Trojans (11-2) vs. Duke Blue Devils (7-5)
Troy vs. Duke December 23, 2023 – As college football fans eagerly anticipate the Birmingham Bowl on Saturday, college football fans are looking forward to the matchup between Troy Trojans and Duke Blue Devils, featuring an exciting contest between two contrasting football philosophies – featuring Troy with its 11-2 record against 7-5 Duke Blue Devils as an intriguing contest that should provide great entertainment value for anyone following NCAAF bowl latest predictions.
Troy Trojans vs. Duke Blue Devils Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Protective Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Gunnar Watson QB vs. Riley Leonard QB
Gunnar Watson has had an impressive season as the quarterback for Troy Trojans. His numbers speak volumes: 247 of 403 attempts completed (61.3% completion rate and 8.3 average yards per pass attempt), along with 8.3% average yards per attempt mark his achievements as one of their stars. Known for reading games well and making decisive throws when faced with intense defensive pressure; yet has also recorded 22 sacks this year; these stats demonstrate his vulnerabilities under pressure from opposing defenses.
Riley Leonard of Duke Blue Devils offers an alternative approach to game play. Though Leonard may not match Watson in terms of statistics or passing yards, his resilience and tactical intelligence stand out. With an average completion rate of 57.6% and average of 6.7 yards per attempt attempt Leonard tends to focus more on managing game tempo than making aggressive plays – although his lower yards-per-attempt average suggests otherwise.
Troy’s Tactical Mastery: Vidal and Barber’s Impact
Kimani Vidal, their running back, has been an essential member of their success; with 280 rushing attempts totaling 1582 yards and 14 touchdowns from his 280 attempts. Additionally, wide receiver Jabre Barber added another significant aerial threat – 65 receptions for 892 yards provide Watson with reliable targets when making third down conversions.
Duke’s Balanced Approach: Waters and Moore Stepping Up
Duke’s offensive strategy revolves around Jordan Waters and Jordan Moore as an effective duo, offering two separate threats on offense. Waters has amassed 753 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns on 753 attempts for Duke; Moore has caught 59 passes for 794 yards as Leonard’s primary target and shown off his route-running abilities and hands; their partnership will be pivotal to breaking down Troy’s defense and creating scoring opportunities.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Troy Trojans -290, Over/Under: 44
The betting odds reflect the Trojans’ favoritism in this matchup. With a -290 moneyline, they are the clear favorites. The over/under set at 44 points suggests expectations of a moderately high-scoring game, a testament to both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Troy Trojans Betting Trends
Troy are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Troy’s last 5 games.
Troy are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games.
Troy are 0-9 SU in their last 9 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast conference.
Trojans are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games played in December.
Troy are 9-0 SU in their last 9 games played on a Saturday.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
Duke are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Duke’s last 6 games.
Duke are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games.
Duke are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games played in December.
Blue Devils are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games played on a Saturday.
Duke are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing as the underdog.
Troy Trojans vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ performance and betting trends, the Trojans appear to have the upper hand. Their robust offense led by Watson, coupled with a solid defense, gives them an edge. However, the Blue Devils’ underdog status and their tendency to step up in December games should not be underestimated.
In terms of betting, while the Trojans are the safer pick, the Blue Devils could offer value for risk-takers, especially considering the over/under. Prop bets focusing on individual player performances, like Watson’s passing yards or Vidal’s rushing yards, could be interesting for bettors looking for more than just straight-up picks. When placing bets, it’s always recommended to check the best betting websites for the latest odds and insights.
Receiving Yards Prop: Troy 28, Duke 17.
