Crystal Ball: UAB

Published 9:00 am Monday, July 8, 2013

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

The day has finally arrived. Troy vs. UAB means the start of a new season and the renewal of a rivalry.

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Garrick McGee enters his second season as the Blazers’ head coach and has a better understanding of the rivalry. With one season under his belt, UAB’s offense is starting to make the turn and look like the high-powered offenses McGee put together in his time at Arkansas.

Troy’s new 4-2-5 scheme under Wayne Bolt creates some problems for the Blazers however as the Trojans pick up six sacks in the game, nearly half of their 2013 total.

The Troy offense looks crisp at times and sluggish at others but again does enough to give the Trojans the lead heading into the fourth quarter. Corey Robinson hooks up with Eric Thomas for a pair of touchdown passes in the game while he finds B.J. Chitty for another.

After a costly turnover, the Trojans need a defensive stop late in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Tyler Roberts makes a huge tackle for loss on Darrin Reeves on third and short to force the Blazers to punt deep in their own territory.

Troy leaves Deon Anthony in the game to help run out the clock and uses Daron White, Khary Franklin and Michael Lindsey to burn off the remaining time.

RESULT: Troy hangs on to WIN, 31-24.

STAT OF THE GAME: Tyler Roberts – 10 Tackles, 2 TFL, 1 Sack