STRENGTHS
The Trojans have a veteran QB in senior Brock Nutter to direct their brand-new spread offense that will be coordinated by John Shannon, who operated in the same position at Jackson State. Nutter, entering his fourth season as the Trojans' starting QB, is a drop-back passer with average arm strength who can beat you with his outstanding leadership qualities and decision-making ability.
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Trojans at a glance
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2001 schedule
Sept. 1 at Nebraska
Sept. 8 at Middle Tenn. St.
Sept. 15 vs Appalachian St.
Sept. 22 vs Nicholls St.
Oct. 6 at Miami (Fla.)
Oct. 13 at Mississippi St.
Oct. 20 vs CS-Northridge
Oct. 27 vs Southern Utah
Nov. 3 at Maryland
Nov. 10 at Louisiana Monroe
Nov. 17 vs Jacksonville St.
2000 results (9-3)
at Alabama A&M W 28-13
at Appalachian St. W 34-28
Alabama St. W 62-19
at South Florida L 20-10
at Northwestern St. L 24-17
SW Texas St. W 31-7
at Sam Houston St. W 23-21
Nicholls St. W 41-12
at Stephen F. Austin W 6-0
McNeese St. W 20-16
at Jacksonville St. W 28-0
Appalachian St. L 33-30
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Troy State also has a blue-chip senior tailback in former Auburn Tiger Demontray Carter. Last year, the 5-10, 181-pounder led the Trojans in rushing (6.0-yard average), scoring (eight TDs) and all-purpose yardage. Talented junior WR Heyward Skipper, who played in Jonathan Carter's shadow last season, has a chance to emerge as the go-to option.
The defense could be excellent, led by a strong front four and a quality set of linebackers. Up front, watch out for 6-3, 285-pound junior DT Davern Williams (transfer two years ago from Auburn) and Vernon Marable, a four-year starter at DE. They combined for eight sacks and 20 QB hurries last season. Senior Jimmy McClain shifts to MLB this season, after recording 107 stops last year. At OLB, Naazir Yamini paced the Trojans with 120 tackles as a sophomore. He's a fierce competitor with the range to roam sideline to sideline.
QUESTIONABLE AREAS
While Nutter is the established leader on offense, the Trojans have no backup QB who has taken a snap. This is noteworthy because of the inexperience of the offensive line; only one starter returns, plus they sustained a few injuries up front during the spring. Since keeping Nutter at full strength is critical, this group obviously must gain the necessary cohesion right away. But that could be a tall order.
The primary concern on defense is the lack of depth in the secondary. Like at QB, the Trojans can't afford any injuries here. The biggest question, however, is the kicking game. Right now, who will handle the kicking and punting duties is very much up in the air.
Overview: The Trojans and head coach Larry Blakeney have to deal with an incredibly difficult road schedule as they make the jump from Division I-AA. They must travel to Nebraska, Miami (Fla.), Mississippi State and Maryland. If they are bruised and battered in those contests, the games that are perceived now as winnable may turn out to be tougher than anticipated. Remember, they have no experience behind Nutter at QB and will be fielding a questionable offensive line. Plus, they will be adapting to a new offensive system. Carter, one of the more versatile performers in college football, also has to be on the field the entire way. The defense looks impressive on paper, with the strength being the front seven led by Williams, Marable, McClain and Yamini. The starting deep patrol is also solid overall, but that's the one spot on defense where a lack of depth is a major concern.
