No. 25 Troy faces fellow Sun Belt unbeaten Arkansas State

Posted November 16, 2016 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Arkansas State (5-4, 5-0 Sun Belt) at No. 25 Troy (8-1, 5-0), 9:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

Line: Troy by 8-1/2.

Series record: Arkansas State leads 9-6.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Troy is trying to hold onto the program's first national ranking since moving up to FBS in 2001. The winner has the inside track to the Sun Belt Conference title, won by Arkansas State four of the past five seasons.

KEY MATCHUP

Arkansas State has two of the league's better pass rushers in Ja'Von Rolland-Jones and Chris Odom. Troy has allowed only three sacks this season, fewest in the nation.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arkansas State: QB Justice Hansen ranks second in the league in passing efficiency. He faces a defense that has racked up 16 interceptions, including six by national leader Blace Brown.

Troy: RB Jordan Chunn is a 231-pound bruiser who leads the Sun Belt in rushing with 1,028 yards and 10 touchdowns.

FACTS & FIGURES

Troy has the fourth-longest active winning streak in FBS, at seven games. The Trojans are the first Sun Belt team to crack the Top 25. ... This is the first Sun Belt matchup of teams with 5-0 league records or better. ... Arkansas State has won 14 straight conference games and 17 of the last 20 league road games. The Red Wolves' Money Hunter has a Sun Belt-record four interception returns for touchdowns. ... Troy's 25 sacks is one shy of matching the Sun Belt record.

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