Scouting Report: Army Travels to Troy

Army is on the verge of missing a bowl for the second time in seven seasons. The Black Knights lost to Air Force last week. They play Troy on Saturday. Troy is leading the Sun Belt West Division at 7-2. Army has lost two of the previous three games against Sun Bunch opponents.

Troy is 7-2 and has won only one game by more than 9 points this season. Troy is scoring 22 points per game and allowing 17. Army has rushed for 225 yards or less in four games this year.

Troy's rushing attack is a two-headed monster with DK Billingsley and Kimani Vidal taking over 86% of the team's designed rushing attempts on the season. Quarterback Gunnar Watson is averaging over 32 pass attempts in full games played this season and has thrown as many interceptions as he has touchdowns. Troy is losing the turnover margin battle on season, so the game is tailor-made for Andre Carter and his pass-rushing abilities.

Troy's defense is having a terrific season. The Trojans are eighth nationally in scoring defense and 25th nationally on overall defense. Junior Richard Jibunor plays their Bandit position (hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker) and has seven TFLs and five sacks. Senior middle linebacker Carlton Martial is responsible for plugging up the middle and stopping Jakobi Buchanan and Tyson Riley from getting crucial third-and-short conversions.

Army's offensive philosophy matches up well against Troy's strength. Army needs to get Ay’Juan Marshall and Braheam Murphy going on the outside.

Army's defense must be patient on defense. Carter will tee off from the boundary side of the offense on almost every play. The field side will worry about the short passing game.

Army's bowl hopes are hanging by a thread. Army matches up well against Troy both athletically and schematically. Troy is focused on their Sun Belt West race and not looking forward to facing an option attack this late in the season.