In this intriguing Week 6 matchup, the Texas State Bobcats (2-2) are set to face off against the Troy Trojans (1-4). Scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET, the game will take place at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama, and be broadcast on FOX. This contest is pivotal for both teams as they aim to enhance their current records and address ongoing competitive challenges. With elite NCAAF free picks available, this matchup offers numerous betting opportunities for fans and bettors alike.
Texas State Bobcats vs. Troy Trojans 10/03/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Veterans Memorial Stadium (AL) in Troy, Alabama |
| TV: | FOX+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Texas State Bobcats (2-2) vs. Troy Trojans (1-4)
The Texas State Bobcats are currently holding a record of 2-2 before heading into this match and would want to utilize their offensive skills on the ground and in the air. In fact, Ismail Mahdi, a running back who has become a very important player, has managed 307 rushing yards from 68 carbohydrate-loading attempts on an impressive 4.5 yards per carry and one touchdown. This kind of productivity from Mahdi is essential, especially considering his desire to look for openings in the Troy defense, as expected in this afternoon’s UCLA vs Penn St game. The offense shifted into high gear, and the running game took over throughout the contest. As for the receiving end, Jaden Williams was able to record an impressive 22 catches for 292 yards, which were achieved at an average of 13.3 yards per catch, three of which were touchdown receptions. This gives Texas State a multidimensional offensive style using Williams’s ability to catch crucial passes against Troy’s secondary.
On the other hand, the Troy Trojans, whose record is at 1-4, have refocused their attention on revitalizing their fortunes and tapping into their rushing and receiving lines. Damien Taylor is the heart of their rushing unit, as he has 336 Rushing yards on 57 attempts, gaining 5.9 yards per attempt with two touchdowns. Taylor possesses the ability to pick up many yards, which we have seen a few times in the game between the Clemson Tigers and Florida St today, where ground control is the name of the game. Also leading the offense in the air is Devonte Ross, who has 529 receiving yards from 29 receptions for a jaw-dropping average of 18.2 yards per reception. Troy’s passing operations count on his six TDs to spread the defensive line, which supports and helps increase Troy’s scoring.
Jordan McCloud QB vs. Goose Crowder QB
The Texas State offense is led by quarterback Jordan McCloud, who has shown good skills and efficiency during the current season. McCloud has 97 completions out of 140 passes for 1141 yards with a 69.3% completion rate and a passer rating of 161.7. His ability to throw and deliver the ball perfectly is another great asset for the Bobcats, where he has thrown twelve touchdowns and three interceptions. Texas State football will require a lot of McCloud as they play uptempo against the Trojans, where risks must be minimized and ball placement well guided.
However, Goose Crowder, who is at the helm for the Trojans, has even more incredible statistics. Of the 63 attempts, Crowder has completed 44 and thrown for 546 yards, maintaining a perfect completion percentage of 69.8% and a passer rating of 168.8. It is equally important to mention that Crowder made five touchdown passes and did not throw a single interception, which speaks volumes about him when given management responsibilities. The plan, therefore, has to include boosting him to improve passing coordinates while adopting a more balanced line-up versus the Texan state defense.
In advance of the sentiment settling on practitioners, McCloud looks capable of enthusiastically running the offense through safe, balanced passing, while the efficient Crowder focuses on limiting mistakes. Some of those will certainly affect the course of the games, shaping the tempo, the scoring potential, and the result.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Troy Trojans +14, Total Odds: 55
As the odds suggest, Texas State is favored with a 14-point spread, indicating the Bobcats’ perceived advantage based on their current form and statistical strengths. Their moneyline at -400 suggests a high probability of victory compared to Troy’s +325. The total is set at 55, anticipating a moderately high-scoring encounter. For bettors, Texas State’s spread may appear attractive given their offensive strengths, while the total presents opportunities for strategic betting on either side, depending on defensive adjustments from both teams.
Texas State Betting Trends
Analyzing recent trends, Texas State has demonstrated fluctuating performance with a less-than-optimal ATS record, although they have showcased successful coverage in competitive matchups. Their ability to exceed point totals, particularly in head-to-head contests with Troy, sets a promising framework for potential high-scoring displays. The Bobcats’ past encounters reveal challenges in October games, necessitating sharper strategies moving into this fixture.
Troy Betting Trends
Troy’s trends indicate resilience with specific ATS achievements, albeit facing more significant challenges that translate into outright victories. A 2-3 record against the spread highlights fluctuating form, while past matchups against Texas State show historical successes in both outright and spread parameters. With key adjustments, Troy aims to leverage its statistics to unlock potential winning opportunities.
Texas State Bobcats vs. Troy Trojans 10/03/24 Betting Picks
As anticipation builds, Texas State’s balanced offensive, emphasized by McCloud’s leadership alongside Mahdi and Williams, suggests they can cover the spread effectively. For Troy, key contributions from Crowder, Taylor, and Ross are essential to manage their strategic plays and compete thoroughly against Texas State’s onslaught.
Texas State covering the spread is a compelling option that is aligned with current performances for strategic betting consideration. Considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and possible defensive shifts, the total points line presents prop opportunities. Utilizing Handicapping top services can provide additional insights and optimize betting predictions through expert analysis.