‘The game is won at the line of scrimmage’ is a saying that is as old as the game of football itself. While some may tire of hearing the phrase over and over, more often than not it holds true.

The 2014 Troy Trojans have taken it to heart, and the offensive and defensive lines are locked in a physical, competitive battle to be the top big boys on the field. Troy donned full pads for the first time on Monday and during Tuesday morning’s first session, the trench warfare was well underway. The last half-hour of the practice featured a mini-scrimmage.

“I feel like we are getting better every day,” offensive lineman Antonio Garcia said. “We go against Tyler Roberts, Lonnie Gosha and Billy Dobbs and they push us every period of the day. There is a lot of competition out there and that makes every one better.”

Troy returns the core of the offensive front in 2014, including Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference selection Terrence Jones. The unit paved the way for running backs Jordan Chunn and Brandon Burks to gallop for over 1,000 combined yards and score 16 touchdowns.

Troy returns the core of the offensive front in 2014, including Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference selection Terrence Jones. The unit paved the way for running backs Jordan Chunn and Brandon Burks to gallop for over 1,000 combined yards and score 16 touchdowns.

The defensive front held opposing run games in check well during in 2013. Troy ranked fifth in rush defense last season, and averaged giving up 169.6 yards per game. In league games, Troy ranked a little higher. The Trojans allowed an average of 158 rush yards a game against Sun Belt foes.

Dobbs feels the Troy front seven will be better prepared for opposing offenses, because they go up against “the best O-line and running back in the league” every day at practice.

“It is great competition every day.” Dobbs said. “It makes you better as a unit and as an individual player. We feel like we match up great. We have a lot of confidence, because we are going against the best. We get challenged every day, and we are all better off for it. This team is working to get better every day.”

Troy fall practice continues Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.