GAMEDAY: Middle Tennessee at Troy
November 20, 2007
Middle Tennessee (5-6, 4-2 Sun Belt) at Troy (7-3, 5-0 Sun Belt)
Time: 6 p.m. CST
TV: ESPN2
Radio: 94.7 FM WTBF (man that Jerry Miller’s going to sound good on color), more web information available at http://www.troytrojans.com
Key matchups: Troy’s run game against Middle Tennessee’s defense. Troy hasn’t proven to be a great running team, but has done adequate when called upon, led by senior Kenny Cattouse. MTSU’s run defense has been suspect, so true freshman DuJuan Harris could have that first big play of his career if he gets a chance and is able to break an initial tackle or find a hole. There should be plenty of opportunities for quarterback Omar Haugabook to take off and run because MTSU will likely challenge his injured hamstring and oblique.
Big question: Can Troy’s Haugabook be effective, or will the backup QBs get more time? No one except Omar and trainer Chuck Ash will know how he really feels. If Haugabook is down and overcompensates for both injuries and forces mistakes, MTSU is the perfect team that can take advantage of turnovers.
Player to watch, Troy: DB Elbert Mack. The senior is tied for the national lead with 7 interceptions, and if Troy gets up early, MTSU will have to throw. He’s now tied with Tavious Polo of FAU and Shane Carter of Wisconsin. Carter has 0 regular season games left, and Polo and Mack each have 2.
Player to watch, MTSU: Whoever the QB is. True freshman Dwight Dasher has been outstanding when healthy, but hurt his ankle and knee against North Texas and was visibly ineffective in a 34-24 loss to UL-Lafayette. Junior Joe Craddock rolled up 471 yards of total offense earlier this year against UL-Monroe, but was yanked for ineffectiveness against ULL last week. Both should play against Troy.
Prediction: Troy 34, MTSU 17. Troy’s very good at home on ESPN2.
