FACTS & STATS: Site: Veterans Memorial Stadium (30,000) — Troy, Alabama.
Television: ESPN3.com. Home Record: Louisiana 4-2, Troy 2-3. Away Record:
Louisiana 3-2, Troy 1-5. Neutral Record: Louisiana 0-0, Troy 0-0. Conference
Record: Louisiana 6-1, Troy 3-4. Series Record: Louisiana leads, 10-7.
GAME NOTES: The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and the Troy Trojans will close out
their respective regular seasons on Saturday in a Sun Belt Conference clash at
Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Louisiana had won six straight prior to last Saturday’s home contest with
Appalachian State, as it suffered a disappointing 35-16 setback to drop to 6-1
in the Sun Belt, and the best it can hope for is a shared conference title if
Georgia Southern (7-0) loses to ULM. The Cajuns are still hopeful for a bowl
bid at 7-4 overall.
Troy has endured a lackluster season at 3-8 overall, but it saved its best
football for the end of the season with two straight wins to pull to 3-4 in
league play. The Trojans had a bye last week following their 34-17 road
victory at Idaho on Nov. 15.
The Cajuns have a 10-7 advantage in the all-time series with the Trojans,
although the series is even in Troy (3-3).
Although the Cajuns’ offense was stifled last week to the tune of just 16
points and 259 yards, they are still an effective unit this season with 29.6
ppg and 411.7 ypg.
The offense revolves around a potent rushing attack that picks up 219.0 ypg.
Elijah McGuire is the top dog in the backfield with 996 yards (7.3 ypc) and 12
touchdowns, and he’s also the team’s leading receiver (40 receptions, 414
yards, two TDs). Alonzo Harris is much less explosive than McGuire (651 yards,
4.6 ypc), but he also has a nose for the end zone with nine scores.
Quarterback Terrence Broadway has done his part on the ground as well with 568
yards and two touchdowns, but he’s been erratic as a passer, completing 60.3
percent of his throws for 1,926 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
James Butler (28 receptions, 398 yards) and Al Riles (28 receptions, 311
yards, TD) haven’t helped out their quarterback much with uninspired play out
wide.
Defensively, Louisiana has disappointed by ranking in the middle of the Sun
Belt pack in both points (28.4) and yards (424.5) allowed per game while
forcing a modest 14 turnovers.
Christian Ringo is an elite pass-rusher with 19.0 TFL and 10.5 sacks. Other
defensive playmakers include Dominique Tovell (66 tackles, 8.0 TFL), Corey
Trim (61 tackles, 4.0 TFL, two INTs) and Justin Hamilton (8.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks).
Troy’s offense (21.7 ppg, 360.5 ypg) has been a disappointment this season,
but the unit has shown improvement down the stretch by scoring at least 34
points in back-to-back games.
Brandon Silvers has been efficient under center by completing greater than 68
percent of his passes while throwing only three interceptions, but in a
conservative offense he throws for just 156.4 ypg and has accounted for 13
touchdowns.
The run-heavy squad has a trio of backs it calls upon. Brandon Burks (90
carries, 534 yards, three TDs) leads the way and also has 20 receptions, while
Jordan Chunn (100 carries, 479 yards, six TDs) and Khary Franklin (331 yards,
three TDs) are worked in too.
A modest receiving corps is anchored by Chandler Worthy (36 receptions, 356
yards, three TDs) and Bryan Holmes (32 receptions, 433 yards, four TDs).
The poor play of the Trojans’ defense (35.6 ppg, 451.1 ypg) has also held them
back this season, but in their latest game they kept Idaho scoreless in the
second half.
Montres Kitchens is well on his way to an all-conference selection at year’s
end with 83 tackles and six interceptions. Jamal Stadom (53 tackles) has 4.5
sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, Femi Odaibo has picked
off three passes and Tyler Roberts has registered 9.0 TFL and 5.0 sacks.
The Trojans have saved their best football for the end of the season and will
been amped up to continued their winning streak at home. However, the Cajuns
will be extra focused after a loss and will end the season on a high note.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Louisiana 38, Troy 28
