Troy Trojans: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats
Troy Trojans: Key To The 2022 Offense
Get running.
The passing game has the parts to start doing more, and that starts with having a veteran quarterback in Gunnar Watson, but the team needs to control games better with a running game that wasn’t there.
The Trojans only hit 100 yards rushing six times and went 4-2 when it did. More importantly, there has to be production when the offense tries to run, and that was a big, big issue late.
Troy failed to get to two yards per carry in any of the last three games and lost all three, going 1-4 on the year when when it couldn’t be merely competent on the ground.
And on the flip side.
Troy Trojans: Key To The 2022 Defense
The defense has to always be great against the run.
The numbers were great because of the pass rush, and the defense was strong enough overall to keep most games close, but things got ugly late in the year.
Louisiana, Appalachian State, and Georgia State all ran at will with each hitting 200 yards in Troy’s three game losing streak to close things out.
Combine that with the 216 yards allowed to Coastal Carolina and some of the other tough games, and Troy was 1-7 when allowing just 99 rushing yards or more.
Troy Trojans: Key Player To The 2022 Season
QB Gunnar Watson, Jr.
He’s got the 6-3, 209-pound size, he’s got the arm, and he’s got the experience of being around for four years. Now he goes from being a good reserve and part of the rotation to the main man who needs to crank up the attack and make things happen down the field.
The interceptions have to be limited, and he has to get more help from the running game, but Troy needs better all-around play from the quarterback position, and that’s Watson’s job this year.
Troy Trojans: Key Transfer
WR RaJae Johnson, Sr.
Troy didn’t do a whole lot through the transfer portal with so many starters and key backups in place, but it was able to get a good one in the 6-4 224-pound Johnson, and big receiver who followed over OC Joe Craddock from UAB.
A matchup problem, he caught 23 passes for 394 yards and a touchdown last year – averaging over 17 yards per catch. Troy has good receivers in place, but Johnson will play a big role.
Troy Key Game To The 2022 Season
at Louisiana, Nov. 5
Can Troy really rise up and be a factor in the Sun Belt race? That might be a wee bit of a reach, but it’s possible with the talent in place to make a good run.
The expectations go from hopeful to real if the Trojans can get by the Ragin’ Cajuns on the road. That might seem like a big ask, but they get two weeks off to prepare.
Troy Trojans: 2021 Fun Stats
– Penalties: Opponents 85 for 739 yards – Troy 61 for 539 yards
– 3rd Quarter Scoring: Opponents 104 – Troy 63
– Onside Kicks: Opponents 2-of-2 – Troy 0-for-3