NCAA Football Preview - Troy Trojans

Aug 26, 2011 - 6:36 PM Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - 2010 SEASON IN REVIEW: For the fifth straight season, the Troy Trojans were tabbed the Sun Belt Conference champions.

The team opened the season with two losses in its first three games, but took both Oklahoma State (41-38) and UAB (34-33) to the limit before dropping both games. The Trojans would right the ship a bit with three straight wins following the heart-breaking loss to the Blazers, but losses at ULM (28-14) and at home to FIU (52-35) put the conference title in question. To further cloud the picture, the Trojans were no match for South Carolina next time out in a 69-24 rout. However, Troy would rally down the stretch with big wins over Western Kentucky (28-14) and a decisive victory over Florida Atlantic in the regular-season finale to once again reign supreme in the SBC, albeit sharing that distinction with FIU.

The team earned its spot in the New Orleans Bowl as a result and capped off yet another season with at least eight wins, with a 48-21 drubbing of Ohio University. In keeping its streak of outright and/or shared conference crowns going, Troy improved to a stellar 32-5 in-conference over the five-year span.

2011 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The Trojans were able to move the ball at will last season, averaging 453.5 yards per game. The success hinged on a strong passing attack that amassed nearly 300 yards per game. The good news is that quarterback Corey Robinson delivered as a freshman last year and should be better in 2011. The 6-0, 215-pound youngster passed for a whopping 3,726 yards and 28 TDs. The problem for 2011 is that the team has lost five receivers to graduation and another two to academics.

Someone will need to step up and become a favorite target of Robinson. Senior Brett Moncrief (16 receptions, 214 yards, two TDs) is the top returning receiver, but has been fighting foot problems. The hope is that he will be ready to go when the season begins. Freshman Chandler Worthy has been impressive in training camp and could see significant playing time.

The ground game is a bit more stable with the return of junior tailback Shawn Southward. The 2009 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, Southward is coming off a sophomore campaign in which he led the team with 623 yards rushing and seven TDs. Juniors Chris Anderson and D.J. Taylor provide valuable backfield depth.

Anderson has been impressive in the summer and is ready to step up this year.

"I've got to be a leader towards my team and lead these guys in the right direction, so we can win some games."

All three backs complement each other according to Taylor.

"We have a lot of depth at running back. We have Shawn Southward, Chris Anderson and me. All three of us bring our own thing to the game plan."

The offensive line will be a mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance. The unit will be headlined by senior left tackle James Brown (6-4, 315), who earned All-SBC Second-Team honors in 2010.

DEFENSE: There is plenty to work with on the defensive side of the football, as the Trojans are stout in the front seven. The top performer comes off the edge in the form of First-Team All-SBC defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi. The 6-2, 250-pound junior is coming off a monster sophomore season in which he posted 76 total tackles, 20.5 TFLs and 13.5 sacks. Massaquoi could vie for Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2011.

The linebacking corps is headlined by senior Xavier Lamb and junior Kanorris Davis. Lamb led the team in tackles in 2010 with 91. Davis finished with 43 stops, with nine TFLs and three sacks.

The secondary brings back three of last year's four starters.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Trojans return both senior Michael Taylor and senior Will Goggans to the kicking game. Taylor (5-10, 215) converted 17-of-22 field goals last year with a long of 50 yards. Goggans (6-0, 230) averaged just over 42 yards per punt and was able to place 20 of his 64 punts inside the 20-yard line.

OUTLOOK: Larry Blackney is beginning his 21st season (third-longest active tenure in the FBS) at the helm in Troy and there is an anticipation of yet another strong season and perhaps conference crown there for the taking. However, this year is certainly not void of challenges. The Trojans will get right to it with the season-opener at Clemson, followed by another tough road trip to Arkansas. UAB and Navy round out the non-conference slate this season.

Tough contests at home against Middle Tennessee, ULM and Florida Atlantic will be telling, but it is a nationally televised Tuesday night affair in late October on the road at FIU that very well may determine the conference title.