GAMEDAY: Troy at UL-Lafayette
September 22, 2007
Troy (1-2) @ UL-Lafayette (0-3)Time: 6 p.m.
TV: ESPN Plus
RADIO: 94.7 FM WTBF out of Pike County
for more audio/video information, visit http://www.troytrojans.com
Last week: Troy 41, Oklahoma State 23; McNeese State 38, ULL 17
Last year: Troy got a career-high 172 yards on the ground and won a shootout, 42-28, over ULL in Troy
Last time in Lafayette: Troy came back from 20-7 down, when Carl Meadows hit Smokey Hampton with a 12-yard touchdown pass with under 20 seconds left to force overtime. ULL kicked a field goal, but Troy coaches called for safe plays after a first-down long pass (that fell incomplete) to set up for a tying FG, but Greg Whibbs’ 37-yarder was wide left.
Key matchups: ULL’s running backs (whomever they may be) vs. Troy’s run defense. The Cajuns may be without starter Tyrell Fenroy, one of the league’s top backs, and top backup Deon Wallace, though Wallace is more likely to play. Troy’s run defense is last in the country and ULL likes to operate out of the spread offense with quarterback Michael Desormeaux, but it’s a run-oriented scheme. Desormeaux looks at his one read, and if he doesn’t like it, takes off. He’s hard to tackle, too.
Big question: How much will it rain? That could dampen Troy’s passing game, and make ULL’s runners harder to tackle. With Troy yet to establish an effective run game, and with Kenny Cattouse questionable, this game could get closer than people think.
Prediction: Troy 27, ULL 20. Omar Haugabook has over 100 yards on the ground for this one and a good enough day passing.
