Troy Vs. Southern Miss: The R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Preview

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Troy Trojans vs. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

December 21, 2008

8:00 pm ET

Louisiana Superdome - New Orleans, LA

Spread: Troy -4.5

How they got here...

Troy easily won the Sunbelt Conference going 8-4 on the season.  This will be Troy’s second appearance in the New Orleans Bowl in three years.

Southern Miss fought back from a 2-6 record to win their final four games and became bowl eligible at 6-6.  This will be USM’s third appearance in the New Orleans Bowl in five years.

Statistically speaking...

Troy is looking for their twenty-fifth win in three seasons, and an impressive win will bolster their status as a pre-season pick to win the Sun Belt in 2009.  First year head coach Larry Fedora is looking to grab his first bowl victory at USM as he attempts to return the Golden Eagles to their former glory as the premier team in Conference USA.  A win against Troy would be a great springboard toward achieving that goal.

Troy wins if...

Their defense can stop dual-threat quarterback Austin Davis and standout running back Damion Fletcher.  Levi Brown should have an easy time moving the ball in his no-huddle spread offense, but the key to victory will be keeping the USM offense off the field and out of the end zone.

Southern Miss wins if...

Their defensive backs can keep up with the fast tempo of Troy’s offense.  They absolutely have to keep the pressure on Levi Brown, who does not throw as well when hurried.  Austin Davis and Damion Fletcher have to move the chains and wear down the Troy defense. 

B/R Expert Picks...

Ben Weixlmann:  Troy 

Lisa Horne:  Troy

Georgia Dawg:  Troy

David Wunderlich:  Troy 

Michael Cline:  Troy

Trey Bradley:  Troy

MiamiMitch:  Troy

Justin Goar:  Troy

Brian Scott:  Troy