A View from the Stands – Troy 24 Vs Florida Atlantic 6

For the second week in a row the Trojan defense dominated Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium. They held FAU to a minus 12 yards rushing, had 14 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, 6 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries. This is becoming so routine for them our next opponent may want to just forfeit the game.

The first half was uneventful until the very end. Neither team was moving the ball and both teams had missed a field goal. The Owls kicker did manage to score first on a long field goal but for the most part it was a dull boring game with neither team gaining the needed momentum.

Then Coach Blakeney drew up a play; three receivers to the right and Samples to the left. Let Samples outrun the corner and give DT the time to throw. Hopefully the Owls would concentrate on the right side of the field and leave Samples with single coverage. The line did their job, DT did his and Samples certainly did his. Although the Owls safety realized what was happening and rushed over for double coverage, somehow Samples leaped higher, fought harder, and landed in the end zone for our first touchdown. Samples grabbed the ball and Troy grabbed the momentum as the first half ended. We came out in the third quarter and put together a couple of drives for a touchdown and a field goal. The game was over when McKelvin ran a punt back 64 yards for our final score. By then the Owls were too far in the hole and our defense was ready for the passing assault they launched.

Special teams also excelled again. McKelvin’s touchdown was his second of the afternoon. The first one was called back on a penalty. Richardson’s kickoff return to midfield started a drive that eventually ended with Betterson jumping over defenders and landing in the end zone. Olmstead kept them deep in their own territory all afternoon with his punting.

Our offense was stopped in the first half but loosened up and moved the ball well in the second half. McDowell still made freshman mistakes but he also made plays where none seemed available. We had plenty of first downs (14) but we didn’t do well on third or fourth down conversions only completing 4 of 16 and 1 of 2 respectively.

The Owls played hard the whole game and didn’t give up. Unfortunately for them, they faced a very confident and relentless Trojan defense. As long as the defense and special teams continue to plat like they have, the offense just needs to take advantage of the opportunities that are provided to them. However, I do see lots of improvement since the Arkansas State game. The offense is working together better and I expect that to continue. Our passing game greatly improved in the second half. Maybe McDowell has finally become comfortable in his position and will continue to improve.

Our chances of a bowl are getting better with every game. I’d sure like to see us playing UAB in the GMAC bowl in Mobile, AL.