Super Bowl Update

Had to write about other stuff yesterday, so no stories in the Wednesday paper Troy-related. Some thoughts as we get closer to the opener at UAB for Troy.

***Last time Troy opened against a team with a new coach was at Bowling Green in 2009. It was hard to figure out who to study - the personnel from the previous year, the schemes from the coach's previous school and the schemes from the coordinator's previous school, which usually isn't the previous school of the head coach. A big reason Troy ended up losing to Bowling Green was the fact it abandoned the run for the most part as the game went on and because BG had a very good and experienced senior quarterback, as well as other experienced players. That BG team went to a bowl. UAB is a little different in that I don't anticipate it having nearly as much experience. Troy coaches are familiar with Garrick McGee's offense at Arkansas, which got off to a hot start against Troy last year but cooled later in the game. Offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm spent the 2009 season as the QBs coach at FAU. Defensive coordinator Reggie Johnson coached linebackers the past four years with McGee at Arkansas. So schematically, I'd guess Troy will see a lot of what they've faced at Arkansas in 2011 and perhaps even 2009 and 2007, but first-year coaches usually have to tailor what they want to do to the personnel they have. It'll be an interesting contrast.

**The junior college transfers weren't listed as starters, but rest assured they'll still play a lot. Early in the season, especially as hot as it could be at UAB, they'll play all six of those tackles. I think the tackles will be more aggressive this season and not doing as much "reading and reacting" as they did last year. The entire defensive line is going to have to get more pressure and spend more time in the backfield if the defense wants to improve from last year.

**I'd be surprised if D.J. Taylor suits up for that first game because of his heat-related issues. If he's only practiced twice all fall, I don't believe his body will be conditioned for a game at that time. Troy needs him, though, badly. Not just for his leadership but for his skill. The Trojans don't have a back as big as him with that skill set. If he's out, you'll see Shawn Southward get more carries and a good dose of Khary Franklin in that first game as well. Jarod Lee would see time as a blocking back and with Chris Anderson being a late arrival to fall camp because of personal issues, probably either Daron White or Brandon Burks getting some carries. Burks has looked good, but remember that he's had some ball security issues, losing fumbles in each of the two scrimmages. Fifth-year senior T.J. Mitchell could get some snaps as well, given that he knows the offense and his role better than the younger ones.

**Saturday is a walk-through, no scrimmage. Probably in the morning. But I am sure it will be open to the public.

**The move of Kyle Wilborn to center may have been to get Cody Woodiel on the field for more snaps. Ever since he arrived, coaches have had great things to say about him. But last year he was a little light, as he played tight end in junior college. Now at around 280-290 pounds (if not more), his body is ready for him to be a starting guard.

**Won't surprise me if most of the true freshmen redshirt. You don't see but safety Montres Kitchens on the depth chart I posted the other day (of the ones who were not here this spring). That's a good thing if the veterans upped their play to hold them off because the skill players brought in are pretty talented, but young and need to get adjusted to college football. Same with the offensive linemen.