In this series, we’ll give you a sneak peek into the future and Troy’s 2013 football schedule. We’ll post two games each day and give you an in-depth look at what to expect once the Trojans take the field. From UAB to Texas State, we’ve got you covered.

Aug. 31 – UAB     Sept. 7 – Savannah State

Sept. 12 – at Arkansas State

Two undefeated teams square off on ESPNU in a Thursday night Sun Belt matchup.

Arkansas State is coming off a big road win over Auburn (and former ASU head man Gus Malzahn) proving that first-year head coach Bryan Harsin is the right man to keep the Red Wolves rolling.

Troy and Arkansas State trade punches early. The Trojans score on a nice pitch and catch from Corey Robinson to Eric Thomas. The Red Wolves answer quickly with a nice drive led by quarterback Adam Kennedy, a Utah State transfer.

David Oku puts ASU on top in the second quarter on a 25-yard scamper. Will Scott dills a field goal as time expires in the half, Troy heads into the locker room trailing 14-10.

Troy looks to shake things up in the second half after the offense sputtered in the first. Deon Anthony and Robinson shuffle in and out and seem to have the Red Wolves guessing. Anthony finally punches one in the endzone from five yards out to give Troy a 17-14 advantage midway through the third quarter.

ASU seems content pounding the ball with Oku and it works as the Red Wolves retake the lead as the third quarter comes to an end. It’s more f the same in the fourth as Troy’s defense has no answer for Oku and the Red Wolves run game. Oku scores for the third time to put ASU on top 28-17.

The Trojans add a field goal but its not enough as Arkansas State hands Troy its first loss of the season.

RESULT: Troy FALLS in a close one, 28-20.

STAT OF THE GAME: Eric Thomas 8 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD