As Troy has struggled through this year’s football season, there have been many questions about its young offense. The concerns and frustrations became heavier as each loss mounted. However during Saturday’s 34-7 victory over Florida Atlantic, one question received an answer.

Wide receiver Eric Thomas almost seemed to release his frustrations on FAU’s defense, racking up a total of 128 yards receiving and two touchdowns. The Shreveport, Louisiana native has been the only Trojan receiver to surpass the 100 yards receiving mark this season and Saturday would be his second time. Thomas put up 108 yards in only four catches in the team’s victory over Middle Tennessee earlier this season.

In Saturday’s performance against FAU Thomas built the Trojans lead up to 17-7 going into half time with a 57 yard touchdown reception from quarterback Corey Robinson. That touchdown reception gave Thomas his eighth of the season and tied him for the most touchdown receptions in a season in Troy’s FBS history.

However with 62 yards receiving on only two receptions at the half, Eric was finished just yet. He would put up 66 more yards in the second half on four more receptions. He would also go onto break the school’s most touchdown receptions in a season on a 25 yard reception from Robinson to build Troy’s lead to 31-7.

“We were all trying to do the little things right,” said Thomas. “We have been working hard at practice to make plays and when you get the chance you have to do it.”

The sophomore has certainly come a long way from his freshman debut. Thomas finished the 2010 season with a total of nine receptions for 120 yards and only one touchdown that came against a victory over North Texas.

Thomas has stepped up into an offense full of questions and doubt this season and has set a foundation to lead his team to success. With nine touchdown receptions now under his belt Thomas can build on his record with two more games remaining against Western Kentucky and Arkansas State.

“It feels pretty good to be close to the record and breaking it,” Thomas said. “I’m going to try to get some more in these last two games we have left, but we have to win.”