The Army Black Knights will travel south and take on the Troy Trojans from Veterans Memorial Stadium on the NFL Network. This will mark the first time the Cadets and Trojans cross paths.
Army fell to 3-5 after losing to academy rival Air Force in Colorado Springs in Week 10. Army couldn’t hold on to a halftime lead, as they were shut out in the second half by Air Force, but they still managed to cover the 10-point spread. Army scores 29.5 points per game, while passing for 93.4 yards per game (292nd), and rushing for 302.5 ypg (3rd).
Army turned to Jemel Jones in the battle with Air Force. The senior quarterback found life difficult against the Falcons, but he did score his sixth touchdown in three games, and should see a somewhat lighter opponent in Troy this weekend. Jones has passed for 208 yards and rushed for 296 yards through his four starts.
Tyhier Tyler leads the team in rushing with 330 yards and six touchdowns, but the quarterback’s opportunities have been cut with Jones back in the fold. Tyson Riley leads an underwhelming Cadet backfield with 328 yards after a big game versus ULM. If Army passes, they will look Isaiah Alston’s way, as he leads the team with 14 catches for 238 receiving yards.
Troy jumped to 7-2 after defeating Louisiana in Lafayette in Week 10. Troy trailed for three quarters, before 16 points in the fourth, including a last-second touchdown to pick up the 23-17 win and extend their win streak to six. Troy scores 22.6 points per game, while passing for 283.9 yards per game (41st), and rushing for 98.2 ypg (256th). The Troy defense only allows 17.5 points per game.
Gunnar Watson beat out veteran Jarrett Doege in spring camp, and he looked good in his return against ULL, and put together a season-saving fourth quarter. The junior quarterback has totaled 1,973 passing yards with eight touchdowns to eight interceptions through nine starts.
Senior backs Kimani Vidal and DK Billingsley have tilted the needle with their played during this winning streak. Vidal put up a season-high 112 yards in the win over ULL, and he’s up to 484 rushing yards for the season. Billingsley carried the team through the start of Sun Belt play, and he leads Troy with 497 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Tez Johnson has been the Trojans best receiver again this season, and he leads them in receptions (34) and receiving yards (617).
Army is 4-4 against the spread this season, with a 0-2 record on the road. Troy is 7-2 against the spread this season, with a 2-2 record at home. The Under is 6-1 in Army's last 7 road games. The Under is 5-0 in Trojans last 5 games overall.
It’s very likely Troy straps Army up here, but the Cadets are going to bring the physical fight back themselves. Last weekend was painful for them physically, mentally, and emotionally with Air Force, and with that grueling contest behind them, they may be able to move forward here.
Troy simply has too much momentum going right now to even eye a battered Army team though. The Trojans have won six straight, and despite the theatrics in each of the past three games, they’ve still found a way to get the job done. I’m going to shy away from the magic and target the magic number here, as both offensives are flawed, especially the visitors.
Take the under for the Army/Troy matchup.
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
