Wolfpack down the Trojans in head coach Brown’s debut

The Troy football team was defeated in its season opener 49-21 by North Carolina State on Saturday, Sept. 5. The game was head coach Neal Brown’s first with Troy.

After falling behind early, the Trojans (0-1, 0-0 Sun Belt) scored on their second possession with a one yard run by junior running back Jordan Chunn to tie the game at seven. After that, the game seemed to fall out of the Trojans hands.

Sophomore quarterback Brandon Silvers was able to connect with senior wide receiver Bryan Holmes on a 37 yard touchdown reception in the closing seconds of the first half to cut the deficit to 14.

Midway through the third quarter, Brandon Burks scored on a 57 yard touchdown run, causing the momentum to shift momentarily.

The momentum shifted right back, however, when Silvers was sacked and lost a fumble. The Wolfpack (1-0, 0-0 ACC) scored twice before the final whistle, making the score 21-49 in favor of the home team.

The Trojans were unable to convert on third downs, converting just one of nine on the night.

Brandon Silvers went 12 for 16 passing with 149 yards, one touchdown and one fumble lost. Senior running back Brandon Burks tallied 124 yards on 14 carries. The Troy defense failed to stop NC State from converting three out of four times on fourth down. Sophomore defensive end Jamal Stadom and senior defensive end Tyler Roberts were both credited with sacks on the night.

Troy will return to Veterans Memorial Stadium for its home opener against Charleston Southern on Saturday, Sept. 12. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.