Troy University Athletics
Saturday, October 5
Troy, Ala.
12:00 p.m.
Troy University
vs
South Alabama (HC)
Photo by: Terry Sanders
Troy Not Taking Homecoming Opponent South Alabama Lightly
10/3/2013 3:48:00 PM | Football
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Despite the game being dubbed as Troy's Homecoming, the Trojan coaches aren't about to take their opponent lightly. They know the team coming to Veterans Memorial Stadium is quality and deserves respect.
"They are a lot further along, looking at the film, as a program. They have some players that make plays and make it difficult for opponents on both sides of the ball," Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said. "We're not looking past this game; it's a conference game and one we really need to win."
South Alabama played its first slate of games as a program in 2009 and competed in a Sun Belt Conference schedule last season though they were not eligible for a championship. This year, the chains are off and the Jaguars are proving that they belong at the Division I level.
The team defeated Tulane and conference foe Western Kentucky before narrowly missing an upset over Tennessee last week. The only real blemish on the Jags schedule is a 22-21 opening week loss to FCS-level Southern Utah.
South Alabama (2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt) is third in the Sun Belt in total defense and second in rushing defense, which is something Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield is well aware of.
"The thing that makes their defense so dangerous is that they have a great front. They play about eight guys, they're older guys. They like to bring pressure and force offenses to make quick decisions," he said.
"They made some really good plays in the secondary against Tennessee and looked really athletic back there. Our challenge is to give our quarterbacks time to read the defense and make the correct play. We also have to establish the running game so we can open up the other things that we like to do."
Offensively, the Jaguars are averaging 29.2 points per game and have been balanced between the run and pass.
For South Alabama, moving the football starts with versatile quarter back Ross Metheny. The senior has thrown for 829 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 166 yards and five scores.
"That's something you're seeing more and more of now, a quarterback that can move," said Troy defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt. "It gives you some else to have to worry about. When you have weapons on offense and a quarterback that can move it makes things tough on a defense."
The Trojans (2-2, 0-1) will rely on its defensive line to apply pressure to the Jaguars passing game. Led by sophomore Tyler Roberts, Troy has recorded 10 sacks this season, which is tied for the most in the conference.
"It's going to be a tough, hard-fought game. They're three hours away in Mobile and I'm sure will bring a great crowd, we'll have a great crowd, too," Blakeney said. "Our guys understand how important this game is and should be ready and motivated to play."
Kickoff from Veterans Memorial Stadium is set for noon and the game will be broadcast live on the Sun Belt Network (CSS/CST) and on ESPN3 (subject to blackout). Fans can watch the ESPN3 broadcast by visiting TroyTrojans.com/ESPN3. For fans subject to the ESPN3 blackout, Trojans All-Access will also be broadcasting the game.
Despite the game being dubbed as Troy's Homecoming, the Trojan coaches aren't about to take their opponent lightly. They know the team coming to Veterans Memorial Stadium is quality and deserves respect.
"They are a lot further along, looking at the film, as a program. They have some players that make plays and make it difficult for opponents on both sides of the ball," Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said. "We're not looking past this game; it's a conference game and one we really need to win."
South Alabama played its first slate of games as a program in 2009 and competed in a Sun Belt Conference schedule last season though they were not eligible for a championship. This year, the chains are off and the Jaguars are proving that they belong at the Division I level.
The team defeated Tulane and conference foe Western Kentucky before narrowly missing an upset over Tennessee last week. The only real blemish on the Jags schedule is a 22-21 opening week loss to FCS-level Southern Utah.
South Alabama (2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt) is third in the Sun Belt in total defense and second in rushing defense, which is something Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield is well aware of.
"The thing that makes their defense so dangerous is that they have a great front. They play about eight guys, they're older guys. They like to bring pressure and force offenses to make quick decisions," he said.
"They made some really good plays in the secondary against Tennessee and looked really athletic back there. Our challenge is to give our quarterbacks time to read the defense and make the correct play. We also have to establish the running game so we can open up the other things that we like to do."
Offensively, the Jaguars are averaging 29.2 points per game and have been balanced between the run and pass.
For South Alabama, moving the football starts with versatile quarter back Ross Metheny. The senior has thrown for 829 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 166 yards and five scores.
"That's something you're seeing more and more of now, a quarterback that can move," said Troy defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt. "It gives you some else to have to worry about. When you have weapons on offense and a quarterback that can move it makes things tough on a defense."
The Trojans (2-2, 0-1) will rely on its defensive line to apply pressure to the Jaguars passing game. Led by sophomore Tyler Roberts, Troy has recorded 10 sacks this season, which is tied for the most in the conference.
"It's going to be a tough, hard-fought game. They're three hours away in Mobile and I'm sure will bring a great crowd, we'll have a great crowd, too," Blakeney said. "Our guys understand how important this game is and should be ready and motivated to play."
Kickoff from Veterans Memorial Stadium is set for noon and the game will be broadcast live on the Sun Belt Network (CSS/CST) and on ESPN3 (subject to blackout). Fans can watch the ESPN3 broadcast by visiting TroyTrojans.com/ESPN3. For fans subject to the ESPN3 blackout, Trojans All-Access will also be broadcasting the game.
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