North Texas (3-6, 2-3) hits the road to take on Sun Belt Conference member Troy (2-6, 1-3) and moved to a noon kickoff to be televised on the Sun Belt Network.

The reason North Texas was chosen as the Homecoming opponent is simple, Troy has never lost to North Texas at Veterans Memorial and hold a 7-1 overall record.  It has been nearly forever since North Texas has won on the road and this is their final chance to win on the road this season.

Both teams have a long shot at getting into a bowl if they can win out and get to a 6-6 record.

After going 8-5 last year, Troy was expecting big things from this season.  Not a two win season and four losses in the row, something the fans have not seen since 1986.

Opponents are outscoring the Trojans 34-21 points game and outrushing them 102-208 yards. Passing yards are pretty even at 277-267 yards per game but when adding them all up Troy is outgained 379-475 yards per game.  

Part of the problem for Troy is they have a great quarterback but the receiving corps has been ineffective. With teams giving them no respect via the air they have been able to stuff the running game.

In several games, teams have been able to take advantage of hitting the corners. The defense has given up big yardage on the corners especially if the team has a form of the triple option.

This is a game North Texas can win with the right game plan. Running the ball against Troy on the corners or passing the ball on the corners has hurt them. While they have been able to stuff the run in the center, once a running back breaks the line, they have been able to get long gainers.  Here is a hint about the defense, the leading tackler is Brynden Trawick, the safety.      

Troy has nine receivers in low double figures, the leading receiver is Eric Thomas with 65 yards per game. Shut him down, the passing game falls apart.