The Texas State Bobcats (2-2, 0-0 Sun Belt) visit Troy, Alabama and Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thursday for a Sun Belt Conference clash with the Troy Trojans (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt). Texas State opened the season with two consecutive victories but has lost each of its last two after falling to Sam Houston State 40-39 this past weekend. Troy lost each of its first three games of the regular season, followed by a 34-12 victory over Florida A&M but lost this past Saturday to Louisiana-Monroe 13-9. Texas State does not have any players listed on its injury report. Troy will play without OL Eli Russ, QB Goose Crowder and WR Chris Lewis
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Texas State is tough to stop on offense, but needs to tighten up its defense
The Bobcats have lost two straight after opening the season with wins over UTSA (49-10) and FCS Lamar (34-27) at home. They followed that with a tough loss to Arizona State at home by three as a 2.5-point favorite. Texas State is averaging 37.5 points and 451.8 yards per game, which are 22nd and 37th respectively. Texas State averages 157.8 yards (72nd) rushing and 294.0 yards (26th) passing per game. Texas State's offense is led by quarterback Jordan McLeod who has 1,141 yards passing. McLeod has thrown 12 touchdown passes and has been intercepted only three times. Ismail Mahdi has 307 yards rushing to lead Texas State while scoring a touchdown and averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Jaden Williams has 22 receptions for 292 yards for an average of 13.3 yards per reception. Williams has caught three touchdown passes
The Texas State defense is allowing 27.0 points and 340.5 yards per game, which are 91st and 61st respectively. The Bobcats are allowing an average of 133.0 (64th) yards rushing and 207.5 yards (65th) passing per game. Cornerback Jordan Polk leads the Texas State defense with a team-best 26 tackles. Defensive end Ben Bell has a team-best 3.5 quarterback sacks and two different players have one interception apiece.
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Troy has struggled on both sides of the line of scrimmage
It's been a struggle for Troy this season as their only win came against FCS Florida A&M 34-12 on Sept. 21. Last week, they put up just nine points and 71 passing yards in their home loss to ULM as a 6.5-point favorite. Troy is averaging 21.4 points and 334.8 yards of total offense per game, which are 109th and 104th respectively. The Trojans average 105.8 yards (83rd) rushing and 189.0 yards (99th) passing per game. Troy will play without its starting quarterback Goose Crowder, who before going down injured last week against ULM, had 546 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. Last week, Tucker Kilcrease played under center and had 130 yards passing with one touchdown but could give way to Matthew Caldwell who has thrown for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Damian Taylor leads all rushers for Troy with 336 yards and Devonte Ross has caught 29 passes for 529 yards. Ross has six touchdown receptions
Troy is allowing an average of 25.8 points and 363.4 yards per game which are 84th and 78th respectively. The Trojans are allowing an average of 175.2 yards (101st) rushing and 188.2 yards (45th) passing per game. Linebackers Jordan Stringer and Brendan Jackson have 33 tackles each to lead Troy. Stringer is one of four players for Troy with one quarterback sack and safety Justin Powe has the only interception for the Trojans.
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Best Bets for Texas State vs. Troy
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
The Texas State Bobcats will be on the road Thursday night but that should not affect the outcome of this game. Texas State will use its high-scoring offense which is averaging 37.5 points per game against a below-average Troy defense that is allowing an average of 25.8 points per game to run up the score. Texas State does not have the best defense in the nation but will face a Troy offense that is without its starting quarterback, which will create more three-and-outs allowing the Texas State offense more possessions and chances to score. Texas State is 20th in passing yardage per game and although Troy is 45th against the pass, much of that is because Troy’s defense against the run is so poor, allowing 175 yards per game. Troy is scoring an average of only 21.4 points per game and most of that was accomplished by quarterback Crowder, and the Trojans will struggle with one of the two other QBs that could see action.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Texas State may score enough points by itself to put the score over in this matchup. Texas State has had the total finish over in each of its first four games of this season and dating back to last season, in eight of the last 10. Dating back the last season Troy has had the total finish under in five of the last eight games. Although Troy's offense may not be as strong without starting quarterback Goose Crowder the Trojans will score via field goals or a touchdown to help push the total over.
