Dan Johnson provides an insightful preview, prediction, and pick for the upcoming college football game between the Troy Trojans and the Arkansas State Red Wolves, set to take place in Week 10 of the season.
As the Troy Trojans prepare to face off against the Arkansas State Red Wolves, the atmosphere is electric, particularly with homecoming festivities underway at The Vet. Troy heads into the match with a solid momentum, riding a five-game winning streak and claiming first place in the Sun Belt West division. Meanwhile, Arkansas State aims to carry its own momentum following a recent 34–31 victory over Georgia Southern, marking their third consecutive win.
Analyzing the teams, Troy’s defense appears poised to perform well against Arkansas State’s offense. The Red Wolves manage 23.6 points per game, relying heavily on quarterback Jaylen Raynor, who has accumulated 1,876 passing yards and has shown versatility as a dual-threat player. However, he faces significant pressure from Troy’s defense, which boasts impressive statistics, including allowing just 189.1 passing yards per game and a formidable total of twenty-three sacks this season.
On the offensive front, Troy may not produce as many yards, but they demonstrate remarkable efficiency, scoring an average of 29.1 points with a well-balanced attack led by quarterback Tucker Kilcrease and wide receiver Tray Taylor. Kilcrease has shown effectiveness both in passing and rushing, significantly contributing to the Trojans’ scoring capabilities.
Conversely, Arkansas State’s defense struggles, allowing an average of 434.4 yards per game. This vulnerability places extra pressure on the team, as they need to improve significantly to contain Troy’s scoring potential. The Red Wolves have had some recent success on the ground, particularly noted in their recent win against Georgia Southern, and could leverage that strength in this matchup.
While Arkansas State presents some challenges, statistics suggest that Troy’s advantages in pressure production, defensive efficiency, and overall discipline in penalties make them the favored team. Their solid home record and recent performances support the idea that as the game progresses, Troy will likely assert control and maintain a lead.
Johnson predicts Troy will come out on top, with a final score of 31-20. As the game approaches, many fans and analysts are keenly awaiting how this divisional matchup unfolds, with the stakes high for both teams as bowl eligibility becomes increasingly critical.