Trojans prepare for homecoming tilt

Troy football looks to extend its five-game winning streak as it takes on Arkansas State on homecoming this Saturday night at 7 p.m. 

With the game airing on ESPNU, it is the third nationally broadcast game of the season. The previous two were losses to Clemson and Memphis. 

“It’s a nationally televised game, and it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere,” said head coach Gerad Parker during Monday’s zoom press conference. “We’re playing a good opponent that’s on a winning streak of their own, and we need all the support we can get.” 

The Red Wolves enter on a hot streak after starting the season poorly. The Butch Jones-coached team began the season 1-4 buthave since won the last three matchups. They are 3-1 in the Sun Belt West, sitting right behind Troy and Southern Miss, who are tied for first at 4-0. 

Arkansas State is led by the quarterback play of Jaylen Raynor. While the junior is a threat through the air, with 1,876 passing yards on the year, it's his legs that opponents have struggled to stop.  

Raynor has seven rushing touchdowns, the most on the team. Last week against Georgia Southern, he rushed for three scores while still throwing for 216 passing yards. 

Kenyon Clay and Devin Spencer still pull their weight in the backfield, even with Raynor having plenty of carries. The two average 4.1 and 5.7 yards per carry, respectively. 

Defensively, safety Brandon Greil is the leading tackler for the team, with 52. On the defensive line though, Ethan Hassler continues to put pressure on quarterbacks. The Collierville, Tennessee, native has a team-high 2.5 sacks on the year along with a forced and recovered fumble. 

With Troy’s Sun Belt title hopes now building, the team will attempt to keep that hope alive by limiting the running ability of Jaylen Raynor and forcing him to throw the ball. 

The defense will need to continue its rapidly improving turnover margin. Last week against Louisiana, the Trojans had three takeaways. Between the ULM and Louisiana games, Troy six forced turnovers over an 11-drive span. 

“I want to issue a respectful challenge to our fanbase,” Parker said. “We need our students, we need Trojan Nation and we need everybody to come back home and turn out for this group of young men.” 

The Trojans hope to defend The Vet this Saturday night against the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. -- the game will be broadcast on ESPNU and the Troy Sports Media Network.