9 Saturday games.
Texas State might be just 1-3 on the season, however, the Bobcats have been competitive this season which included close losses to both SMU and Boston College. Troy is a better team than what we saw agianst BYU and will be competitive in the Sun Belt this season as they have an offense that will be able to put points up on the board, however, I do have some major concerns about the Trojans defense. Texas State is the more balanced team and as I think they will be able to put up plenty of points in this one, I am taking the Bobcats and the points in this one. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Texas State Bobcats +8
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
