Super Bowl Update

Just a few from Troy's 38-33 loss to North Texas, which ends any chance the Trojans have of reaching a bowl game. That means the last 3 weeks are all about playing for pride.

OFFENSE - Thought the unit took a step forward, especially was good to see more chances being taken and that receivers, like Eric Thomas, got a chance to make plays. There still isn't the established playmaker who can turn a slip screen into a 60-yard gain, though, and that won't be corrected this year. Chandler Worthy and Justin Albert are probably the best bets on this year's group. Of course, the bad turnovers still plagued the Trojans. Two more fumbles led to touchdowns, and there was an interception, though it was thrown to try to give the receiver a chance to make a play (even if 2 defenders were around.)

It was interesting to see the Trojans just go to a 2-man running back rotation, with Shawn Southward and D.J. Taylor getting 26 carries combined. Southward was the better one in that game, running 16 times for 84 yards and not losing yards.

With Jamie Hampton out for the year, looks like the backup is Luke Barnes. It may not be the worst thing if he plays a little bit - think about it, if starter Corey Robinson is starting for the next two full years, how much playing time would the backups get during those years anyway? Though, don't look for the freshmen to play unless Robinson gets hurt.

DEFENSE - This group took a big step back, I thought. Trojans were put in a bad spot after 2 offensive fumbles, especially the 2nd one, but that last drive of the game was especially disheartening. Troy wasn't especially aggressive, but UNT faced 3 third downs in that last drive for 2, 3 and 2 yards and were able to complete passes in front of Troy defenders. No reason to play cautious there, as the chance of going for the home run ball was slim.

North Texas, even with Lance Dunbar, is a mediocre offense, but had its best game in 2 years yardage-wise even after Dunbar left the game with a knee injury. The biggest thing looked to be that the offensive line pretty much handled Troy's defensive line for most of the game.

Troy made some changes, starting Cam Hudson over Brynden Trawick at safety and Ethan Davis over Chris Pickett at corner.

OVERALL - Troy is just one step behind the teams it has played this year, where in years past, it has been one, two or three steps ahead. The talent level certainly isn't there - there won't be a player on the all-conference team except for James Brown, possibly Kyle Wilborn and the honorable mention selection. The JUCO recruiting is something fans shouldn't rag on, but the Trojans haven't found as many impact JUCO players over the past year or two as they did in years prior. Much of this has to do with talent, which goes back to recruiting and keeping guys academically eligible.

There isn't a dominating defensive tackle - a guy like Steve McLendon, Dion Gales, Chris Bradwell, Eugene Kinlaw, Kevin Dixon - and that's not letting the defensive ends make as many plays. There are some solid ones, but not guys like that who command more than 1 blocker at all times.

The biggest problem has been the overabundance of guys getting declared academically ineligible or transferring out/getting asked to leave. You look at WR Jamel Johnson, WR Chip Reeves, DB KeJuan Phillips, DE R.J. Roberts, DL J.R. Robertson, LB Mark Wilson, perhaps even WR Anthony Williams - all guys who should still be on this year's team, but aren't for whatever reason. I could list several more, perhaps, and some recruits who were hyped by recruiting services, but haven't played yet or never contributed before leaving (see DE Antonio Harper a few years ago).

Also, factor in a multitude of injuries.

Right now, Troy coaches are searching for leaders - guys who can do whatever it takes to finish the year strong, and transition into next year with the hopes that this season won't repeat itself, though it'll be tough as many Sun Belt teams have recruited well. It's been a heck of a job in itself for these coaches to recruit players to the town of Troy - most kids don't want to go to a place like Troy unless it reminds them of home. JUCO guys are looking for playing time, which is what attracts them to Troy. Troy should get Johnson and Reeves back next year, so that'll help out at receiver.

Tomorrow is the usual media day, so we'll see what coaches have to say about plans going forward.