SFA (0-0) VS. (RV) TROY (0-0)
Defending WAC Champions versus Defending SBC Champions
WHEN: Sept. 2, 2023 (Sat.) 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: Troy, Alabama (Verterans Memorial Stadium)
TV: ESPN+
RADIO: Troy Sports Radio Network
DeMarcus Ware Day
SERIES 2-2-0
L 2000 - Troy:6; SFA:0 (Nac.)
L 1999 - Troy:27; SFA:7 (Troy)
W 1998 - SFA:21; Troy:14 (Nac.)
W 1997 - SFA:20; Troy:13 (Troy)
After 3-straight losing seasons in the Sun Belt Conference, the Trojans of Troy are coming off their best FBS season in program history (12-2-0 record, Conference and Bowl Champions, finishing #19 in the final AP Poll)
Now currently riding an 11-game winning streak (7 straight at home) that started back almost a year ago in what can be called a complete resurrection of a football program, under then first year head coach Jon Sumrall (Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year)
In 2022, coach Sumrall, known for his defense, had the defensive units holding opponents to under their season averages in scoring, including three of the top 25 scoring teams in the country (UTSA, Western Kentucky, App. State)
Offense returns 7 starters
The offense is lead by returning senior QB #18 Gunnar Watson 6-3; 215 who last season completed 206 passes (61%) for 2,818 yards and 14 TDs (with 12 INTs)
They do take a hit on offense, losing their top 2 starting receivers, who combined for 92 catches, 1,576 yards and 11 TDs.
On the ground the Trojans return SBC all conference senior RB #28 Kimani Vidal 5-8; 215 who in 2022 rushed for 1,132 yards and 10 TD's (11th player in Troy history to go over a thousand yards rushing in a season and only the second player to rush for over 200 yards in a game in multiple games)
Defense returns 6 starters
The defense loses their top 3 leading tacklers, but do return their top DB's in junior CB #18 Reddy Steward 5-11; 180 (2023 Bednarik Award Watch List) and CB #11 Fletcher O'Shai 5-11; 174 who combined for 20 PBU and 3 INTs last season.
Troy: ?
Louisiana Tech: 17-52
Texas Tech: 22-28 (SFA up 13-7 at the half)
UTEP: 14-24 (SFA up 14-3 in the 2nd)
UTSA: 10-24 (down 10-17 in the 3rd)
SMU: 7-50
Memphis: 14-56 (down 14-20 late in the 3rd
Baylor: 17-56 (down 7-14 in the 2nd)
We all know how things go when it comes to FBS games, but on the positive, SFA has been more competitive under Coach Carthel.
Axe'EM