As Week 5 of the NCAAF season rolls around, the UL Monroe Warhawks (2-1) take on the Troy Trojans (1-3) in a highly anticipated matchup. This game will be crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their standings and set the tone for the rest of their seasons. Scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET, the matchup will take place at Larry Blakeney Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN+. With both teams showing grit and gaps early in the season, this game promises engaging competition and opportunities for bettors armed with today’s free college football tips to find value in their picks.
UL Monroe Warhawks vs. Troy Trojans 09/28/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Larry Blakeney Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
UL Monroe Warhawks (2-1) vs. Troy Trojans (1-3)
The UL Monroe Warhawks enter this contest with 2 wins and 1 loss and want to improve their game targeting passing and rushing. Ahmad Hardy is also one of the contributors from the backfield for the Warhawks and has something to show with 191 rushing yards on 43 attempts with 2 TDs averaging 4.4 yards per carry. His capabilities of penetrating defenses will be vital for Monroe as they look for gradual advancements against the Troy defense. Another supplemental receiver, Javon Campbell, serves as a vast target, making plays with yards after the catch. Campbell has 5 receptions for 89 yards which is 17.8 yards per reception and has the ability to extend himself and the team in quick tension-filled rapid scoring opportunities. This is similar to other games like today’s middle tennessee on memphis where schedules define their games by zoning and rushing with bursts of thoughtful defensive travels including passes This is similar to other games like today’s Middle Tennessee vs Memphis where schedules define their games by zoning and rushing with bursts of thoughtful defensive travels including passes
On the other hand, the Troy Trojans have shown a much more aggressive posturing on offense, both in their rushing and receiving. Damien Taylor also helps the cause with 265 rushing yards out of 40 attempts, thanks to 6.6 yards per rush and 2 touchdowns, which bears testimony that he is important for the offense. This team is also strong on the offense because of players like Devonte Ross who has been helpful in averaging 19.2 yards a catch on 26 passes and has scored 6 times again on those catches for 500 yards. The threat of Ross making big plays out of receivers makes Troy’s offense multidimensional. It is similar to how some teams like Louisville vs Notre Dame today who is just an efficient receiver, but impactful ones can change how the game is played with their catches.
General Booty QB vs. Goose Crowder QB
General Booty, the quarterback of UL Monroe, has shown improvement this season as he has not given up by completing 27 out of 49 passes for 233 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Of particular concern is the repair of the completion rate at 55.1% and the violation rating at 97.7 given that this is essentially turnover rates that aim at economizing on some favorable aspects. Booty’s greatest pass was one of 31 yards, so there’s room for improvement, but also a limitation in executing deep plays. His role is supporting the offensive play for Monroe while responding to the defensive pressure by Troy.
At this moment, it is Goose Crowder who is making waves as the starting QB for Troy. With a 69.4% completion rate and no turnovers, while throwing five touchdowns and 532 yards passing, he provided a dependable veneer. Good statistics like Crowder’s passer rating of 168 which is very good, point out that the further passing was very delicately as well as smartly done. His best aerial game was a 98-yard pass which showed his skill of throwing into unwary opponents. Yet the consistency of this prowess, productivity, and the upper hand remains core as a drop in such would create a window for Monroe to fight back.
The quarterback matchup is expected to be an important point of consideration, especially with Booty having to improve his strategic execution in order to compete with Crowder’s efficient play. Whereas Booty’s goal will be to restrain himself and make as few errors as possible, Crowder’s goal will be to work towards maximizing his strengths even more and attacking Monroe’s defense with powerful passes. The performance of every quarterback in this strategic battle will greatly determine the team’s efficiency in terms of fencing the game’s pace and productivity.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Troy Trojans -6.5, Total Odds: 46.5
The betting odds favor Troy with a 6.5-point spread, indicating confidence in their ability to outperform UL Monroe, particularly at home. The over/under is set at 46.5, reflecting expectations of moderate scoring from both teams. Given Troy’s recent trends in high-scoring games and Monroe’s struggles on the road, the over may appear appealing for bettors looking to leverage these potential point totals.
UL Monroe Betting Trends
UL Monroe has faced challenges reflected in their performance, with a disappointing 2-11 SU in their last 13 matches. Particularly against Troy, they’ve struggled with a 1-4 SU record, and their road challenges have been significant, failing to secure wins in eight consecutive games away from home. These trends underscore Monroe’s need for robust adaptations if they are to overcome the significant hurdles posed by Troy’s strategic dominance.
Troy Betting Trends
Conversely, Troy has shown promise, indicated by a 10-4 ATS record in their last 14 games, and a formidable 14-2 SU at home. These trends highlight their inherent strength and advantage on home turf. However, their recent 1-4 SU record introduces areas needing reinforcement, especially in shoring up defenses to curb UL Monroe’s potential exploitation of any defensive weaknesses.
UL Monroe Warhawks vs. Troy Trojans 09/28/24 Betting Picks
In analyzing this matchup, Troy’s balanced offensive power and the stability presented by Crowder offer them a distinct edge over the struggling Warhawks. If UL Monroe is to stage an effective challenge, they must effectively harness Hardy’s rushing potential and Booty’s ability to guide high-stakes plays under pressure.
For betting enthusiasts, the focused examination suggests Troy covering the spread, given their historical performance and current season insights. Additionally, with the potential for a high-execution offensive setup, considering the over could offer rewarding returns in light of Monroe’s defensive trials and Troy’s consistent home success. Premium tips and predictions should further explore in-depth plays that align with these expected dynamics for strategic betting.