The Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Troy Trojans meet Saturday in college football action from Veterans Memorial Stadium. Arkansas State took on UMass last weekend. In that game the Red Wolves rolled to a blowout win. As for Troy, they last played versus Georgia State on Saturday. The Trojans ended up winning by three scores. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Arkansas State Red Wolves 

The Red Wolves’ 2023 campaign started out rough with consecutive losses. Those came 73-0 versus Oklahoma in the opener, then 37-3 in another blowout defeat at the hands of Memphis in game two. Arkansas State regrouped and won the next two games however, taking out Stony Brook 31-7 and Southern Miss 44-37. 

Back on Saturday versus UMass, the Red Wolves scored double-digit points in the first three quarters during a high-octane 52-28 victory. QB Jaylen Raynor finished with 383 yards and six passing scores. Adam Jones led the receivers on 105 yards and a TD from three grabs, and Zak Wallace added 54 rush yards. 

Arkansas State Red Wolves Team Facts

Arkansas State has lost each of its last eight road games in October.
Arkansas State has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight October road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Arkansas State has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
Six of Arkansas State’s last seven road games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Troy Trojans 

Over on the Trojans’ side, they started out on a great offensive clip this year, beating Stephen F. Austin 48-30 in their opener. Troy posted a couple of relative duds in the next two games however, falling 42-13 to Kansas State and 16-14 versus James Madison. The Trojans were able to get back in to the win column in game four 27-24 over Western Kentucky. 

Matched up against Georgia State on Saturday the Trojans were down 7-6 going into the second half. Troy stepped on the gas in the last two quarters though, taking a 28-7 win. Gunnar Watson managed 256 pass yards, one TD and one pick, while Kimani Vidal had 76 rush yards and a score. Jabre Barber added 121 yards off seven catches. 

Troy Trojans Team Facts

Troy has won 13 of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
The road team has covered the spread in each of the last five games between Arkansas State and Troy.
Troy has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Troy has won the first half in five of its last six home games against conference opponents.
Six of Troy’s last seven October home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Troy was one of only two FBS teams to win 4+ games when trailing at HT last season.
Troy ranked 2nd among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (2.1).
Arkansas State was one of only two FBS teams to lose 4+ games when leading at HT last season.
Arkansas State was one of only eight FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading after Q3 last season.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stick with Troy here. The Trojans have had something of an up-and-down season already, but the road performance versus a good Georgia State team over the weekend is a promising sign. Troy had 410 yards (256 passing) in that one, along with 21 first downs and three takeaways. The Trojans have 27 or more points in all three of their wins this year, so if they get off to a hot start Troy will be in good shape. 

As for Arkansas State, they’ve hit 31 or more points in three straight games, so this matchup could easily become a high-scoring affair. I like the Red Wolves to push Troy to the limit here, with the Trojans eking out a cover. Should be a fun matchup overall.