NDL: S30W2 - Troy (42) at Utah State (14)
Trojans defense dominates in Logan 42-14
Article By: SUMMARY-- Two defensive touchdowns in the closing minute of the first half sealed an impressive victory for Troy. Utah State fought back from a 35-0 deficit at the half, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter, but the damage was done far earlier. Trailing by 21 with just one minute remaining in the first half, Utah State QB Spencer Petras threw two interceptions that were both returned for touchdowns. Petras threw 5 interceptions in the season opener for Utah State as Troy traveled 1,900 miles to collect their second win in as many games.
PRESS-- Senior free safety Cecil Powell insisted that the teams performance was based on coaching adjustments. "All week the coaches talked about adjustments, when you have to travel almost 2,000 miles this early in the season you want to be prepared." Powell primarily plays safety but throughout the week was put in situational drills in the slot as well as special teams. "When you have a kid with his speed and his talent... we decided to try him in the slot to help get some edge pressure and bring some speed close to the line of scrimmage. We've got a lot of things we need to work around to continue to build this program. Last week we made some decisions that didn't work in our favor on the offensive line so we adjusted correctly throughout the week and on defense we will look for those same changes."
STAS-- Utah State was unsuccessful in third down attempts converting 0-for-10. Powell led Troy with 8 total tackles, 2 TFL, 1 pass deflection and 0.5 sacks while playing 92% of his defensive snaps in the slot. Defensive backs Justin Powe and Trent Henry scored on interception returns of 44 yards and 28 yards, respectively. Senior defensive back Damaje Yancey intercepted two Petras passes and junior linebacker Terry Thomas notched his first career interception in a phenomal outing by the Trojans defense. Troy made adjustments along the defensive line as well resulting in 13 TFLs as a team. For the second straight game senior running back Gerald Green found space between the tackles, rushing for 137 yards and scoring in both halves. Troy ran 32 times for 163 yards led by Green (5.7 YPC).
PLAY OF THE GAME-- With 1:55 remaining in the first half, Goose Crowder made an ill-advised throw into the end zone to 5'11 Junior, Devonte Ross who was well defended. The defender and Ross both made an attempt at the ball but as they collided in the air the ball squirted back up, briefly, before falling directly down into the waiting arms of the wide receiver. Like a planned circus act that was Crowders second touchdown pass of the game.
UP NEXT--
Troy (2-0) @ Ball State (0-1)
Utah State (0-1) @ Utah (0-0)
Dickerson couldn't rally his teammates today..No Practice equals L
Article By: Coach Wave didn't prepare for this game and it showed. Troy was focused and played a great game. Utah State QB Spencer Petras threw 2 touchdowns but had 5 ints to start off this young season. Rahsul Faison had a decent game on the ground with 82 yards rushing. The leading receiver for the Aggies was Kahanu Davis with 83 yards on 2 receptions. Coach Wave said he vows to do better and to better prepare this team going forward!!
HOME
Discord