New Orleans Bowl: Troy vs. Southern Miss Preview

Sun Belt champion Troy opened as small favorites to beat the Southern Miss Golden Eagles December 21 when they battle at the Louisiana Superdome in the New Orleans Bowl. Troy will be trying for its second bowl win in three years when it plays a 'home' game in the Big Easy against the Conference USA's Eagles. Oddsmakers currently have the Trojans listed as 5-point favorites versus the Golden Eagles, while the game's total is sitting at 55. Troy earned a bowl berth with a 35-9 win over Arkansas State in their regular-season finale. Troy covered the 12-point spread, but the 44 points went UNDER the posted total of 53. Levi Brown threw for 181 yards with three touchdowns to lead the way. Austin Davis threw for two touchdowns to lead Southern Miss to a 28-12 win SMU in Week 14. The Eagles covered the 14-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 59. Team records: Troy: 8-4 SU, 7-4 ATS Southern Miss: 6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS Troy most recently: When playing in December are 4-2 When playing on turf are 7-3 After outgaining opponent are 6-4 When playing outside the conference are 4-6 Southern Miss most recently: When playing in December are 4-6 When playing on turf are 5-5 After outgaining opponent are 5-5 When playing outside the conference are 5-5 A few trends to consider: Troy is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Troy's last 6 games Troy is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games Southern Miss is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Southern Miss is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games