The Wiz of Odds

Troy

Troy could be in for a big season if a fix can be found for its leaky defense. The Trojans gave up a program-worst 431 points in 2013. The offense did its best to keep pace, averaging 35.92 points per game. It resulted in a 6-6 season. Troy gets a shot at Georgia on Sept. 20.

Troy

Troy has won eight or more games in each of the past five seasons. The Trojans open Sept. 3 at Clemson.

Thanks to Ricky. Click the image for an enlarged view.

New Orleans Bowl

The Wiz of Odds is conducting a comprehensive study of bowl game expense reports. All of the data collected — expense reports for 56 teams and bowl surveys for 40 teams — are being posted on the site. Here is the latest installment. For an overview of the project, click here.

The New Orleans Bowl is operated by the nonprofit New Orleans Bowl, Inc. The first game was played in 2001.

2010 participants: Troy and Ohio.

Troy expenses: The team reported 708 absorbed tickets at a cost of $44,120. Troy also reported receiving 1,078 complementary tickets, but did not provide detail. Total expenses were listed at $543,635. An unusually high $73,750 was reported for "awards." Under other expenses, the school said it spent $88,000 on "publicity/media guide/bowl bonus." Download Troy Expenses

Survey: Athletic director Steve Dennis gave the game high marks except when asked if there were an adequate number of complimentary suites for VIPs. He gave that category a "neutral" rating.

"On the hotel side, there were no comp suites provided and one recommendation would be to separate the band from the team. There were two towers in the hotel; the team and staff should be in the same tower and the band should be in the other one." Download Troy Survey

Ohio expenses: The team reported no absorbed tickets and total expenses of $421,406. Download Ohio Expenses

Survey: Despite claiming no absorbed ticket costs, athletic director Jim Schaus indicated he was only "satisfied" on the number of ticket purchases required and cost of tickets. Overall, he gave the game high marks.

"Outstanding bowl staff that fulfilled all requests and needs," he wrote. "Excellent playing environment and the city of New Orleans was a exciting venue for our student athletes and fans. Ample fan events and activities for both the official travel party and fans." Download Ohio Survey

Troy Kicks Troubled Josh Jarboe Off Team

Josh Jarboe has struck out a second time.

Troy coach Larry Blakeney said Friday that he had kicked Jarboe off the team and that the sophomore receiver was in the process of transferring to Northeast Mississippi Community College.

"We worked hard to give him every opportunity," Blakeney told the Dothan Eagle. "It just didn’t work out. We tried to help him go somewhere that he could get another shot."

Jarboe has been cited twice by Troy police, once in Jan. 2009 for misdemeanor harassment and once earlier this year for disorderly conduct.

"It was certainly a lot of buildup," Blakeney said. "There were a couple of incidents since camp started that were the straws that broke the camel's back.“

Blakeney added: "I feel like I've failed him, but we've got to move on."

The Ruling on the Field Stands

More goodness from the Southeastern Conference. This from Saturday night's Troy-Arkansas game.

The Trojan player making the catch is Josh Jarboe. If you don't remember him, click here.

They Had Reason to Smile at Troy

We now know that a Great Depression strikes the U.S. economy every 70 years or so. Halley's Comet?  It streaks past the earth every 76 years. But an opportunity to see Florida International win its fourth game in a row? Truly the rarest of events.

Wiz correspondent Greg wasn't about to let this moment pass, so he ventured deep into the heart of Sun Belt country for Saturday's game between the visiting Golden Panthers and Troy Trojans.

As you can see, the Women of Troy were out in force to cheer the home team. They weren't disappointed. The Trojans scored a 33-23 victory before 19,316 at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium, halting Florida International's streak.

In the middle of campus sits "The Thinker." Note the toilet paper in his left hand.

Brownie, you're doing a helluva job.

If you were looking to pack on a few pounds before kickoff, this was the place to be.

If you were looking to drink your pregame meal, this was the place to be.

Your military dollars at work.

Greg and the Trojan mascot, T-ROY, work the crowd.

They're lined up to get into Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.

A look inside the stadium about an hour before kickoff.

Troy's players charge onto the field through an inflatable helmet.

Inside the tunnel and helmet and looking out toward the field.

A huddle that didn't include the players.

Nightfall descends on Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.