Chris Jordans pick for today
5-0 last five,time to get back on board....
100♦ TROY TROJANS - The Trojans are picked to win the Sun Belt Conference, they’ve got eight starters back on a dangerous offensive unit and continue to sport one of the nation’s most underrated defenses. Sure, there are some holes to fill with this team, but there is so much talent, I don’t see how it won’t run away with the conference title.
The offensive firepower will be led by quarterback Levi Brown, running back DeJuan Harris, receivers Jerrel Jernigan and Cornelius Williams as well as three returning starters on the offensive line. Quite frankly, that’s plenty for an offense that ranked 26th in the nation in scoring and 27th overall on offense. All we’re talking about with the O is to replace a pair of tackles, and it’s not as if coach Larry Blakeney is plugging the holes with freshmen … two upper classmen will be in those spots.
Defensively, only five starters are back, I know this, but linebacker Boris Lee is an all-conference performer who has been the Trojan’s top tackler the past two years. He'll get plenty of help from standout ends Brandon Lang (NO! Not the goof you’re thinking of) and Cameron Sheffield. There’s plenty of experience in the secondary, as the Trojans have plenty of upper classmen to join senior Jorrick Calvin, the team’s lone returner in the defensive backfield.
So what about Bowling Green you’re asking? The Falcons are in off a 6-6 season and will be led by new head coach Dave Clawson, who served as Tennessee's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach last season. And while I’d assume his focus will be on offense, I don’t see the defense that returns a mere three starters challenging the aforementioned high-potent offense.
Lay the road chalk tonight with Troy.