Troy-FAU game updates
December 01, 2007
12:42 - Been here for a while, just now getting set up on the blog. It’s amazing how time flies while I’m socializing instead of getting you the news first and foremost. I spoke with offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and he expects wide receiver Josh Allen to play, but he wasn’t sure about running back Kenny Cattouse. This was about 11 a.m.
Both suffered high ankle sprains last Tuesday against MTSU. Both are dressed out, and I bet both play.
Right now, they’re doing senior day intros. This is the time I wish the press box windows were open because I like hearing stuff like that. But, then again, it’s OK to not hear some of the PA announcing at the games (like Western Kentucky and UL-Lafayette.
1:19 - and FAU strikes first on a 1-yard run. This Rusty Smith cat is the real deal. He had a nice playaction on a 3rd and 8 and found his RB on a wheel route that burned Marcus Richardson to the Troy 4. It’s the first time an opponent scored on Troy in the first quarter since the ULL game. 7-0 FAU
1:31 - Troy gets a FG. 7-3.
Larry Blakeney went for it on two 4th downs, but now the defense has to stop the Owls.
1:36 - Jerrel Jernigan is headed to the locker room and it looks like he’s favoring a leg. Now here’s confusion. FAU was called for holding on a kickoff return that went for a touchback. After getting ready to kickoff again from the 40 (huh?), it was announced that Troy declined the penalty. “Can I have those five minutes of my life back,“ one scribe asked.
1:51 - Troy gets a FG. 7-6. A touchdown was called back because of holding, and Kennard Burton was underthrown and overthrown for what would have been touchdown passes. Omar had to come out after getting hit on a pass, but was back in. Jernigan’s walking gingerly on the sidelines.
AFTER ONE QUARTER, it’s FAU 7, Troy 6.
2:12 - Let’s talk a little about injuries. Kenny Cattouse played some early, but right now he’s got his helmet off and he’s on the sideline. At this point, I would be surprised if he got back in the game. Jerrel Jernigan has still yet to re-enter and that looks to be causing some chaos. You’re seeing a lot more of Patrick Cherry and Zack Marcum. Now, look, Fred Turner just caught a pass. Those guys don’t play very often but will get more chances today.
2:17 p.m. - TROY 9, FAU 7. With 5:13 left in the half, Greg Whibbs is now the school record holder with his 49th career field goal.
2:37 p.m. - HALFTIME - Troy 9, FAU 7
Who would have thought Troy would have just three field goals?
Omar Haugabook may have re-injured his hamstring. He went down on Troy’s last possession for a loss of 3 and came up gingerly. Early indications are the hamstring, but that’s not definite yet. Tanner Jones, bless his heart, hasn’t looked good on either of his two throws but he’s showing confidence.
2:50 p.m. - Tanner Jones and Jamie Hampton are warming up. No sign of Omar. Was told that Jerrel Jernigan is out for the game and Omar was holding high and low (on his leg). But Omar is not on the field at this moment. He’s probably getting that thing wrapped up with some IVs and a cortizone.
We’ll see.
2:56 p.m. - Omar is throwing, warming up, he’s got something on his right leg but I’m not sure what it was. Maybe it was just cramps? We’ll see if he goes out there after this kickoff.
2:57 p.m. - and Omar is back. Jernigan’s still running around. Well Gary Banks just fumbled and FAU recovered at the Troy 27.
3:05 p.m.- One team wants to go to New Orleans. Right now, it looks like it’s FAU. Owls capitalize after the Banks fumble and get a 2-yd TD run from Charles Pierre. 14-9 with a banged up quarterback, banged up senior running back (who likely won’t play) and a banged up Jerrel Jernigan (who likely won’t play).
3:15. Dawk gets 23. Dawk gets 11. Dawk comes out of the game and the 5’7, 160-pounder gets to run the ball up the middle. Omar sacked, and Troy settles for a FG. Now it’s 14-12. Might need to go to the power run game with the 5th year senior (Dawk).
3:23 p.m. - FAU’s big, slow fullback just ran for a 41-yard touchdown, powering past the Troy defense. That came out of nowhere. How’s that Recliner Bowl looking? 21-12 FAU.
3:33 p.m. - FAU 28-12. Right now, Troy is being out-coached, out-played, out-everythinged. Whatever defensive plan that Jeremy Rowell had for this game isn’t working, and Troy is tackling like they did in the Arkansas and Florida games.
3:37 p.m. - The 2nd 5th-year senior of the day loses a fumble, as Sean Dawkins lost a fumble that Kris Bartels recovered at the FAU 36.
END OF THREE QUARTERS - FAU 28, Troy 12.
Another senior gets burned, this time Leodis McKelvin gets burned and Smith hits Gent for a 50-yard play. 2nd and 11 from the Troy 13.
3:44 p..m. - I just canceled my reservation at the JW Marriott
oh, FAU scored again. 35-12. 14:54 left
3:49 p.m. - I get back from the bathroom and Troy has it at the 11. Just scored, congrats Zack Marcum, but it’s still 35-19.
4:04 p.m. - Troy scores again, misses the 2-point try. 35-25. At halftime in basketball, Troy leads TAMCC 30-29 on the road.
Now these people are telling me they need my interview requests.
