Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Troy Notebook: Trojans Expecting 'A' Game from Mississippi State
9/16/2013 2:17:00 PM | Football
Troy quarterback Corey Robinson knows the Trojans aren't going to catch Mississippi State off guard and expects both teams to be hungry for a win.
"We're not going to sneak up on them like we did last year," he said. "Coming off tough losses like we both did last week, everyone is going looking to rebound."
Troy lost to Arkansas State in a Thursday night conference battle while Mississippi State fell in the final seconds to Auburn in its conference opener.
The Bulldogs knocked off Troy in a tightly contested 30-24 decision last season at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"We have some players and we can compete," Robinson said. "We're going to get their best shot, it's going to be tough, hard-fought football game."
Mississippi Trojans looking forward to matchup with Bulldogs
Seven Troy players hail from the state of Mississippi including defensive lineman Jadarius Garner and kicker Will Scott. Both say they are exciting about returning to the Magnolia State to take on Mississippi State.
"My whole family came up Mississippi State fans," said Garner, a Clarksdale native. "Some of them have converted to Troy but there are still some who are diehard Bulldogs."
Scott said he rooted for Ole Miss growing up but his aunt bought him a cowbell one year though it hasn't seen daylight in years.
Like Scott, Garner says he's ready strap on the gear and take a second shot at knocking off the SEC opponent.
"I'm ready to play. I was frustrated last year at the way things turned out," Garner said.
Holmes finds spotlight with fans and teammates
While his teammates knew about his talents, receiver Bryan Holmes showed Troy fans was he was capable of against Arkansas State with six catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. With the success comes attention and with that comes jokes.
Holmes has been confused at times in appearance with teammate Eric Thomas, Troy's all-conference senior. Thomas, however, doesn't see the resemblance.
"He's the ugliest guy on the team," Thomas said with a smile with Holmes a few feet away. "He can play some football, though."
Holmes hauled in just one pass last season but is behind just Thomas as Troy's receiving yards leader this season.
"He's playing like he's capable of playing," Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said. "We knew he could make some plays for us. He's getting the opportunity and he's getting the job done."
Defense looks to get back to work after disappointing loss
After surrendering 41 points to Arkansas State on Thursday, Troy defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt says the message is the same.
"We have to eliminate big plays in the passing game and stop the run, it's the same for just about every defense," he said. "If we do those things we have a chance to win any game we play."
After the Red Wolves jumped out to a 20-7 lead in the first quarter, Troy's defense tightened and forced punts on the next four drives heading into halftime.
The Trojan defense also came away with two sacks in the game giving them a season total of nine through three games which ties them for 14th nationally in the category.
"We're not going to sneak up on them like we did last year," he said. "Coming off tough losses like we both did last week, everyone is going looking to rebound."
Troy lost to Arkansas State in a Thursday night conference battle while Mississippi State fell in the final seconds to Auburn in its conference opener.
The Bulldogs knocked off Troy in a tightly contested 30-24 decision last season at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"We have some players and we can compete," Robinson said. "We're going to get their best shot, it's going to be tough, hard-fought football game."
Mississippi Trojans looking forward to matchup with Bulldogs
Seven Troy players hail from the state of Mississippi including defensive lineman Jadarius Garner and kicker Will Scott. Both say they are exciting about returning to the Magnolia State to take on Mississippi State.
"My whole family came up Mississippi State fans," said Garner, a Clarksdale native. "Some of them have converted to Troy but there are still some who are diehard Bulldogs."
Scott said he rooted for Ole Miss growing up but his aunt bought him a cowbell one year though it hasn't seen daylight in years.
Like Scott, Garner says he's ready strap on the gear and take a second shot at knocking off the SEC opponent.
"I'm ready to play. I was frustrated last year at the way things turned out," Garner said.
Holmes finds spotlight with fans and teammates
While his teammates knew about his talents, receiver Bryan Holmes showed Troy fans was he was capable of against Arkansas State with six catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. With the success comes attention and with that comes jokes.
Holmes has been confused at times in appearance with teammate Eric Thomas, Troy's all-conference senior. Thomas, however, doesn't see the resemblance.
"He's the ugliest guy on the team," Thomas said with a smile with Holmes a few feet away. "He can play some football, though."
Holmes hauled in just one pass last season but is behind just Thomas as Troy's receiving yards leader this season.
"He's playing like he's capable of playing," Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said. "We knew he could make some plays for us. He's getting the opportunity and he's getting the job done."
Defense looks to get back to work after disappointing loss
After surrendering 41 points to Arkansas State on Thursday, Troy defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt says the message is the same.
"We have to eliminate big plays in the passing game and stop the run, it's the same for just about every defense," he said. "If we do those things we have a chance to win any game we play."
After the Red Wolves jumped out to a 20-7 lead in the first quarter, Troy's defense tightened and forced punts on the next four drives heading into halftime.
The Trojan defense also came away with two sacks in the game giving them a season total of nine through three games which ties them for 14th nationally in the category.
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