Silvers returns following an overall efficient sophomore season when he threw for 20 touchdowns, completed 61.2 percent of his passes and finished third in the Sun Belt with a 137.5 QB rating. Second-year coach Neal Brown is banking on more consistency from Silvers, who had three games of at least four touchdowns but five others when he didn’t reach the 200-yard mark.

Austin Peay recorded Ohio Valley Conference lows in interceptions (5) and sacks (9) during a 0-11 season.

Advantage: Troy

The Governors were one of the worst offensive teams in the FCS in 2015 with an average of 247.9 yards per contest.

Advantage: Troy

Defensive Edge

Troy’s secondary should improve with Auburn transfer Kamryn Melton at cornerback and junior college transfer Kris Witherspoon at the safety spot. The Trojans hope to improve in every aspect on defense after allowing nearly 400 yards per game last year.

Austin Peay gave up 39 points per game last season.

Advantage: Troy

Special Teams Edge

Ryan Kay will take over as punter in addition to his kicking duties for Troy. Brown also has praised his depth which he said should help every unit.

Advantage: Troy

Coaching Edge

At 36, Brown is one of the FBS’s youngest coaches and believes he has a solid group that could return to a bowl game this season.

As for first-year Austin Peay coach Will Healy? He’s even younger at 30 years old, making him the second-youngest coach in all of Division I football. He’s undertaking one of the country’s biggest rebuilding projects, trying to turn around a program that has gone 1-34 over the last three seasons and hasn’t won more than four games since 2007.

Advantage: Troy

Troy vs. Austin Peay Betting Odds

Over/Under: No line

Troy vs. Austin Peay Prediction

Healy will find out just how tough he has it as Troy runs away with an easy victory.

Final Score Prediction For Troy vs. Austin Peay: Troy 52, Austin Peay 10

MORE: 2016 Preseason College Football Rankings, No. 1-128