2009 College Football Predictions: Troy Trojans

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Troy Trojans

2008 Record: (8-5, 6-1)
Coach: Larry Blakeney, 19th year (144-73-1 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Neal Brown (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Jeremy Rowell (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 5 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Levi Brown)

Offense: The Trojans return eight starters on offense from a team that averaged 32.8ppg. Senior QB Levi Brown (6-4, 225), the Sun Belt’s Newcomer of the Year, returns after passing for 2,030 yards and 15 TDs with just three picks. He took over following a knee injury to starter Jamie Hampton, who might redshirt this year. Junior RB DeJaun Harris (5-7, 190) returns after rushing for 1,077 yards and provides great speed and quickness. Junior WR Jerrel Jerrigan (5-9, 176), who caught 77 passes for 868 yards and five TDs, is a great open field runner. Up front, Troy lost both starting tackles so they’ll go with juco transfer James Brown (6-5, 350) at left tackle and Nic Riley (6-4, 282) at right tackle.

Defense: The defense returns five starters from a unit that allowed 21.3ppg (34th in the nation) and 327.5 yards per game (34th). Last year, they led the conference in pass efficiency defense, pass defense, interceptions, scoring defense, total defense, sacks and turnovers gained. While they do lose both tackles, they retain senior Brandon Lang (10.5 sacks) and senior DE Cameron Sheffield (5.5 sacks). At tackle, they add junior Eugene Kinlaw (6-2, 294), who was the national juco Defensive Player of the Year (11 sacks). At linebacker, they return star senior Boris Lee (6-0, 2310, who led the team in tackles and senior Bear Woods (108 stops, 2 INTs). In the secondary, they return just one starters and that’s a concern. Senior CB Jorrick Colvin (2 picks) is the lone returning starter.

Outlook: The non-conference schedule features two road games at Bowling Green and Florida to open the season. After that, they host UAB and then move into the conference schedule. Later in the schedule, they take on Arkansas. A road game on Sept. 26 against Arkansas State could determine the SBC title. The Trojans are the class of the Sun Belt and they just continue to re-load. Expect another big season with a potential upset against Arkansas.

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