The Troy Trojans and Texas State Bobcats meet Saturday in week 9 college football action at Bobcat Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Troy Trojans Betting Preview 

The Troy Trojans look for a fifth straight win to become bowl eligible for the fifth time in the last 8 years. Troy has won 6 of its last 7 road games. Gunnar Watson is completing 59.4 percent of his passes for 1,766 yards, 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Jabre Barber and Chris Lewis have combined for 819 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Deshon Stoudemire has 23 receptions. The Troy Trojans ground game is averaging 185.6 yards per contest, and Kimani Vidal leads the way with 951 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Troy is allowing 17.4 points and 281.6 yards per game. Jayden McDonald leads the Troy Trojans with 45 tackles, Javon Solomon has 5.5 sacks and Reddy Steward has 2 interceptions.

Troy Trojans Team Facts

• Troy has won each of its last eight October games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Troy has covered the spread in each of its last seven road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Troy has lost the first half in each of its last three road games against conference opponents.
• Troy has won the first quarter in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Each of Troy’s last five games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Texas State Bobcats Betting Preview

The Texas State Bobcats look to remain undefeated at home to possibly reach a bowl for the first time in school history. Texas State has won 7 of its last 9 home games. TJ Finley is completing 68.9 percent of his passes for 1,941 yards, 14 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Joey Hobert and Ashtyn Hawkins have combined for 1,007 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, while Kole Wilson has 30 receptions. The Texas State Bobcats ground game is averaging 208.7 yards per contest, and Ismail Mahdi leads the way with 726 yards and 8 touchdowns. Defensively, Texas State is allowing 28.4 points and 409.6 yards per game. Brian Holloway leads the Texas State Bobcats with 55 tackles, Ben Bell has 3 sacks and Shawn Holton has 1 interception.

Texas State Bobcats Team Facts

• The favorite has won 12 of Texas State’s last 13 games.
• Texas State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four home games against conference opponents.
• Texas State has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
• Each of Texas State’s last four October games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Texas State are one of only six FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ([z-0]).
• Texas State rank 11th among FBS teams for points per game this season (38.3).
• Troy rank T17th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (17.4).

Randy’s Pick

The Troy Trojans are playing the better football right now, and they’re far and away the more trustworthy defensive side that makes them appealing. However, Texas State is far from a pushover and its explosive offense makes it hard to turn down points, especially at home. Texas State is eighth in total offense and 11th in scoring offense. Texas State has yet to lose at home and could become bowl eligible for the third time in school history with a win. Texas State has never made a bowl appearance despite being eligible two previous times, so wins like this to become more appealing would be huge for the program. I expect Texas State to play hard and have a chance to win late despite the defensive issues. Give me the Bobcats and the points.