Trojan march

Trojans prepare for road, FIU

By Greg Rossino (Contact) | Troy Messenger

Published Monday, October 12, 2009

Coming off a third straight win, the Troy Trojans are looking to continue that trend this week against another quality Sun Belt opponent – Florida International University.

During Monday’s weekly press conference at the Courtyard Marriott, Troy football head coach Larry Blakeney discussed everything from beating Middle Tennessee State, to his team getting time off from football.

“[MTSU] was a pretty big win for this group,” Blakeney said.

“I didn’t see it going the way that it did, but I thought we did a good job taking advantage of opportunities.”

In 31-7 win, the Trojans won the battle of the offenses, out gaining the Blue Raiders in total yards 455 to 354 and in first downs, 22 to 19.

“That game was a huge boost for the offense,” senior quarterback Levi Brown said on Monday at the press conference.

“I think our offense is playing really well right now. We are running the ball well and doing the things we need to do to score.

“We just need to keep working hard and stay focused,” the quarterback added.

The focus that Brown was referring to may be a bit renewed because of the Trojans’ odd schedule the past couple of weeks.

This will be Troy’s second game in a three week span, something that Blakeney said could possibly benefit his Trojans.

“I think it’s good for us, but it’s one of those things what you get out of it is what you make of it.

“Hopefully we are refurbished for [Saturday’s game]. Rest is something [the team] can afford,” he said. The coaches and the players will get even more rest while driving down to face off with their next opponent.

FIU’s campus is located in Miami – an 11 hour drive from Troy.

“We are used to being on the road,” Brown said about the trip. “It won’t be different than anything else we have done this season.”

In the five previous games the two teams have met, it has been all Troy.

The Trojans enter Saturday’s match up with an unblemished record against the Panthers at 5-0. Last season in Troy, after jumping out to a double-digit lead early the game, the Trojans had to hold off FIU to secure a 33-23 victory.

“I don’t remember ever losing to them – but it’s always a good dog fight when we meet up,” Blakeney said. “There is always a first time for everything,” the coach added.

The Trojans will look to stay unbeaten in the conference play this Saturday against FIU, with the kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.

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