Luke Hodge Named SBC Player of the Week

TROY, Ala. – Troy junior linebacker Luke Hodge has been named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Trojans' near upset at No. 8 Clemson this past weekend.

Hodge was the cog in the machine on the two biggest defensive plays of the game as he forced a fumble and deflected a pass that led to a pick six, helping Troy build a 16-0 lead over the Tigers.

Following a Troy turnover on its side of the field, Clemson faced a fourth-and-2 from the Troy 22-yard line. Adam Randall rushed up the middle for a 7-yard gain and a would-be first down, but Hodge ripped the ball free, and Justin Powe returned the loose football 53 yards to set up a Troy field goal.

Failed possessions by both teams on their ensuing drives and a perfect 41-yard punt by Even Crenshaw pinned the Tigers on their own 8-yard line midway through the second quarter. Hodge deflected Cade Klubnik's initial pass attempt of the drive, which T.J. Thompson pulled down and returned for a touchdown, pushing Troy's lead to 16-0.

The pick six was Troy's first defensive score against a Power 4 opponent since a LaDarrius Madden interception return at Arkansas in 2011.

Troy returns home this weekend to play host to Memphis; kickoff is set for 11 a.m. in The Vet.

Troy University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Luke Hodge

Justin Powe

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