Trojans favored to cover in Sun Belt showdown

In the Sun Belt Conference, Troy was the expected to dominate, picked by every known preseason magazine in the country to do so. Their opening game 31-14 pasting to an ordinary MAC Bowling Green team, spoke of overconfidence and self indulgence. That was followed by being crushed by the top team in the land Florida 56-6 and a picture that looked so rosy in August, was starting to fade like flowers uncovered from an overnight frost.

Troy (2-2 SU&ATS) has gotten back on track with wins over a UAB and a 30-27 clutch effort at Arkansas State. The Trojans can make their slow start be a forgotten memory with a win against a very good SBC bunch from Middle Tennessee State.

The Blue Raiders (3-1 ATS) are off to their best start in eight seasons at 3-1 and could be the team to beat in the Sun Belt with a win at Troy. Quarterback Dwight Dasher has run the Mid. Tenn. State offense expertly in the first four games, averaging 28.5 points per game and over 400 yards total offense. This will be the Blue Raiders third consecutive road game after knocking off North Texas 37-21 as five point favorites and they are 13-5 ATS of a win.

Senior quarterback Levi Brown has offense flowing again for Troy, averaging 28.5 points the last two games. The defensive front is back to pressuring the opposing quarterback with six sacks and 26 quarterback hurries in four games. The Trojans have been turnover –prone thus far, with 10 miscues already, however are 7-0 ATS after committing three or more turnovers.

Bookmaker.com opened Troy as four-point favorites and the public has taken the most recognizable name from the Sun Belt and made them to six-point choice. It is understandable since the Trojans have either won or tied for the last four SBC crowns and if offense starts to click, they are 21-6 ATS when they score 28 or more points.

Mid. Tenn. State is a legitimate club; they won at Maryland 32-31 as more than a touchdown underdog and mauled Memphis 31-14. If Troy continues to be in a giving mood, the Blue Raiders will be ready; having forced 13 turnovers this season and they are 12-3 ATS in the month of October.

This Sun Belt matchup is known as the “World’s Largest Toga Party” and will be viewable on ESPN2 starting at 8 Eastern. Keep in mind the underdog is 1-6 ATS.