Troy Looks To Shake Off The Rust Against Alcorn State

TROY — If it feels like it’s been a long time since Troy has played a football game, it’s because it has.

Troy last played Thursday Aug. 28, but Hurricane Gustav postponed last week’s game at LSU to Nov. 15.

Tonight, Troy (1-0) plays its home opener against Football Bowl Subdivision team Alcorn State (0-2) at 6 p.m.

“It should be a really fun game,” Troy quarterback Jamie Hampton said. “It might be harder if we had to go there, but playing in front of our crowd will be really good for us.

“I feel like now we haven’t played in a month, but we’ll be ready (today).”

ASU, in its first year with head coach Ernest Jones, struggled last week in a 34-0 loss to Grambling. Troy players insist they’re not overlooking the Braves, despite the lower classification.

“I try not to underestimate them because we’re often underestimated,” linebacker Bear Woods said. “I come out and play them as hard as I’d play LSU.”

Building depth: In a game that could be a blowout, there’s no doubt that coaches want to give as many players as possible game repetitions.

But, plenty of first-year starters still need all the reps they can get, especially since this is just Troy’s second game of the year and a tough three-game stretch follows. Offensive coordinator Neal Brown isn’t sure how long Hampton, a first-year starter, will stay in the game.

“He needs every rep he can get,” Brown said. “The other guys need to get in and get some game experience, but it will just be a feel deal on Saturday.”

Levi Brown is the No. 2 quarterback and he could see his first action in a Trojan uniform if Troy builds a big lead.

Defensively, Troy played several players across the defensive line, but reserve linebackers Donnell Golden and Xavier Lamb didn’t play much nor did reserve safeties Kedric Manning and Bryant McKissic.

Defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell also only played three cornerbacks — Chris Bowens, Trevor Ford and Jorrick Calvin.

“They’ve got to get in and play some and prove to me they can do it in live action,” Rowell said.

Championship team recognized: Today’s game also been set as a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Troy’s 1968 NAIA National Championship. There was a reunion of team members Friday and the squad will be recognized on the field today.