Troy’s battle for the top spot in the Sun Belt begins tomorrow night against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

The Ragin’ Cajuns and the Trojans are tied atop the Belt standings with a 4-1 record in conference play. This game will ultimately decide who will go to the New Orleans Bowl.

Troy starting wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan is ready for the challenge.

“We can still get that outright conference championship with a win Saturday,” Jernigan said.

Jernigan is ready to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the LSU Tigers last weekend.

“We came in (on Monday) and watched film and when we get to practice we will be focused on one thing, and that is Lafayette,” Jernigan said. “That loss will absolutely linger with us because we knew we had it, but it is part of the past now and we need to focus on ULL. We can’t dwell on the loss because we have two big conference games ahead and we need to win those.”

Jernigan had surgery a few weeks ago and he said his knee is still feeling a little stiff, but when he is out on the field moving he is ready to go.

“I feel good, but I feel a little stiff when I am not moving around a lot,” he said. “But when I work out and run it is OK.”

Jernigan said this team is close to exploding on offense.

“We are dynamic and explosive and we can compete with anyone in the country,” Jernigan said. “But we know we have to come out this week and execute.”

Troy coach Larry Blakeney said if the Trojans want to win the game they will have to find a way to stop Tyrell Fenroy. Fenroy is an All-American candidate and Doak Walker Award semifinalist. The Doak Walker Award is given to the nation’s best college football running back.

“Fenroy is hard to bring down when he gets into the secondary,” Blakeney said. “But they also have a quarterback who complements him well. They are a dynamic running football team. Their offensive line has been together a long time and they are a salty group of guys. We will have to tackle well.”

Blakeney is excited for the game and he said he hopes the fans will come out and get excited too.

“This game ought to be an exciting day for the players, coaches and the fans,” he said.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. from Movie Gallery Stadium on Salute to Armed Forces Day in Troy. The Trojans and the Sound of the South will honor all who have served in the military at halftime Saturday.