Troy Notebook: Defense Rises To Occasion, Ends Turnover Woes

Through seven games this season, the Troy defense had forced 16 fumbles but recovered just one. It was a statistic that reminded players and coaches just how delicate the balance of a game can be.

Against Western Kentucky, the Trojans came away with two fumble recoveries that shifted the game's momentum.

On the Hilltoppers' third drive of the game, Tyler Roberts sacked quarterback Brandon Doughty forcing the ball loose. Roberts had enough awareness to pursue the rolling ball, scoop it up and return it for 16 more yards. The play led to the Trojans first touchdown of the game, helping them to a 10-3 first quarter lead.

After Troy was dominated in the second quarter, quarterback Corey Robinson was intercepted on the Trojans first drive of the second half. WKU drove near midfield before Doughty fumbled a handoff exchange. Troy safety Camren Hudson swooped in and recovered the ball. Three plays later, Robinson redeemed himself with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Chris Williams.

Two WKU turnovers turned into 14 points for the Trojans.

"I thought, after the first one we recovered, that all the bad luck we've been having with fumbles was finally over," Roberts said. "(Coaches) told us about the numbers before the game so we were focusing on forcing turnovers."

Williams gets in on the sack party

After battling through a preseason injury that kept him out of the first three games, senior defensive tackle Aaron Williams recorded his first career sack on Saturday.

The play came late in the first quarter moments after Troy took a 10-3 lead. On Western Kentucky's first play on the ensuing drive, Williams beat his blocker and hauled down Brandon Doughty for a seven-yard loss.

Tyler Roberts and Marty Stadom also had a sack each in the game.

Troy has 19 sacks on the season, which ranks 36^th nationally. The team recorded just 13 sacks all of last season.

Offense overcomes dull second quarter

One thing Troy offensive players don't like is standing on the sideline. The Trojans ran just seven offensive plays in the second quarter resulting in a 17-point Western Kentucky swing.

The Trojans response in the second half was to come out swinging, or more appropriate, 'slinging' the ball around.

"We started throwing it around a little bit and guy started making plays," said Troy quarterback Corey Robinson. "We just let it ride in the second half. I told the coaches to let me throw it, that I've got they're back. Everything worked out."

Troy outscored WKU 22-6 in the second half. The Trojans averaged over 80 plays per game entering the game against Western Kentucky, they ran just 63 on Saturday.

Troy University Athletics

Troy Notebook: Defense Rises To Occasion, Ends Turnover Woes

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