Troy football seeks first Sun Belt win at New Mexico State

Following a disappointing loss in its homecoming game, the Troy football team now looks forward to its road contest against New Mexico State on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Trojans (1-5, 0-2 Sun Belt) are still seeking their ever-elusive first Sun Belt win this season under first-year head coach Neal Brown.

“I’m absolutely not discouraged,” said Brown at a press conference this week. “I’m proud to be here. I know our future is bright.”

After turning the ball over four times and forcing none last week, Troy will have its hands full this week against the Aggies (0-6, 0-2 Sun Belt), as it looks to fix mistakes it made last week against Idaho.

So far this season, New Mexico State has been struggling in much the same way as the Trojans. They are also seeking their first conference win of the season.

“They’re not beating themselves, and that’s important to remember,” said Brown about the winless Aggies. “Offensively, they’re a good unit. They’re one of the better ones in the conference.”

One of the weapons that New Mexico State has been looking forward to using this week is junior quarterback Tyler Rogers. Rogers, a 6’ 3”, 213-pound quarterback, is likely to return from injury this week against the Trojans.

Defensively, the Aggies will rely on sophomore defensive back Jaden Wright, who has recorded 48 tackles so far this season, including 31 solo tackles. This high number of solo tackles points to Wright’s ability to tackle in space and to make big stops in one-on-one situations.

For the visiting Trojans, getting an offensive rhythm and eliminating turnovers will be the key to success in this game. If sophomore starting quarterback Brandon Silvers isn’t ready to go on Saturday, expect backup senior quarterback Dallas Tidwell to get the start after playing a productive quarter and a half.

Brown said he’s hopeful for Silvers’ quick recovery, and said he looks for him to practice this week.

Kickoff for this week’s matchup against New Mexico State is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.