3 things to know for the Dollar General Bowl

Need a brief primer before you attempt to watch all 40 bowl games this season? We’ve got you covered. Here are three things you need to know about the Dollar General Bowl.

DOLLAR GENERAL BOWL
Ohio (8-5) vs. Troy (9-3)
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. ET
ESPN

– If closely fought battles are your thing, then you are in luck. Keeping games tight (9 of 13 games decided by single digits) has been Ohio’s calling card all season. With opponents averaging a paltry 3.0 yards a carry against the Bobcat front, Ohio stays in games with a stellar run defense. The defense is ranked seventh nationally against the run, allowing 105.8 yards a game. Additionally, the Bobcat defense has allowed only three rushing TDs since October began.

On the other side, the Trojan’s defensive revival this season is a big part of Troy’s record improving from 4-8 in 2015 to 9-3 in 2016. The Bobcats are not the only team with a fearsome rush defense in this bowl. Troy ranks 19th nationally against the run, allowing 123.7 yards a game on the ground. Adding to a stout run stopping unit, the secondary holds its own, allowing opposing QBs to average a 53 percent completion percentage on passes this season.

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– The key to victory likely lies with Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers. Operating an air-raid style offense, Silvers has completed 64 percent if his passes. With 2,951 yards and 22 TDs, Silvers could take advantage of an Ohio weakness: allowing passing TDs. The Bobcat secondary has only allowed three opponents to throw for over 300 yards, but it’s given up 24 scores through the air. To help Silvers move the ball, running back Jordan Chunn – 1,232 rushing yards, 13 TDs – needs to make tough runs to keep third downs manageable.

– With the game in Mobile, Alabama, the crowd should be canvassed in cardinal for Troy. Trojan fans only have to travel 160 miles from campus. Can a psuedo-home crowd swing the game in Troy’s favor? Enemy territory certainly did not bother Ohio at Neyland Stadium or in the MAC Championship with a Western Michigan majority.

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Mascot fight prediction: A Trojan tasked with battling a bobcat definitely happened in a gladiator arena back in Ancient Rome. This showdown comes down to the Trojan’s choice of weapon. Spear? Trojan all day. Short sword? Things could get hairy.

Real Predictions
Graham Watson: Ohio 13, Troy 7
Nick Bromberg: Ohio 20, Troy 10
Sam Cooper: Troy 24, Ohio 23
Chris Herbert: Troy 23, Ohio 16