Troy @ Tennessee preview

Troy at Tennessee

Desperately needing a victory, Tennessee steps out of the rugged Southeastern Conference as Troy comes calling to Neyland Stadium. The Volunteers hope some home cooking changes their fortunes as they look to snap a four-game losing streak during which they have allowed 43.5 points per game and make a late season push toward bowl eligibility. The Trojans, who will play Tennessee for the first time, have lost two of their last three, but are averaging just over 30 points during that stretch. Tennessee is pleased the calendar reads November as it is 76-14 in the month since 1990 and has won eight of its last 10, including seven straight at home. The game features a pair of outstanding junior quarterbacks putting up tremendous numbers: Corey Robinson of Troy and Tyler Bray of Tennessee.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, FSN. LINE: Troy -18.5

ABOUT TROY (4-4): The Trojans are led by Robinson, who is not having the huge season that was expected. Robinson has passed for eight touchdowns and has thrown eight interceptions and ranks among the top 10 active quarterback leaders in attempts (fourth), yards per game (fourth), completions (fifth), yards (sixth), and touchdowns (ninth). Earlier this year, Troy lost a 30-24 decision to nationally ranked Mississippi State at home in front of the largest crowd in school history. Troy, which won five straight Sun Belt championships from 2005-10, dropped to 3-9 last year and has not had back-to-back losing seasons since 1988-89. After going a stretch earlier this year without forcing a turnover in three straight games, the Trojans have forced 10 in their last four.

ABOUT TENNESSEE (3-5): Bray has had a big season for the Volunteers, passing for 2,282 yards and 20 touchdowns while completing almost 60 percent of his passes. Bray is tied for 10th in the nation in touchdown passes and also ranks among the top 20 in passing yards and yards per game. Bray's 55 career touchdown passes are fourth all-time in school history. The Volunteers' offense averages 34.5 points per game and 456 yards of offense, however, the defense has been shredded most of the season, allowing 33.9 points and 453.5 yards, including 181.6 on the ground and 271.9 through the air. Tennessee is 99th in the nation in total defense and ranks No. 101 in scoring defense.

1. Tennessee, which is third in the SEC in total offense and fourth in scoring, has tallied 33 touchdowns in its first eight games after scoring 31 all of last year in 12 contests.

2. Troy is 68-4 under coach Larry Blakeney when scoring at least 35 points, including 2-0 this season.

3. Tennessee is 7-1 all-time against the Sun Belt, including last year's 27-0 victory over Middle Tennessee State. The Volunteers' only loss versus the Sun Belt was a 21-14 home defeat in 1975 to North Texas. Troy is 2-16 all-time against current members of the SEC with wins over Missouri and Mississippi State.

PREDICTION: Tennessee 45, Troy 31