Troy Trojans (9-2) vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (3-8)
Troy Trojans vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles 11/25/23 – The Troy Trojans take on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles this Saturday in a Week 13 NCAAF matchup. With Troy eyeing a conference title and a potential New Year’s Six bowl bid with a win, while Southern Miss looks to salvage their season with a big upset victory on senior day, there are plenty of storylines heading into this game. Read on for a full game preview featuring analysis of each team’s quarterbacks and key players, betting odds and trends, and our best premium selections for this clash.
The Trojans have put together an outstanding campaign, sitting second in the Sun Belt East Division with a spotless 6-0 record. Their high-powered offense led by QB Gunnar Watson and RB Kimani Vidal sits fifth nationally, averaging 38.5 points per contest. They take on a Golden Eagles team struggling through a rebuilding year, winning just three games including a 2-5 record on home turf. However, Southern Miss and dual-threat QB Billy Wiles have the offensive talent to compete if they can clean up execution issues.
Watson has enjoyed a breakout junior season, racking up over 2800 passing yards with 24 TDs and just 4 INTs, completing 61% of his attempts. His rapport with top target Jabre Barber (774 yards, 5 TDs) will be a major key. For Southern Miss, Wiles has shown flashes but battled turnover issues (7 INTs). His top weapon is Jakarius Caston, who averages nearly 19 yards per catch. Whichever quarterback can limit mistakes and hit some big pass plays will give their side the best chance to win.
Troy Trojans vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles 11/25/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium |
| TV: | ESPU |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Gunnar Watson QB vs. Billy Wiles QB
Watson is enjoying a career-best year in his second season leading the Trojan offense, showing development with his accuracy and decision-making. He’s thrown multiple touchdowns in eight straight games, with 24 TDs compared to just 4 picks on the year. His 151.1 passer rating ranks among the top ten nationally. Watson excels at spreading the ball around and taking what the defense gives him, though he can struggle under heavy pressure.
Wiles replaced Ty Keyes after four starts and has delivered mixed results for Southern Miss. On the plus side, he’s accounted for over 300 total yards of offense per game thanks to his mobility, including 75+ rushing yards in five contests. However, he’s also been turnover-prone with 7 interceptions. Wiles is still gaining experience and can be rattled by aggressive defenses. His accuracy beyond short-range throws also remains inconsistent.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Troy Trojans -750, Total Odds: 48
The Trojans are firmly entrenched as 16-point favorites on the road. They’ve been excellent against the spread this season at 10-1, covering in eight straight. Meanwhile, Southern Miss has struggled to meet betting expectations with a 3-7 ATS record. The total is set at 48 in what could turn into a shootout. Seven of Troy’s last nine contests have gone under, but the Golden Eagles’ defense has allowed opponents to eclipse 30+ points six times during their current 2-8 slide.
Troy Trojans Betting Trends
The Troy Trojans enter this matchup riding high, having gone 6-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 7 games. Bettors who have backed the Trojans have cashed tickets repeatedly during their current 8-game straight up winning streak. Troy has been an especially strong play on the road, covering the spread at an impressive 10-1 clip over their previous 11 away contests. In conference and division play, Troy has dominated as well, going 6-0 straight up in their last 6 matchups against Sun Belt foes and 11-0 straight up against West Division opponents.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Betting Trends
Meanwhile, for Southern Miss Golden Eagles backers, it’s been a frustrating year. Southern Miss has failed to cover in 7 of their last 10 games overall, posting a 3-7 ATS record over that span. The over has been the more profitable play recently, hitting in 4 of the Golden Eagles’ last 5 matchups. It’s been over two months since Southern Miss last won back-to-back games, as they carry a 2-8 straight up record in their past 10 contests into Saturday’s matchup. Home field hasn’t equaled success either, with Southern Miss going 2-5 straight up on their own turf this season.
Troy Trojans vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles 11/25/23 Betting Picks
The Trojans come into this game needing a victory to keep their conference title hopes alive, and they have the offense to pour it on against the Golden Eagles’ struggling defense. Meanwhile, Southern Miss lacks the offensive firepower to keep up if Troy gains early momentum. The visitors have been extremely reliable to bettors this season, covering big numbers with regularity. Lay the points on the road favorite for our NCAAF odds analysis.
Free Pick and Prediction: Troy Trojans 38, Southern Miss Golden Eagles 20