Troy looking to rest before preparing for WKU
Published 8:52 pm Monday, October 1, 2012
Coming off a 31-10 victory over South Alabama, the team’s second consecutive road win, Troy get a week off to prepare for its next opponent, Western Kentucky, which they face in a Thursday night game on Oct. 11.
The Trojans will look to heal their bumps and bruises early this week before getting back to the grind midway through the season.
“Sitting at 3-2, I’m happy,” Said offensive lineman Cody Woodiel. “We have three hard-fought road wins. We just have to step up and play a great game at home and keep the momentum going.”
Troy, known for its solid home record, has witnessed a reversal this season. The Trojans are 0-2 at home while posting 3-0 mark on the road.
Troy finished 0-7 as the visiting team last year.
The defense has played exceptionally well the last two games. In fact, the unit has allowed just 24 points over the last 10 quarters.
“We won two games out of it, I’m in on that,” said defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell. “I like it when we have more points than they do at the end of the game. It’s good, but in my opinion, it should be better.”
Troy surrendered just 252 yards of total offense to South Alabama and the defense, which hadn’t forced a turnover in three game, recorded four in the game. Safety Brynden Trawick recorded his first interception as a Trojan in the second quarter.
The pick came as South Alabama was threatening at the Trojans 9-yard line. Trawick stepped in front the corner route and came down with the ball and returned it to the 10.
“They were down deep into the red zone and some one had to make a play,” Trawick said. “Your first interception always feels good. I feel like I can relax a little now and just play my game.”
The Trojans are a little banged up and are looking to use the down time to recoup before hosting Western Kentucky on ESPNU.
Defensive tackle Shermane TeArt suffered a stinger on the first play of the second half, but is expected to be ready for the Hilltoppers.
Right guard Jimmie Arnold sprained his ankle against South Alabama, but coaches are hopeful he will recover in time for next week’s game.
The turnover bug bit Troy once again on Saturday.
The Trojans handed the ball over five times including three Corey Robinson interceptions.
“We’re going to see how many turnovers we can get in a game and still win. See if we can set a record for that,” offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said jokingly. “One of (the interceptions) was on me. The other two, (Robinson) really did not make good decisions and I think we can coach that up.”
Troy also lost two fumbles.
“I think they are coachable things,” Edenfield said. Hopefully, at some point, we can get better at that.”
The Trojans will practice Tuesday and Wednesday. The team will then return to the practice field on Saturday to begin final preparations for Western Kentucky.
The Hilltoppers (4-1), who also have the week off, defeated Arkansas State 26-13 last week behind a solid ground game.
Antonio Andrews rushed for 215 yards on 20 carries for WKU in the game.
Kickoff for Troy-Western Kentucky is set for 6:30 p.m.