2011-2012 Football Previews – Sun Belt Conference – Troy Trojans
Larry Blakeney has really built up an impressive program at Troy. The Troy Trojans have at least tied for the Sun Belt title in five consecutive seasons. Blakeney has instilled a very positive attitude in this program.
Sun Belt Conference 2011-2012 Football Previews: Troy
Head Coach: Larry Blakeney
2010 Record: 8-5
Troy Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS: +1,500 (Part of Field)
Troy Odds from 5Dimes to win Sun Belt Conference: +240
ULM Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
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This team isn’t afraid of anyone, and the tough non-conference schedule they play helps them be fully prepared for the Sun Belt each year.
The Trojans lost star Jerrel Jernigan to the NFL Draft, but Troy still has plenty of talent to go around. They are the co-favorites (along with Florida International) to win the Sun Belt this season. The team returns 13 starters from last year’s team that went 8-5 and finished the season with a 48-21 win over Ohio in the New Orleans Bowl.
Expectations are always high at Troy. Can Blakeney and this Troy Trojans program continue to dominate the Sun Belt?
Team Strengths:
Corey Robinson was under a lot of pressure last year as he replaced Levi Brown, but he really showed how much talent he has. Robinson completed just shy of 64% of his passes in 2010. He also threw for 2,726 yards and 28 touchdowns. He struggled at the beginning of the season with his decision making, but he looked great in the team’s last few games. It is important to remember that Robinson was only a freshman last year. He should have a great career at Troy.
The Trojans defensive line should be the best in the Sun Belt this season. They are anchored in the middle by senior nose tackle Emmanuel Dudley, who does a great job clogging up the running lanes. Jonathan Massaquoi may be the Sun Belt’s best defensive end.
Massaquoi is a pass rushing specialist. He racked up 13.5 sacks in 2010, and I expect a huge year from him in 2011.
Xavier Lamb leads the way for a very talented group of linebackers. Lamb led the team with 91 tackles last year, and he will be expected to be the vocal leader on the defense this season.
Kanoris Davis is a junior linebacker who has the potential to have a breakout season.
Team Weaknesses:
Troy lost some serious weapons on the outside from last year. Can this year’s wide receivers help the team keep up the pace offensively? The Trojans top three receivers from last year are all gone. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
If this group of youngsters struggles to get open, it will make life much more difficult on Robinson.
Can the Trojans secondary play up to par in 2011? There is plenty of depth on the roster in the secondary, but this is a group that struggled mightily last year. In fact, this secondary allowed more yards than any other secondary in the Sun Belt in 2010.
Troy allowed 245 yards through the air in a conference that lacked great passers.
This unit must play up to its potential in 2011 if the Trojans are going to win the conference again.
2011-2012 Troy Football Prediction: 9-4
As usual, the Troy Trojans have a difficult non-conference schedule. Troy’s first two games are on the road against Clemson and Arkansas. A midweek showdown with Florida International on October 25 should be a great matchup. Troy’s schedule gets easier as the season moves along, so if they are still in the thick of the race in November that will bode well for them.
The loss of so many weapons on offense is concerning, but I think Troy’s defense will be much improved this season.
I think the Trojans will win 8 or 9 games again this year.
2011 Troy Trojans Schedule
9/3/11 3:30 PM ET @CLEM
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET @ARK
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET MTENN
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET UAB
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET @ULLAF
10/15/11 12:00 PM ET ULMON
10/25/11 8:00 PM ET @FLINT
11/5/11 3:30 PM ET @NAVY
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET NOTEX
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET FLATL
11/26/11 1:00 PM ET @WKEN
12/3/11 12:00 PM ET @ARKST
