The Troy Trojans outlasted Georgia Southern, 38-16. Saturday was Homecoming for the Trojans. But it was a rainy and windy day once the game started. Troy relied on their rushing attack most of the day. Backup tailback Josh Anderson carried most of the load, with starter Jordan Chunn sitting out. The pivotal rushing attack is what led the Trojans to victory.
Troy Outlasts Georgia Southern
The Eagles entered the game with a record of 0-6. They came in trying to spoil Troy’s homecoming, but didn’t have enough. Troy’s defense did a tremendous job stopping the option attack of Georgia Southern. Though they scored 16 points, the Trojans held the Eagles to only 309 total yards.
The first quarter started with a bang as Anderson had a 32 yard run to start. Receiver John Johnson then found freshman Tray Eafford for a touchdown. Eafford had a record day for the Trojans at receiver. He is a freshman that could see more playing time as the season goes. Coach Neal Brown said “Eafford played a great game.” Troy has begun to rotate their freshman into the mix to get them some reps. Quarterback Kaleb Barker came into the game earlier than expected. Troy was up 31-10 when Barker came in. He did a wonderful job leading Troy to the end zone yet again. Jamarius Henderson also recorded a rushing touchdown.
Troy now leads the series against the Eagles 11-6. The Trojans had not beaten them since 1992. GSU ended Troy’s chances at the Sun Belt title last season with a 28-24 victory in Statesboro. The Trojans wanted to avenge that loss and get the win at home this time. They did just that but with a lot of adversity.
Coach Brown Pleased With The Adversity
Brown said after the game that “ I was pleased with the way we played.” The offense looked more prepared for this game unlike recent weeks. The rushing attack led the way, as Silvers had what he called an “easy day.”
Defense Continues Success
Coming into the game, Troy’s defense ranked first nationally in red zone defense. That statistic may not stand anymore, but the defense did a phenomenal job. The option attack from Southern gave Troy a reason to shift many times during the game.
Overall, Troy outlasted GSU in every phase of the game. Josh Anderson demolished the Eagles’ defense rushing the ball. Brandon Silvers had a solid day throwing the ball as well. This team looked like the Trojan team that went into Baton Rouge and upset LSU. Should they continue this momentum, they can end the season on a high note.
Getting this homecoming win meant much more for Troy. They had already ruined homecoming for LSU and Georgia State. Also, they wanted to get revenge on the Eagles from last season. This win signifies that now every player and coach at Troy currently has beaten Georgia Southern. To get their first win over them since 1992 is absolutely exciting for the fan base.
What’s Next for Troy
Next up, Troy hosts conference foe Idaho on Thursday night at 8:15 pm. That will be a big conference game as Troy seeks to stay in the race for the Sun Belt.
Both Tray Eafford and Clark Quisenberry recorded their first ever touchdowns as Trojans. Quiz is in his senior season with the team. Eafford is a freshman that has a lot of potential with him.
