Troy Trojans (11-2) vs. Duke Blue Devils (7-5)
Troy Trojans vs. Duke Blue Devils 12/23/23 – In an exciting NCAAF Birmingham Bowl showdown, the impressive 11-2 Troy Trojans are set to face off against the 7-5 Duke Blue Devils. This thrilling encounter is scheduled for Saturday, promising to bring intense action to Protective Stadium. Football fans and bettors will be tuning in at 12:00 PM ET on ABC, eager to witness this battle. With distinct season performances from both teams, this matchup offers a rich field for NCAAF bowl free predictions.
Kimani Vidal’s efforts as Troy running back have been central to its remarkable season. With 1,582 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns under his belt, Vidal has been pivotal in Troy’s offensive dominance. Wide receiver Jabre Barber also made significant impactsful plays throughout this campaign with 892 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns to his name.
Duke Blue Devils standout running back Jordan Waters has amassed 753 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming an integral component of their offense. Wide receiver Jordan Moore also stands out, boasting 794 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns himself and providing Duke with reliable targets in their passing game.
Troy Trojans vs. Duke Blue Devils Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Protective Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Gunnar Watson QB vs. Riley Leonard QB
The Troy offense is fueled by senior quarterback Gunnar Watson, who leads a prolific passing unit ranked in the top 10 nationally. He completes passes at an efficient clip nearing 70% over his last three contests, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy and decision making. Watson also averages nearly 10 yards per attempt on the year by expertly taking shots downfield when the opportunity arises. Yet he always takes care of the football first. His touchdown-to-interception ratio sits at an astounding 27-to-5 through 12 games. Watson captains the attack with aplomb, distributing to playmakers at every position while taking over himself both inside and outside of the pocket. His prolific production and dual-threat abilities make him extremely difficult to scheme against.
Alternatively, his counterpart displays promise but lacks the same polish and pedigree as Watson. The offense flows through the ground game for Duke, who has found success relying on the run to move the chains. Their quarterback has proven serviceable in a game manager role, minimizing mistakes more often than not. Still, he doesn’t pose the same caliber of passing threat that the Troy offense wields. Watson gives his team a substantial edge under center with his accuracy, decision making and play making abilities. He enters this contest in complete command of one of the top attacks in the country.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Troy Trojans -290, Total Odds: 44
The Trojans enter as the favorites with a -290 moneyline, and the game’s total odds are set at 44 points. These odds suggest a belief in Troy’s stronger offensive capabilities and a potentially lower-scoring game.
Troy Trojans Betting Trends
Troy is 8-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 9 contests. They also sport a 5-2 ATS record as road favorites since last season. The Trojans passing attack has led them to hit the over in 4 of their previous 5 overall.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
The Blue Devils struggled to meet expectations ATS recently, covering just twice in their last 6. But as underdogs this year, Duke posted a 4-1 ATS record. The over cashed in 5 of the team’s last 6 games as well.
Troy Trojans vs. Duke Blue Devils 12/23/23 Betting Picks
The Trojans’ strong offensive lineup and consistent performance make them a solid pick in this matchup. Their ability to cover spreads and maintain an undefeated streak in recent games adds confidence in their favor.
For those seeking premium best picks today, considering prop bets on individual player performances, especially for Troy’s key players, could be a smart move. The over/under also presents an interesting angle, given the contrasting offensive strengths of both teams.
This score prediction anticipates a game where the Trojans’ stronger offense and better season record give them a clear advantage. It reflects both teams’ capabilities and the overall trends seen throughout their seasons, pointing towards a victory for Troy in this exciting Gasparilla Bowl encounter.
Free Pick and Prediction: Troy Trojans 26, Duke Blue Devils 15