Troy Trojans vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (-3.5, 62.5)
If you like vertical passing games, you’ll love the GMAC Bowl which features two quarterbacks who combined for nearly 7,000 yards this season. Central Michigan (11-2) takes on Troy (9-3) in the game before “The Game”.
Weather/location report
It is expected to be sunny in Mobile, Ala. on Wednesday, but with a high of just 45 degrees. While the cold could be beneficial for Central Michigan, the GMAC Bowl is being played less than three hours from Troy’s campus, potentially providing a quasi-home game atmosphere.
The LeFevour Show
Stop Central Michigan’s offence, and you stop Central Michigan. The Chippewas scored 20 points or more in all 11 of their wins and scored 29 or more eight times, but was held to 10 and six points in their two losses (to Arizona and Boston College, respectively).
Which means stop quarterback Dan LeFevour. The GMAC Bowl marks the end of a magnificent career for LeFevour, the all-time FBS leader in TDs with 148.
Often compared to a small-school Tim Tebow, the 6-3, 240-pound LeFevour threw for 3,043 yards, 27 TD and six INT this season while also leading the team in rushing with 701 yards and 14 TD.
LeFevour’s three-step drop style forces defences to get to him fast.
His favourite target is playmaking wideout and returner Antonio Brown, who gained 1,020 as a wideout and is a constant threat on returns.
The Levi Show
Troy’s Levi Brown threw for 3,862 yards and 22 TD and leads an offence that ranked No. 3 nationally averaging 478 total yards per game. The Trojans scored 40 or more points in six of their final eight games.
Troy’s offence is as explosive as they come. The Trojans had a whopping 30 scoring drives of two minutes or less. It has also been bolstered by the emergence of freshman running back Shawn Southward, who took over the starting duties late this season, but rushed for 140 yards on 19 carries in a win over Western Kentucky on November 7.
Coaching change
Central Michigan goes into the game without a head coach, as Butch Jones accepted the opening at Cincinnati. Assistant Steve Stripling was named interim coach for the bowl game. Stripling was the associate head coach-defence and worked mostly with the defensive line. How that will alter the team’s gameplan – if at all – remains to be seen.
Defensive stance
Despite the offensive accolades that Central Michigan is given, its defence actually ranked No. 1 in the MAC in points allowed (17.2), was second in yards allowed (326.7) and the passing defence was solid (207.4). The unit ranked 17th nationally.
Troy’s defence, meanwhile, did just enough to win in a weak Sun Belt. The Trojans did poorly against the pass, allowing 277 yards per game through the air.
Inexperience in the defensive backfield is a big reason. Senior corner Jorrick Calvin, the only returning starting DB from last year, hasn’t played this season due to academics.
Injury report
Slowing Central Michigan’s passing attack was going to be hard enough as it was, but Troy senior DB Courtland Fuller tore his ACL in the season finale against Louisiana-Lafayette and is out.
Central Michigan comes into the game without any injuries.
Grades report
Troy sophomore wideout Chip Reeves, who had 22 catches for 363 yards, was declared academically ineligible last week.
A common foe
The two teams have one similar opponent. Troy opened its season by losing at Bowling Green 31-14, while Central Michigan won at Bowling Green 24-10 in MAC play.
The Sun Belt was widely regarded as the worst Division-I conference in the nation. Troy passed right through its league schedule, but did not fare well at all in its three non-conference games, all blowout losses.
Central Michigan, also went unbeaten in its conference and knocked off Michigan State 29-28 in non-conference play.
Other trends and notes
Troy has won at least a share of the last four Sun Belt championships. Central Michigan has won three of the last four MAC titles.
The over is 10-1 in the last 11 games Troy has been underdog.
Troy is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games.
Central Michigan is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games on grass, but Troy is 7-2 ATS on grass in its last nine games.
The under is 4-0 in Central Michigan’s last four games as a favourite at a neutral site.