GAMEDAY: Troy at Middle Tennessee
August 28, 2008
When: Tonight, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Floyd Stadium, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
What to watch for: Troy brings a new QB, new offensive coordinator against Middle Tennessee’s young team hampered by injuries. Could the Blue Raiders play over their heads at home and pull off the upset? Or will Troy’s experience and edge in talent prevail?
Players to watch, Troy: Jamie Hampton (Soph., QB). For obvious reasons, people need to see if he can do it in game situations. The long ball will be the key as I expect MTSU to come out in man defense, giving Troy’s speedy receivers a chance to beat the Blue Raiders deep. But, the pass has to be there. Chris Bowens (Jr. CB). Bowens came out of camp as Troy’s top cornerback, but this is a position to watch for as two very good cornerbacks aren’t there any more. Sam Glusman (Jr., K) Troy doesn’t have a kicker with game experience, except for Glusman’s one kickoff last year against MTSU. It went out of bounds. He’ll be handling XPs and FGs tonight. Jorrick Calvin (Jr., CB) Calvin, who almost went to MTSU, is Troy’s third cornerback but could move up with a good performance. He’ll also be returning punts.
Players to watch, MTSU: Dwight Dasher (Soph., QB). I’m betting Joe Craddock starts, but the younger guy is always the fan favorite. He can run, but Troy will try to make him beat them with his arm. Both QBs are expected to play. Desmond Gee (Jr., RB). The little guy could line up anywhere and is as dangerous of a player in the Sun Belt as there is.
What happens: MTSU strikes first early, igniting a huge crowd. Troy slowly but surely takes control and holds off MTSU at the end. Troy 30, MTSU 21.
FROM THE GAME: I’ll provide some commentary, but it might be in just regular blog posts. The idea is to hopefully host a HALFTIME CHAT, but we’ll see how my internet connection is. Check out blueraiders.com, the Daily News Journal site, as I’m sure they’ll have some cool updates as well. If big-time stuff happens, you’ll read it here.
