The Troy Trojans will play the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in a Sun Belt game on Saturday afternoon at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Troy comes into this game with only one conference loss, while Southern Miss has won two of their last three games. Make sure to read our Troy vs Southern Miss Prediction.
Troy Preview
The Troy Trojans are 9-2 (6-1) this season after they defeated Louisiana by a score of 31-24 in their last game. Troy was tied at 24 late in the fourth quarter, but they scored with about four minutes left for the win. The Trojans out gained Louisiana by a total of 367-348 and forced one turnover in the game. Troy has won eight games in a row and their only two losses have come against James Madison and Kansas State. The Troy offense is averaging 29.2 points per game with 270.2 passing yards per game and 152.7 rushing yards per game, while going 42.5% on third downs. Gunnar Watson has thrown for 2,858 yards, 24 touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Trojans this season. Kimani Vidal has rushed for 1,280 yards and eight scores, while Jabre Barber has caught 54 passes for 774 yards and five touchdowns. The Troy defense is allowing 16.6 points against per game this season.
Southern Miss Preview
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are 3-8 (2-5) this year after they lost to Mississippi State by a score of 41-20 last week. Southern Miss trailed 16-7 at the half, but allowed 25 points in the second half for the loss. The Golden Eagles were out gained by a total of 382-246 and turned the ball over two times in the game. Southern Miss went on a seven game losing streak earlier in the year, but they have played much better in their last three games. The Southern Miss offense is scoring 23.7 points per game with 196 passing yards per game and 164.3 rushing yards per game, while going 37.4% on third downs. Billy Wiles has thrown for 1,940 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions for the Golden Eagles this season. Frank Gore Jr. has rushed for 1,036 yards and nine scores, while Jakarius Caston has caught 32 passes for 606 yards and six touchdowns. The Southern Miss defense is giving up 35.8 points against per game this year.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Team Facts
- The home team has won four of Southern Miss' last five games.
- Southern Miss has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
- Southern Miss has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents at M. M. Roberts Stadium.
- Nine of Southern Miss' last 10 games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Troy Trojans Team Facts
- Troy has won each of its last eight games.
- Troy has covered the spread in each of its last seven road games against conference opponents.
- Troy has lost the first half in four of its last five road games against conference opponents.
- Four of Troy's last five November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Pick
Troy comes into this game looking for their 10th win of the season, but they need to stay focused and not look ahead to the Sun Belt Championship Game next week. Southern Miss has struggled for most of the season, but they have turned things around in their last three games. The Golden Eagles were competitive with Mississippi State in the first half and they defeated Louisiana and UL-Monroe in the two prior games. Southern Miss has found their offense recently, while their defense is horrible. Take the over here.
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
