Troy Trojans Heading in the Right Direction
The Troy Trojans momentum swing is in full effect for the college football world to see. The Trojans are coming off a historic win against LSU. Troy took down the Tigers 24-21 in Death Valley last weekend, and now have great progress on their side. The Trojans really looked like a much improved team in all phases during that game. Troy wore down LSU offensively and held the Tigers to zero for eight on third downs. On offense, Troy had the upper hand. Running back Jordan Chunn proved his worth to the offense with his stellar performance. He rushed for 191 yards against an elite LSU defense. Troy hosts South Alabama next Wednesday for the Battle of the Belt.
This next game for the Trojans will show whether they can compete for a Sun Belt title. The Trojans are already 1-0 in conference play, but the teeth of the schedule is just kicking in. Troy has a brutal conference slate through November, as crucial games lie in wait. If the Trojans are to repeat their 2016 success, they will have to continue to play Troy Football. The way they played Saturday was incredible. Troy handed it to LSU in a way that only they could. To go into Death Valley and steal a win is something a non-conference opponent hasn’t done in years. LSU was 49-0 against non-conference teams at home until Saturday. It was also homecoming for the Tigers and the Trojans ruined that party single handedly.
Momentum Swing in High Gear
The momentum swing for Troy is becoming a reality. With their sights set on South Alabama, Neal Brown and his Trojans look to remain a quality team that can dominate for years to come. What Brown has established as the head man at Troy is remarkable, to say the least. The feats he has accomplished in 2016 and now this season are unmatchable. When he was hired, Brown expected to win. It may have taken a few seasons, but he has done that and more. So much of the momentum is shifted towards this team becoming relevant in the college football world. But it goes beyond that. Gaining momentum with big wins also makes recruits notice what a school is doing. Brown has placed Troy on the college football map and many recruits are noticing. One of the major things that he would like to do is take over the Wiregrass area. The Wiregrass consists of Dothan, Enterprise, and the surrounding areas in southeast Alabama. The Trojans have recruited heavily out of this area for years, but they’re just getting started.
For Troy to be able to win the Sun Belt, it will definitely take a momentum shift in all phases. The offense and defense already have that, but what about special teams? The special teams has been a crucial play for Troy so far. Kicker Bratcher Underwood has done a stellar job as the starting kicker. The endurance of the unit to make pivotal tackles on punts and kickoffs is unbearable. This huge win over LSU excited the entire city of Troy as they seek a bigger prize. The Sun Belt title hasn’t been in Troy since 2010. They almost had it last year, but lost crucial games late in the season. But 2017 is different. Brandon Silvers and this Trojan offense are the best in the conference by far. Silvers is putting up staggering numbers and continues to develop his game every week.
What Lies Ahead
Coach Brown spoke Saturday after the LSU win and said, “We have a big game next Wednesday at the Vet. We want the stadium packed out for the Battle of the Belt.” The Vet has had record numbers at both home games this season. This 2017 Troy team is making history and the nation is beginning to notice. Momentum swings are in high gear in Troy, Alabama and will continue to be for a long time.
