WHAT: James Madison (2-0) at Troy (1-1)

WHEN: 6 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy

SERIES: Tied 1-1

TV: NFL Network

LINE: Troy by 3

RELATED: Troy hosts James Madison in key early-season Sun Belt Conference battle

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: If Troy can sustain its claim as the Sun Belt Conference’s best team.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Can the Trojans control the action with its running game?

Kimani Vidal has been excellent so far this season, including a 248-yard outing vs. Stephen F. Austin. However, he was taken out of the game early by Kansas State, which didn’t let him get loose until the second half. JMU has allowed only 40 yards per game rushing, so stopping the run has and will continue to be a huge focus for the Dukes.

2. Can Troy avoid killer turnovers?

The Trojans have turned the ball over six times through two games, four fumbles and two interceptions. The Dukes on the other hand, have given the ball away only once. The team that wins the turnover battle is quite often the one that wins, and Troy will have to reverse an early-season trend to be on the positive side vs. JMU.

3. Will Troy’s defense regain its 2022 form?

The Trojans were expected to take a step back on defense this season after losing the likes of Carlton Martial, KJ Robertson and Will Choloh to graduation this year, and the suspension of All-Sun Belt end T.J. Jackson has only compounded concerns. Richard Jibunor, Reddy Steward, Dell Pettus and others have been good individually, but collectively the Trojans have not been what many expected.

KEY MATCHUP

Troy RT Carson Burt vs. JMU DE Jamree Kromah: Burt had trouble with speedy Kansas State defensive end Khalid Duke, allowing two sacks. Kromah had two sacks and three tackles for loss vs. Virginia last week.

BY THE NUMBERS

36 — Points per game allowed by Troy through two games this season. The Trojans surrendered an average of just 17.1 points in 14 games in 2022.