Troy Football: Can the Trojans win close games in 2021?

How will Troy football fare in 2021?

• Game 1: Southern (W) — The Trojans should beat an FCS opponent. However, the Jaguars will not make this an easy game. Jordan Lewis is an undersized defensive end but has a non-stop motor. Trojans pull away in the second half.
• Game 2: Liberty (L) — The Liberty Flames have arguably the best player in the country in Malik Willis and a mission to play in the New Year’s Six. Willis and the Flames win by three scores.
• Game 3: at Southern Mississippi (W) — The Eagles were not very good last season and have lots of questions coming into this season. Troy should win this one, but the Trojans are good for one clunker, so they should be careful.
• Game 4: at Louisiana-Monroe (W) — The Warhawks are rebuilding under new head coach Terry Bowden. The Warhawks scored 20 or more points just three times last season. Troy wins, going away.
• Game 5: at South Carolina (L) — The Gamecocks better be careful under first-year head coach Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks should win, but Troy could upset South Carolina here. Gamecocks in a closer game than they should be in.
• Game 6: Georgia Southern (W) — The Eagles won a close game at home last season. Former quarterback Shai Werts transferred to Louisville and is converting to wide receiver. Who starts at quarterback for Georgia Southern? Trojans get their win back.
• Game 7: at Texas State (W) — Troy dominated Texas State at home last season. The fighting “Jake Spavitals” is still building its program down in San Marcos. Troy wins big again. Maybe Paul Blake has some eligibility left. Wait, those were the Fighting Armadillos.
• Game 8: at Coastal Carolina (L) — The Chanticleers won a close game against Troy on the road last season. Coastal came in that game banged up with some key injuries. The Chants come into this season feeling like they should have had more of a chance to make the NY6. Chants win at home.
• Game 9: South Alabama (W) — This is year one for former Indiana defensive coordinator Kane Womack after finishing 4-7 in 2019. Troy shut the Jags out last season, and the result should not be much different this year.
• Game 10: Louisiana (L) — The Cajuns, like the Chanticleers, have their eyes affixed on the New Year’s Six. Billy Napier has a lot of super seniors returning to give it a run. Cajuns by two scores in this one.
• Game 11: Appalachian State (L) — This could be a toss-up. Chase Brice replaces Zac Thomas behind center, and Brice was not very good at Duke. That question mark gives Troy a chance; however, the Mountaineers are a veteran group looking to get back to the top of the Sun Belt. App State in a close one.
• Game 12: at Georgia State (W) — This is the toss-up game on their schedule. If the Trojans slip up, this game could determine whether or not Troy returns to the postseason. The Panthers are a veteran team that can light up the scoreboard. So can Troy. Trojans by a field goal in a fun game.

Prediction: 7-5, 5-3 Sun Belt

This season comes down to consistency. The Trojans are not as good as Coastal, Louisiana, or Appalachian State. However, they are good enough to win the other Sun Belt games on their schedule. Wins come down to whether or not the defense improves and the offense plays well against tougher competition.