Set up in Baton Rouge

November 15, 2008

Drew Champlin

,....and it’s quite cold. Open-air press box, and I’m not sure I’ve seen this offense in a real cold-weather situation, now that I think about it.

I won’t be hosting a chat, but I’ll join in one if invited by Mr. Ho and crew. It’s a late start and with deadlines, me having to do a gamer, notes, scoring summary and the like all by myself, it’s tough to also pay attention to a chat.

All I know right now is that Bear Woods is a gametime decision based on how he looks at warmups. Chris Bowens is out but he hasn’t played in a while.

Tough loss for the Trojan hoopsters. Heck, I was only 3 points off in my predictions. Point guard Michael Vogler didn’t play and he’s not even going to UNC-Wilmington next week. Forward Trayce Macon, a starter last year, is going to redshirt this year, I guess to make the numbers even out. I think it’s a good move because he’s only a junior. Like I told you earlier this week, forward Bernard Toombs, a junior, is also redshirting.

Looks like Chris Leggett earned him some more minutes, scoring 12 in just 15 minutes. He has that forward “look” more than most guys they stick out there who weigh less than 200 pounds.

I’ll post more as the game progresses if I have time.

Here’s some quarterback talk for you

Drew Champlin

You look at next season, and it’s likely a battle between Levi Brown and Jamie Hampton for the No. 1 spot, assuming Hampton makes a full recovery from knee surgery, which he and Tanner Jones had Friday.

Neither one qualify for Sun Belt leaders yet because they haven’t played in 75% of the team’s games, but Brown should be there after this game, I think. Brown’s QB rating of 144.1 would have him leading the Sun Belt, 10 points ahead of ULL’s Michael Desormeaux. Hampton’s rating of 119.9 would be eighth, sticking Brown in that mix.

Hampton’s played two better defenses with both OSUs, but also has an Alcorn State in there and MTSU and FAU weren’t too shabby. Brown hasn’t played the tough defenses yet except for ULM, but also went 8 quarters without Jerrel Jernigan to throw to. The red zone scoring hasn’t been as good but you still can’t argue with his pocket presence and accuracy this far. It’s also no secret he’s not the runner Hampton is. These last three games will test Levi Brown’s arm as LSU’s up there with Ohio State defensively and probably has a better defensive line.

Whether coaches like it or not, there will be a QB controvery next spring/early fall because of Levi Brown’s performance since he’s taken over as starter.

Gameday links/predictions

Drew Champlin

For today’s football game, here’s what I’ve got.. For today’s basketball game, here’s what I’ve got.

Looking at football, it seems like since the offense changed, among the non-conference games, there’s been one game where Troy got blown out (Nebraska, Florida, Oklahoma State in 06-07-08), one game where Troy’s been in it, but you never really got the sense they’d win (Ga. Tech, Arkansas, Ohio State) and one game where they’ve led early or late or even won (Florida State, Georgia/Oklahoma State, ????) Could the ??? be LSU?

Right now, I’ll say that Troy takes a lead in the second half, but LSU’s depth takes over. Plus, Trojans miss out on touchdown-scoring opportunities and settles for field goals. LSU 24, TROY 16.

On to basketball, let’s just say that I’ll be more surprised if Troy beats UAB today than if Troy beats LSU, with or without Delk and Vogler. UAB 87, TROY 63

In the Sun Belt, I’m looking for a shakeup. FAU seems to be clicking, while ULL is hurting. In Fort Lauderdale, I think FAU takes a win there. Here’s the rest of the Sun Belt schedule and my predictions.

FAU 31, ULL 24
Middle Tennessee 27, Western Kentucky 14
Ole Miss 41, UL-Monroe 17

With the 7 p.m. kickoff, I don’t anticipate holding a chat because of the late start. I have to do more game story/notebook stuff during the game than usual, but I’ll send out TWITTER scoring updates to your e-mail or cell phone if you’re not able to listen. Click on the right link below my mug for more info.

Friday links

November 13, 2008

Drew Champlin

I didn’t write about football today, but focused on some basketball. Here’s my feature on Troys 7-footer Tom Jervis. The Trojans open against UAB Saturday at 2 p.m. The women open today at Georgia Tech, and I wrote about them, too, but it’s just online.

THE ADVOCATE: Jernigan ready for big game - You might recognize the author

GANNETT LOUISIANA: Troy must guard from looking ahead

Not much else going on link-wise. I’m headed to Baton Rouge today and staying at the Marriott on Hilton Ave., which isn’t far from team headquarters. I fully anticipate hitting one of the restaurants profiled below in my interview with The Advocate’s Randy Rosetta. It’s just a matter of which one. Then, it’s months and months of exercise to run off what I’ve gained this football season with the travel and not much free time.

Weather.com is showing 48 degrees at kickoff, but only 10 percent chance of precipitation. Wet weather is more likely today. Bring a light jacket, to say the least.

Thursday links

Drew Champlin

DOTHAN EAGLE: Troy’s Thomas stays patient - feature on Trinidy Thomas, who made a few plays last weekend
DOTHAN EAGLE: Rehobeth softball standout signs with Troy - she’s pretty good, too

If I find more signing info, I’ll pass it along

on to the video links,

DOTHAN EAGLE: The Huddle: Troy edition

Will post more later today. If you go to dothanfirst.com and click on Sports, then SportsTalk, you can find me talking Troy with Kim Allen, but that’s slow to load for me right now

Now, for some LSU links
DAILY REVEILLE: Maybe they just treat Alabama fans this way
DAILY REVEILLE: Miles: Jefferson to play in first half Saturday

THE ADVOCATE: LSU notes: Voters pay attention to losses

GANNETT LOUISIANA: LSU’s Jefferson gets his chance

TIMES-PICAYUNE: LSU receivers catching flak