Troy is missing apparently its leading rusher and four starting offensive linemen due to injury, opt-outs, etc. And the Trojans can't stop the run, allowing 183.2 YPG. Thanks to the nation's leading rusher in Cam Cook and dual-threat QB Caden Creel, Jax State is fourth nationally in rushing. Half unit. Both the AL.com guys previewing the game like the Gamecocks.
Jacksonville State's most glaring advantage is the combination of the nation's elite rushing attack and Troy's historically poor run defense. Cam Cook leads all of college football with 1,659 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, with Jacksonville State ranking 4th nationally in rushing offense at 258.2 yards per game. The Trojans rank 112th in rushing yards allowed per game at 182.3 yards, and their rushing defense ranks 115th overall at 4.8 yards per rush allowed. The Gamecocks are better in the trenches and have three wins against quality fellow Bowl teams. Troy mostly beat up on weak Bowl teams, and they will be without starting RB Tae Meadows. Jacksonville State ranks 6th in consistency, while Troy checks in at 50th. My model has JS winning outright.
