Troy Senior Day takes place on Friday. The Trojans close their home slate against the Bobcats of Texas State. This game will honor the Trojan seniors. And it is their final home game of their college careers. Of note, senior quarterback Brandon Silvers will be playing his final two Sun Belt games within the next two weeks. Silvers has put forth a stellar career leading the Trojans for the past four seasons. But this is more than just a game for these seniors. This matchup will be the final in front of the 30,000 fans at the Vet in Troy. A win could put the Trojans in sole possession of first place in the Sun Belt standings. The game kicks at 3 p.m. Central time on Friday afternoon.
Troy Takes on Texas State
It may be Thanksgiving week, but there is still football to be played. Troy comes into the game with an 8-2 record. They are on the verge of winning the Sun Belt for the first time since 2010. The seniors at Troy have had a wonderful career, going 19-5 over the past two seasons under head coach Neal Brown. Brown spoke at his weekly press conference on Monday and stated, “We play a Texas State team that we have a lot of respect for.” Brown has had his name swirled around in coaching rumors, but he has not listened to any of it. He is solely focused on his team preparing to get a huge home win on Friday. The Trojans are seeking a conference title. In order to accomplish that, they have to pull off a win against the struggling 2-9 Bobcats.
How Troy Matches Up With Texas State
On the offensive side, Troy is set to unleash their high-powered offense. Silvers and star senior running back Jordan Chunn provide the keys to success. For the Trojans to get a win, both players have to be on their “A” game. That means Chunn has to effectively carry the ball against the Bobcats’ stifling defense. Every game for Troy has become a challenge this season. The offense has had their ups and downs, but they have collectively found a way to win and get to 8-2.
Defensively, they have to regroup. The defense played well in their last game at Coastal Carolina. This defensive unit hopes to repeat that success on Friday. Cedarius Rookard and Marcus Jones have led the way all season long.
Texas State Analysis
The Bobcats come into the game with a disappointing record of 2-9. They have no chance at winning the conference or a bowl game. But there is room for hope and improvement with this team. Quarterback Damian Williams has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards in 2017. An effective player that can open up the passing attack in crucial situations.
Defensively, Texas State is only allowing 141.2 rushing yards per game. That could have an impact on Chunn on his senior day.
Troy cannot overlook Texas State. The Trojans may be favored by 25 points, but the Bobcats could keep this a closer one.
Prediction
Troy has been favored by over 10 points at home in every game this season. They have a home record of 5-1, with a crushing loss to rival South Alabama. Being favored by 25 in this game is a lot of points. The Trojans have yet to cover the spread at home in 2017. But, regardless of the size of victory, Troy will get the win in this match-up. Fittingly, the Trojans seniors will wrap up their home-field careers with one more win.
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