By Sean Holohan

Troy University football dropped to 1-7 overall on the season and 1-3 in the Sun Belt Conference Friday night as they were dispatched by conference rival South Alabama 27-13 in Mobile.

The Trojans, which were gashed in the run game last week against Appalachian State, allowed two South Alabama (5-2, 4-1) running backs to eclipse the one hundred yard mark en route to 296 yards rushing and 402 yards of total offense on the night for the Jaguars.

Troy was able to contain South Alabama’s dual-threat quarterback Brandon Bridge, holding him to -12 yards rushing on four carries and 106 yards passing, but senior running back Kendall Houston picked up the slack for the Jaguars, leading the team with 178 yards rushing and a TD.

The Trojans weren’t able to muster much offense throughout the game, netting just 309 yards of total offense and were forced to settle for two field goals through the first three quarters.

Finding themselves down 24-6 late in the fourth quarter, the Trojans were able to score their only TD of the game, a B.J. Chitty eight-yard reception from backup quarterback Dontreal Pruitt.

Quarterback Brandon Silvers was also ineffective through the first three quarters, finishing his day 9-of-18 for just 62 yards passing. And running backs Brandon Burks and Jordan Chunn, who had seen success two weeks ago against New Mexico State, were held to just 50 and 53 yards rushing, respectively.

And wide receiver Chandler Worthy, who has returned a kickoff for a touchdown two consecutive weeks, was held to just three returns for 33 yards in the game.

Although Troy committed zero turnovers in the game, the Trojans were burned by penalties, committing 10 for 100 yards.

Troy will have a quick turnaround from Friday’s game, as they head to Georgia Southern next Thursday.