TROY UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(L-R) Gerald O. Dial, Lamar Higgins, Charles Nailen, Edward F. Crowell, Dr. Amy Spurlock (2016 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winner and mace bearer), Karen Carter, Forrest Latta, Earl Johnson, Allen Owen, Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Roy Drinkard, John D. Harrison, Gibson Vance (not pictured)
A special thank you to the Troy University Board of Trustees for their dedication, commitment commitmentand andleadership leadershipfor forTroy TroyUniversity Universityand & Troy TroyAthletics. Athletics.
40
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Dear Trojans: The football season of 2017 was one for the ages! The first 11-win season in TROY’s Football Bowl Subdivision history was capped by a 50-30 win over the University of North Texas in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The New Orleans Bowl experience was enhanced by the addition of a special commencement ceremony for football players and Sound of the South members who could not be in Troy for graduation. It was one of the more memorable, and meaningful events in my 29-plus years as Chancellor. The 2017 season saw another significant first. The win over 22-ranked LSU marked the first time for the Trojans to defeat a top 25-ranked team on the road. The win also ended LSU’s 49-game non-conference winning streak at home. And, in 2017, TROY won its sixth Sun Belt football title, a feat accomplished by only one other institution. But statistics don’t tell the whole story. Our athletics staff has compiled this comprehensive review of this remarkable season as a keepsake for the Trojan family. I hope you enjoy reliving the memories! Go Trojans! Sincerely,
Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Troy University Chancellor
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø
3
CREDITS
Executive Editor: Adam Prendergast Cover and Interior Design: Adam Prendergast Contributors: Wes Johnson, Jace Sanders, Grace Bolin, Russ Schaffer, Jon Johnson - Dothan Eagle Editorial Assistance: Jeremy McClain, Brent Jones, Kyle George, Jace Sanders, Wes Johnson Photography: Joey Meredith, Collin Edwards, Joshua Thurston, Chip Dillard, Chris Davis, Jeremy Raines, Mark Moseley, Lamar Higgins Special Thanks: Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Troy University Board of Trustees, Betty Holmes Printer: Walker360, Montgomery, Alabama In Memory: Kevin Glackmeyer
HOME GAMES IN CARDINAL *SUN BELT CONFERENCE GAME
6
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø
7
TROJANS FEELING BLUE Troy Drops Opener on Smurf Turf
Boise State took advantage of costly Troy miscues to defeat the Trojans, 24-13, in the season opener for both teams at Albertsons Stadium. Troy committed three turnovers, eight penalties and allowed the Broncos to average 41.8 yards on kickoff returns and 24.8 yards on punt returns in the firstever meeting between the two schools. Boise State got on the board just 94 seconds into the game on an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown by Avery Williams. Blace Brown brought life back into the Troy sideline with a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown with 2:30 to play in the opening half. Brown led the Trojans and ranked seventh nationally in 2016 with six picks.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Antione Barker recorded his second career sack to force a fumble on Boise State’s second drive of the game; Barker’s first career sack also forced a fumble in the 2016 Dollar General Bowl. • Blace Brown intercepted his seventh career pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. It was Troy’s first defensive touchdown since Demetrius Cain returned a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown at UL Lafayette in 2015. It was Troy’s first interception return for a touchdown since LaMarcus Farmer’s 55-yard return against ULM in 2015. • Redshirt freshman punter Tyler Sumpter finished with four punts of more than 50 yards and averaged 49.6 yards on his seven punts in the game. • Jordan Chunn moved into eighth place on the Troy career rushing list with 2,387 yards after he rushed for 41 yards against Boise State.
8
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Blace Brown intercepted a Brett Rypien pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown.
BECOMING MEGACHUNN The Jordan Chunn Story
This story originally appeared in Alabama State edition GAMEDAY - the official Troy Football gameday program. After an explosive junior season, Jordan Chunn, better known as MegaChunn, returned to the field for his senior campaign looking to shock the world yet again. In 2016, Chunn plastered his name in the Troy record books as he set the school record with 279 rushing attempts, while finishing second averaging 99.1 yards per game, fifth with 525 rushing attempts all while setting the school record with 37 career rushing touchdowns. However, Chunn’s success was not without hardship and obstacles. After breaking through tackles and rushing for 29 yards to set up an easy touchdown for the Trojans in the third quarter against Charleston Southern in 2015, a hard hit made Chunn’s future on the field unknown. A shattered collarbone in just the second game of the season put Chunn’s football career on hold. After surgeries, metal plates in his body and a strenuous rehab process, Chunn questioned his faith and love for the game.
The Gurley, Alabama, native was two years into his time as a Trojan when head coach Neal Brown and his staff took over. Chunn understood that they were here to turn the program around, and he was more than ready to accept that challenge. For his first few seasons, Chunn lived in star running back Brandon Burks’ shadow, but his patience and perseverance paid off. As soon as the ball was in Chunn’s hands he was ready to break loose. “Burks was a great mentor to me. He’s a cool guy and just kept me calm and laughing on the sidelines,” Chunn said. “Whenever he would get a long run, he knew that I would be coming in to finish the run off to try and score a touchdown. “He always helped me get prepared for those moments.” Another one of Chunn’s biggest advocates on the sideline is Coach Sean Reagan. Because of Coach Reagan’s experience with coaching primarily quarterbacks, Chunn was hesitant about taking his advice as a running back. But after just a year under Coach Reagan’s guidance, Chunn was able to
change the way he played the game. Suddenly, all the small things added up to make a big difference. “Coach Reagan taught me to focus on the details,” Chunn said. “He showed me how to chase the hip of the center and how to get in line right. There was more to it than just running the routes. It took me a little while to realize that.” In his senior season, Chunn plans to be an even bigger threat to the opposing defense. With his weight down and his athleticism up, MegaChunn looks to leave it all on the field in his encore season. What comes after Troy for Chunn is unknown, but we hope to be hearing “MegaChunn” chants on Sundays. “I don’t know how that nickname is going to play out after college, but for right now, I love it.” Taking his senior season game-by-game, moving the chains on each play and being the best teammate and mentor possible are the only goals for Chunn heading into his final year with the Trojans. Although, another year with over 1,000 yards rushing would be nice too.
“It happened the second game of the season,” Chunn said. “So, I worked all summer and fall camp to have my collar bone broken that quickly. I started questioning why this was happening and my love for the game. It broke me down to where I was contemplating if I really loved football and if I wanted to come back.” With the help of a great athletic training team, his best friend and teammate Josh Anderson, his girlfriend Morgan and a supportive family on and off the field, Chunn worked hard to return to the field where he recorded a season unprecedented by any other running back in Troy history. “Josh Anderson was in my head the whole time,” Chunn said. “Without him, I don’t think I would have been able to come back like I did. I was in the weight room all the time getting my weight down and got back to feeling great.” SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø
9
RUNNING WILD Record Crowd Watches Troy Defeat Alabama State
10
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
“It’s difficult to win, and we need to celebrate every time we win. The mission of our program is we’re going to have fun, we’re going to have positive energy and we’re going to celebrate when we win.” - Neal Brown Troy exploded for 605 yards of offense to power past in-state foe Alabama State, 34-7, in front of a record crowd at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Jordan Chunn and Jamarius Henderson combined for five rushing touchdowns – three for Chunn and two for Henderson – and put on an impressive ground show for the 29,278 fans at The Vet in the home opener.
Hunter Reese celebrates one of Troy’s nine tackles for loss against the Hornets.
Henderson led the rushing attack with 107 yards on eight carries. Overall, Troy finished the game with 251 total rushing yards.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy’s 354 passing yards were the most since at least 1998 without a passing touchdown in a game. • Jordan Chunn finished the game with three rushing touchdowns for his 10th career multi-touchdown game and second career three-touchdown game. Chunn now has 40 career rushing touchdowns and is eight rushing touchdowns shy of tying the all-time Sun Belt record. • Brandon Silvers moved into second place all-time in Troy history with 7,878 passing yards after throwing for 345 against Alabama State. He passed both Sim Byrd and Brock Nutter on the list. • Troy allowed just 165 yards of total offense in the game, the eighth fewest in its FBS history and the lowest output since Savannah State totaled just 147 yards in 2013.
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø
11
WESTERN RUMBLE Troy Downs New Mexico State in Sun Belt Opener
12
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Troy found the end zone three times on the ground and the Trojan defense limited New Mexico State’s high-powered offense as the Trojans defeated the Aggies, 27-24, in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both schools at Aggie Memorial Stadium. Brandon Silvers led the Trojans with his arm and his legs as he threw for 286 yards and a touchdown and sealed the game with a 32-yard touchdown run in the final seconds of the third quarter. Troy’s defense held New Mexico State to just 382 yards of total offense and 51 rushing yards after the Aggies entered averaging 524.5 and 125.0 yards, respectively.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy improved to 11-0 when rushing for more than 150 yards under Neal Brown ... Troy rushed for 183 yards and three touchdowns against the Aggies. The Trojans also improved to 14-2 all-time under Brown when outrushing their opponents; Troy outrushed New Mexico State 183-51 in the game. • Troy finished the game with 469 yards of total offense, the 12th time that the Trojans have topped 400 yards under Neal Brown. Troy improved to 11-1 in such games. • Troy is now 9-5 in Sun Belt Conference openers; the Trojans won seven straight league openers from 20052011 and then dropped four straight from 2012-15. • Troy held New Mexico State to just 51 rushing yards in the game; it marked the second straight game that Troy held its opponent under 100 yards rushing. Troy held opponents under 100 yards in six games last season, which was the third most in Troy’s FBS era.
Brandon Silvers earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 286 yards and totaling a pair of touchdowns in the win. SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 13
THRILLER IN THE VET Late Touchdown Lifts Troy Past Akron
14
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Brandon Silvers dropped a dime to Deondre Douglas on a 23-yard strike with 66 seconds remaining to cap a 97-yard drive and push Troy past Akron, 22-17. Troy’s defense stuffed Akron on a third-and-2 with just over three minutes remaining in the game to force a three-and-out and set up the game-winning drive. Following a 56-yard punt that was downed at the Troy 3-yard line, the Trojans took over with 3:14 to play. Facing fourth-and-5 from its own 40-yard line, Silvers found Douglas over the middle for a 16-yard gain to keep the game alive. Following a 12-yard pass to Damion Willis and a 9-yard Jordan Chunn run, Silvers connected with Douglas for the game-winner to send the crowd of 27,324 at The Vet into a frenzy – the crowd was the third-largest in stadium history.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Jordan Chunn rushed for 106 yards for his seventh career 100-yard rushing game. His 42nd career touchdown put him into a tie for second place in Sun Belt history – only seven shy of setting the record. • Safety Kris Weatherspoon became the first Troy player since Jalen Rountree (Nov. 2, 2016, at Texas State) to record multiple interceptions in a game. • Troy held Akron to 99 yards rushing in the game, marking the third straight game that the Trojans have done so. Troy did so six times in 2016. • Troy improved to 16-0 when leading after the third quarter under Neal Brown and 12-0 when rushing for over 150 yards with Brown at the helm.
Brandon Silvers earned Sun Belt Player A giant American flag covers the Offensive length of the of thepregame Week honors after throwing for 286 field for Military Appreciation Day.yards and totaling a pair of touchdowns in the win. SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 15
THUNDER IN THE VALLEY Troy Stuns No. 22 LSU in Death Valley
16
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
(Top) - Troy safety Cedarius Rookard forces a fumble on the first play of the game. (Left) - Brandon Silvers celebrates with Sam Letton (L) and JL Gaston (R) following Silvers’ touchdown in the first quarter.
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 17
“That wasn’t a fluke win. We played physical, we ran the football, we ate up clock, our defense tackled, we swarmed to the football and I’m really proud of our guys.” - Neal Brown Jordan Chunn rushed for 191 yards and Troy forced four LSU turnovers as the Trojans stunned No. 22 LSU, 24-21, in front of more than 99,000 fans in Tiger Stadium. The victory was Troy’s second ever over a ranked opponent and snapped LSU’s 49-game home non-conference winning streak. Troy built a 17-0 lead in the third quarter and sent many of the 99,879 fans in attendance for LSU’s Homecoming to the exits of Tiger Stadium early in the fourth quarter as Josh Anderson scored from seven yards out to give the Trojans a 24-7 lead with 8:14 to play. LSU rallied with a pair of Danny Etling touchdown passes, but Troy recovered two on-side kicks and Blace Brown intercepted his eighth career pass to ice the game. Brown also forced a fumble, recorded five tackles and broke up a pass.
INSIDE THE GAME
• The victory was Troy’s third-ever against a current member of the Southeastern Conference and second against a SEC team at the time of the game. Troy defeated Mississippi State in 2001 and Missouri in 2004 (Missouri was in the Big 12 at the time). • Troy led 10-0 at the half; it marked the first time LSU had trailed at the half in non-conference home game since Nov. 14, 2009 (down 3 at half vs La Tech). • Jordan Chunn’s 74-yard run on Troy’s opening drive of the third quarter was the longest of his career; his previous long was 48 yards in 2016. It was also the longest by a Troy player since Brandon Burks had a 92-yard rush at New Mexico State in 2015. • Troy improved to 2-20 all-time against ranked opponents; Troy’s other win over a ranked opponent was a 24-14 victory over No. 17 Missouri in 2004. 18
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Jordan Chunn rushed for a career-high 191 yards in the game against LSU.
“WE JUST BEAT LSU!” Neal Brown delivers his postgame speech in the locker room following Troy’s monumental victory.
Emanuel Thompson’s 16-yard reception set up Troy’s first touchdown of the game.
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 19
BATTLE FOR THE BELT Trojans Come up Short in Rivalry Game
Jamal Stadom led Troy’s defense with six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and an interception.
South Alabama scored 12 points off four Troy turnovers and a safety en route to a 19-8 victory in the Battle for the Belt at Veterans Memorial Stadium. South Alabama held the ball for nearly 36 minutes of game time despite the stingy Troy defense allowing only 224 yards of offense and forcing an interception – Jamal Stadom picked off a batted pass in the second quarter. Down 19-0 in the fourth, the Trojans marched down the field on a nine-play, 81-yard drive that was capped by a one-yard rushing touchdown from Brandon Silvers. Silvers completed 24 of his 46 pass attempts for 263 yards with an interception. John Johnson carried in the two-point conversion to cut the lead to 19-8, where it would stand.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy lost for the first time under Neal Brown (13-1) when holding its opponent under 150 rushing yards … South Alabama rushed for just 48 yards on 44 carries. • Brandon Silvers was intercepted in the second quarter on his 15th pass attempt of the game, which snapped a streak of 155 consecutive pass attempts without a pick. Silvers had a streak of 192 consecutive pass attempts without an interception his freshman season that was also ended by South Alabama. •Troy recorded four sacks in the game which tied its season-best mark set at Boise State in the opener. Jamal Stadom, Trevon Sanders, Antione Barker and Andre Flakes all had a sack in the game for the Trojans. • Troy held South Alabama to 48 rushing yards in the game … it was the fourth time this season that the Trojans held an opponent under 100 yards rushing which is the seventh most in a season in Troy’s FBS history.
20
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
CAPTAIN AMERICA The Seth Calloway Story
This story originally appeared in Akron edition GAMEDAY - the official Troy Football gameday program. Since he was a kid, Seth Calloway had two dreams in life, to be a football player or a soldier. While no one in his family prefaced him by playing football at the collegiate level, Calloway has always been surrounded by soldiers. A long lineage of Calloway’s family has served in the armed forces. Three of his grandparents served in the Army, as well as his uncle and a few cousins. His father, Walter, served in the National Guard for 14 years, his brother, Ryan, served six years in the Army and his brother, Steven, is an active member of the Army currently stationed in Poland. Even from across the world, the support of Calloway’s family is unwavering. “Steven got to Poland just a few weeks ago, and he had a watch party for the game against Alabama State,” Calloway said. “They all came over and streamed the game from over there. I won’t even tell you what they said about my touchdown that was called back.” Although Calloway chose a different path out of high school, fighting for his country is still a goal of his. But before he embarks on his next adventure, he has a team counting on him on the field. “My dad has always been a huge influence to me,” Calloway said. “He has always been the one to push me to be better than average. He has instilled in me that once you start something, you have to finish it. I’m really going to fight to finish strong this year.” This season, Calloway made the switch from defensive tackle to defensive end, but after playing defensive end for four years in high school, it was a change he was comfortable with. He credits the guys playing next to him and great coaches for making the transition easy.
“It’s been fun because I played defensive end in high school, so it actually feels a little more natural. I have a great group of guys around me,” Calloway said. “Everyone talked about all the pressure that was on me, and I just didn’t feel it because I knew I had guys all down the line and behind me ready to make plays. Coach Bam is also really great and breaks down everything to help you learn and develop as a player. I really appreciate having him as a coach.” The tattoos and beard might be intimidating to some, but anyone that really knows Calloway knows he is a team player in every sense of the word. When a friend needs advice and leadership on or off the field, Calloway uses his personal experiences to lend a helping hand. “Coach Brown does an excellent job developing us into leaders,” Calloway said. “The great thing about being one of the oldest guys out there is I have made a lot of my younger mistakes that you make as a player. So, now I can get a hold of the other players and maybe speed their process up so they don’t make those same mistakes. I try to mentor them the best I can.” However, his leadership and mentorship continue long after he steps off the field on Saturday nights. This summer, Calloway was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, also known as “College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service.” Calloway has remained active in Troy during his time here. No matter how tough a practice or a game is that week, he makes sure to find time to volunteer in the community. Some of the organizations he is involved in include the Christian Love Center, Boys and Girls Club, Relay for Life and, of course, Troy for Troops. Regardless of if his name is called as the recipient of the award, Calloway has made a lasting impact on friends he mentors on and off the field.
with 30 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss, while recording three quarterback hurries and three pass break ups from his defensive line position. He also turned heads in the Dollar General Bowl as he recovered a fumble, broke up a pass that led to an interception and recorded a tackle for loss in Troy’s victory over Ohio. Although he returns to the field for his senior season in a new position, his role as the levelheaded and hard-nosed veteran on the team remains the same. He uses his own experiences and words of wisdom from those around him to build each of his teammates up to produce the best outcome possible on the field. The balance of getting everyone pumped up for a game and also making sure his teammates don’t get too emotional on the field didn’t always come easy for Calloway. But as he matured on and off the field, and with the help of his coaches, Calloway makes sure the energy on the sideline is right where it needs to be. “In practice you are calm and you can think clearly,” Calloway said. “But in a game, it is easy to get too amped up and overthink every play. That’s when players start making mistakes on the field. Toward the end of last year, I finally started catching on to that. I’m the one in the locker room listening to classic rock and country music before the game to stay in a calm mindset. It’s all about having fun. “I want to try out for the NFL of course and keep playing, but if not, joining the military has always been a goal of mine,” Calloway said. “My parents keep something on the fridge from elementary school. We had to write what we wanted to do when we grew up. Mine says play football and be a soldier, I’ve already accomplished one of those things.”
After earning a start in the final three games of the season last year, Calloway made sure to make his hard work pay off. He finished the 2016 season SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 21
CRUISING IN THE ATL Troy Downs Georgia State to Start Win Streak
22
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Brandon Silvers threw for 335 yards and Troy’s defense turned in another dominant performance as the Trojans spoiled Georgia State’s Homecoming with a 34-10 victory in Sun Belt action at Georgia State Stadium. Troy controlled the game from nearly start to finish to improve to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in league play. John Johnson gave the Trojans the lead for good just over five minutes into the game as he showed some fancy footwork to cap a 49-yard pass and catch from Silvers in what was the beginning of 34-unanswered points. Silvers completed 25-of-35 passes and threw a pair of touchdowns with his lone miscue coming on an interception after his intended target slipped on the new turf at the old Turner Field. The senior signal caller doubled his touchdown total for the season as he connected with nine different teammates in the game.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy has now won 12 straight games when totaling more than 400 yards of offense in a game; the Trojans finished with 457 yards against Georgia State. Troy is 13-1 all-time under Neal Brown in such games. • Troy held Georgia State to just 52 rushing yards on 33 attempts (1.6 ypc); it marked the fifth time in seven games this season that Troy has held its opponent under 100 yards rushing, which is the fourth most in Troy’s FBS history. • Troy held Georgia State without a touchdown until 56 seconds remaining in a 34-3 game; the last time Troy held a Sun Belt opponent without a touchdown was 2008 against Arkansas State.
Blace Brown broke up two passes as Troy held Georgia State without a touchdown over the first 59 minutes of the game.
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 23
PARTY IN THE RAIN Neither Rain Nor Georgia Southern Could Stop Troy 24
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Quarterback Brandon Silvers (left) and safety Cedarius Rookard (right) helped lead Troy to its first victory over Georgia Southern since 1992.
Troy busted out of the gates with three touchdowns in its first 10 offensive snaps on its way to a 38-16 Sun Belt victory over Georgia Southern to become bowl eligible on Homecoming at Veterans Memorial Stadium. In the true spirit of Halloween, Troy reached into its bag of tricks on the second play of the game as Brandon Silvers threw the ball back to wide receiver John Johnson, who in turn launched a pass 40 yards to freshman Tray Eafford for a touchdown. It was Johnson’s second career touchdown pass and Eafford’s first career touchdown reception. Two drives later, Trojan senior Josh Anderson took the first play 32 yards up the gut — tied for the longest run of his career — to push the lead to 14-7. Anderson led the Jordan Chunn-less rushing attack with 96 yards on 15 carries.
INSIDE THE GAME
• With the win, Troy improved to 3-0 in Homecoming games in 2017; the Trojans defeated both LSU and Georgia State in their Homecoming games as well. • Troy now leads the all-time series over Georgia Southern, 11-6. The victory snapped a four-game winning streak by the Eagles dating back to 1992.
Brandon Silvers earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 286 yards and totaling a pair of touchdowns in the win.
• Josh Anderson rushed for his third touchdown of the season in the second quarter; it marked Troy’s first one-play scoring drive of the season. Anderson has now rushed for a touchdown in back-to-back games for the first time in his career
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 25
PERFECT IN PRIMETIME Troy Too Much for Idaho in Front of ESPN Cameras
26
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Jordan Chunn rushed for his 44th and 45th career touchdowns to tie the school record for overall touchdowns scored and carry Troy to a 24-21 Sun Belt victory over Idaho at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Sun Belt Conference action. Chunn’s 45 rushing touchdowns are also four shy of setting the all-time Sun Belt record. He finished the game with 113 yards on 18 carries, which moved him into second place on the school’s all-time rushing list with 2,997 in his career. Troy’s defense flexed its muscles once again, allowing less than 100 rushing yards (90) for the sixth time in nine games this season and eclipsing four sacks (6) for the fifth time. Tron Folsom led the stalwart defense with a careerhigh and team season-best 16 tackles.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy’s Brandon Silvers and Idaho’s Matt Linehan have now combined for 88 career starts; it marked the most combined career starts between two quarterbacks in a game in NCAA history. • Linebacker Tron Folsom recorded a game-high and career-high 16 tackles; it was the most tackles by a Trojan since Brynden Trawick had 20 tackles against Western Kentucky in 2011. • Jordan Chunn moved into second place on Troy’s all-time career rushing yardage list with 2,977 yards passing Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Ted Horstead. He is 465 yards shy of becoming Troy’s all-time leader. • Troy sacked Idaho quarterbacks Matt Linehan and Mason Petrino a combined six times in the game, which is tied for the third most in a Sun Belt Conference game in school history.
Brandon Silvers earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 286 yards and totaling a pair of touchdowns in the win. SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 27
BALLING AT THE BEACH
Troy Breezes Past Coastal; Jones Enters NCAA Record Book
28
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
(Top) Tyquae Russell makes a tackle for the Trojans as they held Coastal Carolina to just 258 yards of offense. (Bottom) Jordan Chunn scores his Troy record-setting 46th career touchdown.
Marcus Jones returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and Jordan Chunn became Troy’s all-time touchdown king as the Trojans eased past Coastal Carolina, 4217, at Brooks Stadium in Sun Belt Conference action. Jones, a true freshman, returned the opening kickoff of the game 91 yards for a touchdown, and following a Coastal field goal, returned the second kickoff of the game 87 yards for a touchdown. Jones tied an NCAA record with his two touchdown returns as he became just the 24th player in NCAA (FBS) history to return a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns in a game. Chunn found the end zone for the 46th time of his Troy career with an 8-yard run in the second quarter. It gave the Trojans a 28-10 lead and established Chunn as Troy’s all-time touchdown leader as he passed Troy Hall of Famer Danny Grant in the annuals of Troy history. Troy’s defense continued to be a dominant force despite playing without three starters in the first half and two starters the entire game. Troy remains just one of three teams in the country to have not allowed more than 24 points in a game this season.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy held Coastal Carolina off the scoreboard in the second quarter; the Trojans entered the game leading the country having only 1.67 points per game in the second quarter this season ... that number is now 1.00 points per game. • Troy finished the game with 13 tackles for loss marking the third game this season the Trojans recorded double-digit tackles for loss — Boise State (12) & Georgia State (10). The total is tied for the ninth most in a Sun Belt game in school history. SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 29
SENIOR SWAN SONG Troy Routs Texas State on Senior Day 30
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
John Johnson (L) and Clark Quisenberry (R) take part in Senior Day activities before the game. Troy lit up the scoreboard with its most points against an FBS opponent in school history on its way to a 62-9 rout of Texas State in Sun Belt play at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Troy’s 62-point explosion is its most in a Sun Belt game and the most since defeating Savannah State, 66-3, in 2013. The Trojans posted 641 offensive yards, the sixth-most in the school’s Division I history. Troy has now won 20 of its last 25 games dating back to the 2015 season.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy’s 641 yards of total offense rank as the sixth-most in the school’s FBS history, while the 487 passing yards are the fifthmost. The Trojans’ 62 points rank as the fifth-most in the school’s Division I history (1999-pr.) and the third-most in the school’s FBS history (2001-pr.). • Brandon Silvers threw four touchdowns on the afternoon for his second multitouchdown game of the season and the 18th of his career. Silvers threw for 380 yards in the game to eclipse the 10,000-yard mark in his career – moving into fifth place in Sun Belt history with his 10,133.
The victory puts Troy in control of its path to a Sun Belt title as it sets up a showdown with Arkansas Stateearned in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Brandon Silvers Sun Belt Offensive Player next Saturday. A victory by the Trojans • The Trojan defense finished with 13 tackles of the Week honors after throwing for 286 yards would secure Troy’s sixth conference title for loss in the game, marking the fourth and totaling a pair of touchdowns in thetime win.this season it has reached double digits and first since 2010.
in the category. It is tied for the ninth most in a Sun Belt game in school history. • Troy set the single-season attendance record with 146,737 fans for the season and 24,456 per game ... the previous records were 135,203 and 22,534, both set last season. • Troy forced four turnovers in the game tying a season-high; the Trojans also forced four in its victory at LSU. • Troy entered the game with a 6.90 scoring differential in the second quarter — good for fifth-best in the country — the Trojans outscored Texas State 24-0 in the second quarter to improve to 108-15 on the season (8.45 per game).
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 31
TAKING BACK WHAT IS OURS Troy Rallies for Sixth Sun Belt Title
32
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
(Top) Marcus Jones returns an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. (Middle) Tray Eafford caught three passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. (Bottom) Quarterback Brandon Silvers completes a 2-point conversion Redemption. Troy won its record sixth Sun Belt Conference championship as the Trojans drove 72 yards in 66 seconds with no timeouts capped by a 14-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Silvers to Deondre Douglas to lift Troy past Arkansas State, 32-25, at Centennial Bank Stadium. Marcus Jones gave Troy a 24-13 lead with 7:46 to play in the game as he etched his name in the Troy record book with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown — it was the longest defensive touchdown in Troy’s FBS history. Jones asserted his claim for Sun Belt Freshman of the Year earlier in the game as he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to put the Trojans on the board.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy won its sixth Sun Belt Conference championship, which is the most by any school in league history ... it is Troy’s first Sun Belt title since 2010. Troy won five straight league titles from 2006-10. • Troy has won 10 games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999 and 2000 when the Trojans were a member of the FCS. • True freshman Marcus Jones became the first player in Troy’s FBS history to have a special teams and defensive touchdown in the same game. He returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and an interception 100 yards for a score. • Brandon Silvers moved into sole possession of second place in Troy history with 82 career touchdowns responsible for after throwing for two touchdowns against Arkansas State. He is two shy of tying Corey Robinson for the school record. SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 33
34
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 35
BOWLING IN THE BIG EASY Troy Blows Out North Texas in New Orleans Bowl
36
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 37
“It’s a great day not only for our football program, but for Troy University. I think this is a special season, without any doubt. I’m proud of our guys; I really am. I’m proud of our staff.” - Neal Brown Brandon Silvers accounted for five touchdowns and Troy’s defense recorded six sacks as the Trojans systematically dismantled North Texas, 50-30, at the Mercedes-Super Dome in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Troy set the New Orleans Bowl record and the school’s bowl record for points in a game against their former conference foe. The meeting was the first between the two since North Texas left the Sun Belt for Conference USA; the Trojans have now won nine of the 11 meetings between the two schools all-time. Troy finished the season with 11 wins for just the eighth time in school history and the first at the FBS level. The Trojans have now won 22 of their last 27 games dating back to the 2015 season and are one of just 10 schools in the country with at least 21 wins over the past two seasons.
INSIDE THE GAME
• Troy’s 11 wins are the most in the school’s FBS history and marks just the eighth time in the school’s history with at least 11 wins (1999, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1987, 1984, 1986). • Troy averaged 40.3 points, 426.4 yards of total offense and 6.7 yards per play over the final seven games of the season ... the Trojans averaged 21.3 points, 409.5 yards and 5.8 yards per play the first six games. • With the victory, Troy improved to 3-1 all-time in the New Orleans Bowl and 4-3 all-time in bowl games at the FBS level.
38
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
Damion Willis had 11 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns.
Troy University held a special commencement ceremony on the eve of the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl for seven football student-athletes and four members of the Sound of the South. The ceremony took place on the balcony overlooking the Manning’s courtyard while a sea of Troy fans witnessed the truly unique event.
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ă˜ 39
ANSWERING THE CALL While at the crossroads, Troy went forward
by Jon Johnson Dothan Eagle Sports Editor The Troy football team was at the crossroads. Deep into the night of Oct. 11, a dejected Trojans’ coach Neal Brown tried to explain what had transpired earlier on the turf of Veterans Memorial Stadium. With national television cameras rolling and a big home crowd in attendance, cross-state rival South Alabama had come into the Trojans’ backyard and pulled a 19-8 upset. Brown didn’t sugarcoat it. “I think that would be a discredit to South Alabama to say that we weren’t ready to play,” Brown said in his postgame press conference. “They outcoached us and outplayed us.” Eleven days earlier the Trojans had become the darlings of the college football world after a 24-21 upset victory over LSU on a Saturday night in Baton Rouge. What followed was a much needed off-week to bask in the glow of the win, yet regroup for a Tuesday night date with South Alabama. In between the school work and practice sessions, Brown and his players crammed in interviews with local, state and national media in reliving what was considered perhaps the most notable football victory in school history. “I tried to say this during all the national media last week: The truth of the matter is we’ve not played very good football other than one game,” Brown would say after the South Alabama letdown. “I think we’re tricking ourselves if we think (otherwise). “We’re 4-2, and I haven’t been overly pleased with this group. We need to evaluate some things and probably make some changes.” An opening-season 24-13 loss at Boise State was still nagging at Brown, who believed his team underperformed. Even though four wins followed — highlighted by that win at LSU — the coach wasn’t convinced his team was where it should be. It was now the midway point of the season and the true character of the Trojans was about to be revealed. Was the win at LSU a true indicator of this team, or was the loss to South Alabama? Ten days later, ironically in a stadium that for 19 years housed the Atlanta Braves baseball team, the Troy football team would hit a home run, of sorts, and never look back. It was on a picture-perfect Saturday afternoon when Troy marched into what was formerly known as Turner Field and played perhaps its most complete game of the season to that point in disposing of Georgia State, 34-10. The defense was absolutely smothering in recording four sacks worth 24 yards in losses and 10 overall tackles for losses totaling 40 yards. Quarterback Brandon Silvers, who had a miserable performance in the defeat to South Alabama, was brilliant in directing the offense. He threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns as Troy built a 21-3 lead by halftime. It was all accomplished without leading rusher Jordan Chunn, who didn’t play in the game while still recovering from a right leg laceration that required 18 stitches during the South Alabama battle. “The whole philosophy of the whole week was attacking, and I think we did that,” Silvers said. Next up would be a homecoming game against Georgia Southern, a program which had dealt Troy fits over the years. “We’ve got Georgia Southern coming in, and that’s a team which has had our number,” Brown said, referring to the Eagles’ three straight wins in the series. “It’s an opportunity for us on homecoming to get to six wins and be bowl eligible.” Turns out, there would be no more letdowns. A valuable lesson had been learned the hard way against South Alabama. What followed was: Troy 38, Georgia Southern 16; Troy 24, Idaho 21; Troy 42, Coastal Carolina 17; Troy 62, Texas State 9. It all led up to a trip to Arkansas State, where a share of the Sun Belt regular-season championship was on the table for Troy. On a cold Saturday night in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the Trojans won in dramatic fashion. Troy drove 72 yards in the final 1:28 to win when Silvers’ 14-yard TD pass to Deondre Douglas with just 17 ticks left. It gave Troy a 32-25 victory and a share of the Sun Belt Conference title with Appalachian State. As Dothan Eagle sports writer Ken Rogers so aptly penned the first paragraph of the game story: “Arkansas State proved harder to kill than kudzu on Saturday night, but the Red Wolves didn’t fully understand the character of the Troy Trojans.” There was still work to be done as Troy represented the Sun Belt in the New Orleans Bowl against North Texas of Conference USA. With thousands of Trojan fans following the team to the Big Easy, Troy absolutely took North Texas apart, 50-30, to complete the season with the bowl victory. It put an exclamation point on an 11-2 record — which was a school record for wins on college football’s highest level. In three years, Brown had returned Troy football to the top of the Sun Belt, a place it resided for so many years under coach Larry Blakeney before hard times hit. And while the excitement of last season is one to be cherished, it’s what potentially lies ahead that has Troy fans buzzing. All because a Troy football team that was at the crossroads in 2017 dug deep down to become a champion. 40
Ø
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS
MARCUS JONES Second FBS All-American in Troy History FWAA Freshman All-American Phil Steele Third Team All-American
SUN BELT CHAMPIONS | 2017 TROY FOOTBALL Ø 41
From Championships to Graduation...Your Support Matters! Your support as a member of the Trojan Warrior Fund provides support for more than 400 Student-Athletes at TROY. Invest in Champions by becoming a member of the Trojan Warrior Fund.
42
Ø
Join the Trojan Warrior Fund today by calling Troy Athletics at 334.670.3689
2017 TROY FOOTBALL | SUN BELT CHAMPIONS