Troy Football Returns To Action With Road Trip To WKU

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TROY, Ala. – The Troy University football team will strap on the gear once against after a much deserved off week. The Trojans travel to Bowling Green, Ky., to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

Troy won its last contest, 35-28, against Georgia State on Oct. 12, and are just two wins away from bowl eligibility.

"It's a big game, a conference game. We've had a tough time in the past against them and Bobby Petrino is one of the best offensive minds in the game," Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said. "We're getting ready the best we can, that's what it's going to take. We're going to have to play a good all-around game."

The contest will feature a battle of the Sun Belt Conference's best offense versus the league's top defense. The Trojans average 486.9 offensive yards per game while Western Kentucky allows just 350 per contest, both are best in the league in each respective category.

"They've got a couple of players that are really fast and big, they play good defense," Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said. "They make you earn your way, they don't give up a lot of cheap balls."

The Trojans will rely on the pitch-and-catch combo of Corey Robinson and Eric Thomas to put points on the board. Entering the game, Thomas has caught a touchdown pass in eight consecutive games, the longest streak in the NCAA. The senior wide receiver has 10 touchdown grabs on the year, which is third best in the nation.

Robinson and the Troy's top rated passing offence will have to face the Sun Belt's top pass defense. The Hilltoppers are allowing just 170 yards per game through the air and are ranked 33^rd nationally in defensive pass efficiency.

On the other side of the ball, Troy will look to slow down one of the nation's top running back in Antonio Andrews, who is second in the country averaging 148 yards per contest.

Western Kentucky's bugaboo this season has been turnovers. The Hilltoppers have thrown 14 interceptions and have lost eight of 16 fumbles. Quarterback Brandon Doughty ranks 57^th nationally in passing efficiency but had had problems keeping the ball out of the hands of opponents.

"When Doughty is right, they are very difficult to defend. They can move the ball against anybody, especially when they hang on to the ball," Troy defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt said. "It will be a great challenge for our kids and a big game for our team."

The Trojans are 8-2-1 all-time versus WKU. The Hilltoppers knocked off Troy 31-26 at Veterans Memorial Stadium last season.

Kickoff between Troy and Western Kentucky is set for 3p.m. (CT). The game will be televised on ESPN3 and can be heard on the Troy IMG Radio Network.

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Troy Football Returns To Action With Road Trip To WKU

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