Bowl Info:
- Game will be held at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama
- Game will start at 7:00 PM ET on 12/22
- Buffalo is 0-2 in their bowl games
- Troy is 4-3 in their bowl games
- First matchup between the two
Offensive Players to Watch:
Buffalo: Tyree Jackson takes the snaps under the gun for the Buffalo Bulls this season. This means that he has something not seen in others quarterback-wise on that roster. And it would be true, he is armed with an accurate deep cannon to help score long passing plays. Jackson has thrown for 2,875 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns this season, with only hopes to build in the bowl game. Buffalo has ran their offense through Jackson all this year, so a sudden shift is most likely not in the works this weekend. Watch out for Jackson to have a game of his life.
Troy: For Troy to play a successful game of football, it comes for the ground and B.J. Smith. The ability to speed through open holes and find creases not normally found is only one utility used by Smith. And so far on the season, Smith has ran up a bill of 1,093 rushing yards with 12 rushing touchdowns. Troy will use Smith as much as they can to win against a tougher Buffalo defense, but will it be enough? Watch out for Smith to give it a great effort to have his name go down in MAC history.
Defensive Players to Watch:
Buffalo: Chris Harris for the Bulls will be a strong defensive edge rusher that will help defy the game. If Buffalo wants to win, they need to lock down any chance at a strong running game from Troy. And with Harris racking up 44 total tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, and 6.5 sacks, it shows that they might have their way. To rush the edge and keep the runs inside would be a huge win for Buffalo on a defensive side. Watch out for Chris Harris to want to finish off his senior year the right way.
Troy: A good defense against the pass starts with good coverage, this is where Hunter Reese comes in. With a 3-4 defense that Troy runs, the pass is already more defended, which benefits Troy. However, to break it down even further and see how Reese can control his passing areas and rushing lanes will be important. Reese has collected 59 total tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, and 1 interception. This makes him one of the most dangerous linebackers in the MAC Conference this year. Watch out for Reese to want a big win come Saturday and a great performance to follow.
The Basics
Consistency plays a big part into why I pick a team. And as of now, Buffalo (win or lose) has been more consistent with their points than Troy. Also, Troy has struggled against Texas State and App State tremendously. I think Troy will of course give a great game for us all to watch, but their efforts win not be enough in the end to stop a scoring Buffalo team.
Score Prediction
26-14 Buffalo
Photo Credits: https://emueagles.com/news/2016/8/17/football-dollar-general-becomes-title-sponsor-of-mobile-alabama-bowl-game.aspx
