The Troy Trojans will play the UTSA Roadrunners in the college football Duluth Trading Cure Bowl on Friday afternoon at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
The Troy Trojans are 11-2 this season and defeated Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt Conference Championship game by a score of 45-26 in their last game. Troy was actually out gained in this game by a total of 432-411, but forced two turnovers and an additional two turnovers on downs. Troy lost to Ole Miss and Appalachian State in two of their first three games, but won their final 10 games of the regular season. The Troy offense is averaging 26.2 points per game with 252.8 passing yards per game and 121.6 rushing yards per game. Gunnar Watson has thrown for 2,705 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions for the Trojans this season. Kimani Vidal has rushed for 1,059 yards and nine scores, while Tez Johnson has caught 52 passes for 823 yards and four touchdowns for Troy. The Troy defense is giving up 17.5 points per game and 325.6 yards per game.
The UTSA Roadrunners are 11-2 this season and defeated North Texas by a score of 48-27 in the Conference-USA Title game in their last game. UTSA out gained North Texas by a total of 571-366 and forced two turnovers in the win. UTSA lost to Houston and Texas in two of their first three games, but also won their final 10 games of the season. The UTSA offense is averaging 38.7 points per game with 308.6 passing yards per game and 177.5 rushing yards per game. Frank Harris has thrown for 3,865 yards, 31 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while also rushing for 588 yards and nine touchdowns for the Roadrunners this season. Kevorian Barnes has rushed for 713 yards and six touchdowns, while Zakhari Franklin has caught 86 passes for 1,100 yards and 14 scores for UTSA. The UTSA defense is allowing 26.5 points per game and 404.8 yards per game.
UTSA is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Friday games. The over is 5-0 in UTSA’s last 5 non-conference games. Troy is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games and 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 bowl games. The over is 8-0 in Troy’s last 8 bowl games.
This should be a great matchup between two conference champions on the first day of bowl season. UTSA has an electric offense, and it is one of the best in the country, but it will be going up against a stout Troy defense. Troy’s offense has been solid this season and is averaging 26.2 points per game. UTSA’s defense has had some issues, which should allow for Troy to have another big offensive game. I like the over in this matchup.
AUTHOR: David Racey
