The Troy Trojans, currently standing at 1-3, are set to host the UL Monroe Warhawks, who are 2-1, in a highly anticipated Sun Belt Conference matchup on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
In their last outing, the Trojans secured a convincing 34-12 victory over the Florida A&M Rattlers, with quarterback Will Crowder throwing for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Damien Taylor contributed significantly with 109 yards on the ground and a touchdown, while Devonte Ross led the receiving corps with 11 catches for 229 yards and three touchdowns.
On the other hand, the UL Monroe Warhawks suffered a significant loss to the Texas Longhorns, falling 51-3. General Booty threw for just 42 yards, completing 8 of 19 passes with one interception. Ahmad Hardy managed 30 yards on 10 carries, and Julian Nixon caught one pass for 23 yards.
Betting Odds and Predictions
The betting odds favor the Troy Trojans, with a 6.5-point spread and a moneyline of -249, implying a 71.3% chance of winning. The UL Monroe Warhawks are listed as +200 underdogs. The over/under for the game is set at 46.5 points.
Despite the odds, some predictions suggest that UL Monroe could cover the spread. The Warhawks have a record of 1-1 against the spread this season when playing as at least 6.5-point underdogs. Additionally, the over/under pick leans towards the over, given that Troy's games this season have consistently gone over the total, and the combined average points per game for both teams exceed the set total.
Key Matchup Insights
The quarterback matchup between Will Crowder of Troy and General Booty of UL Monroe is expected to be pivotal. Crowder's efficient play will be crucial for Troy's offense, while Booty needs to minimize errors and capitalize on high-stakes plays to keep the Warhawks competitive.
Troy's balanced offense, led by Crowder and supported by Damien Taylor's rushing, gives them a distinct edge. However, UL Monroe must leverage Ahmad Hardy's rushing potential and improve their defensive performance to stage an effective challenge.
Historical Context and Betting Trends
Historically, Troy has been strong at home, with a 14-2 straight-up record in their last 16 home games. However, UL Monroe has struggled on the road, failing to secure wins in their last eight away games. The Warhawks also have a 1-4 straight-up record against Troy in their last five meetings.
Given these trends, Troy is expected to cover the spread, but the game promises to be competitive, with the potential for high scoring from both teams.
