The Associated Press
TROY (0-3) at No. 13 GEORGIA (1-1), Noon (SEC Network)
Line: Georgia by 40.
Series Record: Georgia leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Georgia is looking to bounce back from last week’s 38-35 loss at South Carolina as it plays the first of three straight home games. Troy has lost its first three games for the first times since 1982 and a strong showing could help deflect criticism of longtime coach Larry Blakeney.
KEY MATCHUP
After giving up 271 yards passing and three touchdowns last week, Georgia’s secondary will be tested again. Troy will spread the field with four receivers, putting a strain on Georgia’s defensive backs, including freshmen Dominick Sanders and Aaron Davis.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Troy: Quarterback Brandon Silvers suffered a concussion in the second half of last week’s 38-35 loss to Abilene Christian. Dontreal Pruitt, who completed 9 of 17 passes for 99 yards in a backup role last week, would start if Silvers is held out.
Georgia: Coach Mark Richt predicts junior tailback Keith Marshall will “have some nice runs” after running for only 10 yards in the first two games. Marshall is still returning to form from last year’s season-ending knee injury.
FACTS & FIGURES
Troy’s loss last week was only its eighth in 80 games under coach Larry Blakeney when the Trojans scored at least 35 points. … Troy quarterbacks have thrown 150 consecutive passes without an interception. … Troy already has 16 players with at least one catch. That ties the Trojans with Texas A&M for the most in the nation. … Georgia has averaged 272.5 yards rushing in two games against Top 25 teams. … Georgia is 53-10 in nonconference games under coach Mark Richt, including 36-1 at home since 2001. … Todd Gurley has 15 career games with at least 100 yards rushing, including each of his two games this year. … Gurley’s 39 career touchdowns ranks second in school history, behind Herschel Walker’s 52 from 1980-82. … Knowshon Moreno scored three touchdowns in Georgia’s 44-34 win over Troy in 2007.
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