Quick glance at this weekend’s nonconference foe Troy
Sept.27, 2021
Gamecocks will host Troy in its last out-of-conference matchup before settling into a six-week, all-Southeastern Conference Schedule.
The Troy Trojans are coming off a conference-opening 29-16 loss in the Sun Belt against Louisiana-Monroe, but they boast one of the nation’s best defenses and feature a former SEC quarterback.
Troy’s most recent loss to Louisiana-Monroe was a surprise in the Sun Belt, as the Trojans entered as 24-point favorites and the Warhawks hadn’t won a conference game since 2019.
Like the Gamecocks’ Troy’s defense is the strength of the team. Troy is ranked fifth in the country in total defense, allowing opponents 243.5 yards per game. The Trojans are also able to get to quarterbacks, tied for second in the country with 18 sacks this season.
Troy’s offense, particularly in its run game, has stalled out at critical moments. The Trojans weren’t able to get anything going on the ground against Louisiana-Monroe, gaining 67 yards on 23 attempts last weekend.
Quarterback Taylor Powell has been able to get the offense going in the air, but an interception returned for a 96-yard touchdown sealed the Trojans’ fate against the Warhawks last weekend.
Players’ to watch
· Taylor Powell, QB: Powell is no stranger to SEC action, having played two seasons at Missouri where he backed up Drew Lock and Kelly Bryant. He’s seen better results since taking the reins at Troy, completing 69% of his passes for 1,008 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions through the Trojans’ first four games.
· Carlton Martial, LB: The Trojans’ veteran linebacker can generate turnovers and has forced a fumble and picked off an interception this year. In his four-year career at Troy, Martial has forced seven fumbles and hauled in five interceptions, including one for a touchdown in 2019.
· Javon Solomon, DE: Solomon has recorded the most sacks in FBS football this season with 5.5, tied with Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson and Army’s Andre Carter. The 6-foot-2, 246-pound redshirt freshman came down with two of those sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss in the Trojans’ loss to Louisiana-Monroe last weekend.
Sept.27, 2021
Gamecocks will host Troy in its last out-of-conference matchup before settling into a six-week, all-Southeastern Conference Schedule.
The Troy Trojans are coming off a conference-opening 29-16 loss in the Sun Belt against Louisiana-Monroe, but they boast one of the nation’s best defenses and feature a former SEC quarterback.
Troy’s most recent loss to Louisiana-Monroe was a surprise in the Sun Belt, as the Trojans entered as 24-point favorites and the Warhawks hadn’t won a conference game since 2019.
Like the Gamecocks’ Troy’s defense is the strength of the team. Troy is ranked fifth in the country in total defense, allowing opponents 243.5 yards per game. The Trojans are also able to get to quarterbacks, tied for second in the country with 18 sacks this season.
Troy’s offense, particularly in its run game, has stalled out at critical moments. The Trojans weren’t able to get anything going on the ground against Louisiana-Monroe, gaining 67 yards on 23 attempts last weekend.
Quarterback Taylor Powell has been able to get the offense going in the air, but an interception returned for a 96-yard touchdown sealed the Trojans’ fate against the Warhawks last weekend.
Players’ to watch
· Taylor Powell, QB: Powell is no stranger to SEC action, having played two seasons at Missouri where he backed up Drew Lock and Kelly Bryant. He’s seen better results since taking the reins at Troy, completing 69% of his passes for 1,008 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions through the Trojans’ first four games.
· Carlton Martial, LB: The Trojans’ veteran linebacker can generate turnovers and has forced a fumble and picked off an interception this year. In his four-year career at Troy, Martial has forced seven fumbles and hauled in five interceptions, including one for a touchdown in 2019.
· Javon Solomon, DE: Solomon has recorded the most sacks in FBS football this season with 5.5, tied with Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson and Army’s Andre Carter. The 6-foot-2, 246-pound redshirt freshman came down with two of those sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss in the Trojans’ loss to Louisiana-Monroe last weekend.
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