GMAC Bowl: Troy Trojans vs. Central Michigan Chippewas | Preview & Predictions

January 6, 2010 | 7:00 PM EST, Mobile, AL on ESPN

GMAC Bowl

Troy Trojans (9-3) vs Central Michigan Chippewas (11-2)

Opening Line: Central Michigan -4 (current CMU -2.5)

Game Preview: Does anybody have a good explanation as to why this game is sandwiched between the Orange Bowl and the Championship game?  Yes it pits two conference champs but they must have made some sort of deal with you know who to get this stand alone national TV affair, even if it does start a little early.  This game is the last chance to appreciate the collegiate career of Dan Lefevour, one of the most productive QBs in NCAA history.  CMU has enjoyed another strong season with only two losses but they have lost their coach so they may be a bit disorganized.  But will it be enough for the other Trojans to win?  No one doubts Troy’s dominance of their conference but they only had one out of conference win (against UAB) and are not scaring teams the way they used to.

Troy Preview: To win in the Sun Belt you have to be able to score and the Trojans can averaging over 33ppg.  You may not know much about QB Levi Brown but he threw for over 3800 yards this year and stands big in the pocket at 6’4″.  He is a senior and shouldn’t be rattled by a crowd which is likely to favour Central Michigan.  The Trojans will need a good effort on D to stop the Chippewas.  In their three losses they gave up 56, 56 and 31 points the last to Bowling Green in week 1 – A team CMU beat by 2 TDS later in the year and limited to only 10 points.

Central Michigan Preview: As good as Lefevour is this is hardly a one man team.  They have a nice balanced offense (36th in passing/38th in rushing) with two excellent receivers in speedy Antonio Brown and lanky Bryan Anderson.  All three of these players will play at the next level and have made their share of big plays in another fantastic season for CMU.  One so good that they have once again lost their coach, Butch Jones, to the oasis that is Cincinatti.  As long as this team has been getting in their work leading up to the game they should be able ride these offensive players to victory.  Playing close to home in a stadium they are used to only makes it that much easier.

Game Prediction: There will be a lot of emotion on the CMU side.  They have already lost their coach and their 4 year starter at QB will be playing in his final game.  This may yield a sluggish start but unless Troy can really take advantage I am cure CMU will weather the storm, settle down and win by a TD.  Lefevour will once again show why he has been so magical as a Chippewa.

Score Prediction:

Central Michigan – 31
Troy – 24

Pick: CMU has proven they are no pushover this year.  As the spread creeps down I like them even more…although I must admit that Troy is a bit unknown .