August 28, 2009

Will Troy win the Sun Belt again?

According to Yahoo's Troy Preview Troy will be going for at least a share of the Sun Belt title for the 4th straight year.

With three straight 8 win seasons the day's of 5-6 Sun Belt champions getting NCAA exemptions to participate in a bowl game are over.

Troy has a quality defense and competent offense. I would pick them to have a shot at winning the MAC and possibly making a run at C-USA, if they were given a shot.

Troy should imitate the more recognized Trojans in conference, so I will focus preview on the out of conference games.

2009 OOC schedule:

9/3 @ Bowling Green: This game would normally be expected to be very close, but Bowling Green is caught in a rebuilding phase that leaves Troy a solid favorite in my book.
9/12 @Florida: Win this game and a shot at the BCS will open up. Unless Florida pulls a Michigan.
9/19 UAB: This battle for the lower tier Alabama title should go to Troy.
11/14: @Arkansas: I am not convinced that Arkansas has the bite to match their bark. I think Troy gives Arkansas more than they want but come up short.

9-3 and the New Orleans Bowl once again for the Trojans is a reasonable expectation for 2009.

Comments:

Will Troy win the Sun Belt again?
According to Yahoo's Troy Preview Troy will be going for at least a share of the Sun Belt title for the 4th straight year. With three straight 8 win seasons the day's of 5-6 Sun Belt champions getting NCAA exemptions to participate in a bowl game are over. Troy has a quality defense and competent offense. I would pick them to have a shot at winning the MAC and possibly making a run at C-USA, if they were given a shot. Troy should imitate the more recognized Trojans in conference, so I will focus preview on the out of conference games. 2009 OOC schedule: 9/3 @ Bowling Green: This game would normally be expected to be very close, but Bowling Green is caught in a rebuilding phase that leaves Troy a solid favorite in my book. 9/12 @Florida: Win this game and a shot at the BCS will open up. Unless Florida pulls a Michigan. 9/19 UAB: This battle for the lower tier Alabama title should go to Troy. 11/14: @Arkansas: I am not convinced that Arkansas has the bite to match their bark. I think Troy gives Arkansas more than they want but come up short. 9-3 and the New Orleans Bowl once again for the Trojans is a reasonable expectation for 2009.