LAFAYETTE — It's best on best Saturday when Troy comes to Lafayette to play the Cajuns. Despite a 5-5 record, the word on the street is 'Don't sleep on the Trojans.'
Troy has won back-to-back games, and may be picking up steam under new head coach Chip Lindsey. The Trojans 39.0 points-per-game leads the Sun Belt and is on pace to be one of the most prolific offenses in conference history. But the title says 'best on best.'
The Cajuns' defense isn't your run of the mill group of five squad. Louisiana is allowing just a conference best 18.1 PPG. The Cajuns held Appalachian State (averaging 38.4 PPG) to just 17.
Troys' quarterback Kaleb Barker has throw 30 touchdowns. Best in the Sun Belt. Fifth best in the nation.
Louisiana has allowed just seven passing touchdowns. Best in the Sun Belt. Fourth best in the country.
See where this is going?
Troys defense could be the first unit to slow Louisiana's rush. They're at least the only unit with the pedigree. Troy's is surrendering a conference best 3.9 yards-per-carry.
The Cajuns' 278 YPG on the ground is tops in the Sun Belt, and sixth in the nation. Their 6.6 YPC is best in the Sun Belt, and second in the nation.
I've got more.
Troy leads the conference with 29 sacks. The Cajuns lead the conference allowing just 10, tied for fifth best in the country.
'Don't sleep on the Trojans' is good advice. But perhaps Trojans fans should also be reminding their fans, 'They're 8-2 for a reason.'
Kickoff Saturday is 4:00 p.m. at Cajun Field.