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Mississippi State
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Troy Trojans |
SECONDARY | style="background-color: #FFFFFF;" align="center" width="63">
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PASSING ATTACK |
One player stands out more than any other and for good reason.
Johnthan Banks leads all active DI players with 14 interceptions. Veterans Corey Broomfield (30 starts) and Nickoe Whitley (20 starts) are both solid players. |
Corey Robinson put on a passing display in Troy's loss to Louisiana-Lafayette. A pair of fumbles and a bobbled pass that was intercepted by a Ragin' Cajun defensive lineman kept the Trojans from scoring more points. Robinson knows how to spread the ball around, even against the best defenses. Receivers Chip Reeves and Chandler Worthy have both had 100-yard games in Troy's first two contests. |
LINEBACKERS | style="background-color: #FFFFFF;" align="center" width="63">
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GROUND ATTACK |
Senior Cameron Lawrence recorded 123 total tackles last season and had 10 last week against Auburn. If Troy is to have any success running the football, they will have to make blocks at the second level. |
Shawn Southward couldn't repeat in last week's game the 204-yard performance he had against UAB. Justin Albert has received carries in both game for Troy as well. One of these guys needs to have a big game versus MSU in order to keep the offense balanced. |
DEFENSIVE LINE | style="background-color: #FFFFFF;" align="center" width="63">
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OFFENSIVE LINE |
One of the priorities for MSU heading into the season was to get into the opponents backfield. The Bulldogs have registered 12 tackles for loss in two games this season. |
The loss of Zach Johnson at right guard (concussion) throws a curve into Troy's game plan. The unit had played just two game with that particular lineup and now they are forced to make some moves. Junior Jummy Arnold will get first crack at filling the void but senior Kyle Wilborn, who moved from guard to center this spring, can make the adjustment as well. |
PASSING ATTACK | style="background-color: #FFFFFF;" align="center" width="63">
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SECONDARY |
Tyler Russell is one of only four quarterbacks in the SEC to have thrown for 400 or more yards without throwing an interception. Troy will need to keep an eye on senior TE Marcus Green when the Bulldogs get near the endzone. Green caught two touchdown passes last week against Auburn. |
Troy's defensive backs have done a fine job through the first two games, but they now face their toughest test to date. The Trojans allowed just 171 passing yards to ULL last week, but they now look to stop a Mississippi State passing attack led by Tyler Russell. This could be the coming out party for new talents like Zach Miller and T.J. Bryant. |
GROUND ATTACK | style="background-color: #FFFFFF;" align="center" width="63">
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LINEBACKERS |
Mississippi State has averaged 184 yards rushing in two games this season. Junior Ladaruis Perkins carried it 14 times for 83 last week against Auburn. Look for the Bulldogs to also mix in a pair of redshirt freshman into the running game in Derek Milton and Josh Robinson. |
It is a welcomed sign that Brannon Bryan leads the team in tackles (19) after safety Brynden Trawick did so last season with 123. Dimitri Miles and Kanorris Davis are at the top of the leaderboard as well, showing that team's are getting to the third level as othen as the did in 2011. |
OFFENSIVE LINE | style="background-color: #FFFFFF;" align="center" width="63">
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DEFENSIVE LINE |
Left tackle Gabe Jackson is a preseason All-SEC selection as well as on the Outland Trophy Watch List. Center Dillon Day also drew preseason attention being placed on the Rimington Trophy Watch List. |
Troy's defensive front has to prove themselves after two lackluster performances this season. What better way that to step up in a key matchup like this one? |
SPECIAL TEAMS | style="background-color: #FFFFFF;" align="center" width="63">
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SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker Devon Bell has missed all three field goal attempts this season. Bell missed from 42 in the Bulldogs season opener against Jackson State and from 36 and 43 last week. |
Will Scott has been everything Troy hoped he would be this season. Scott is 2-for-2 in his field goal attempts and has punted five time for an average of 43.0 yards. |
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