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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 8:47 AM ET Welcome to I-A -- Trojans open at Nebraska By Adam Rittenberg Special to ESPN.com |
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Troy State Trojans 2000 record: 10-2 (Division I-AA). Coach: Larry Blakeney (11th season, 92-29-1). Starters returning: 5 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers. Outlook: The NCAA aptly calls it a transition season, the 11-game stretch where second-tier elites ease into college football's premier level. Troy State will not need 11 games to know it's no longer in Division I-AA -- one will suffice. The birth of Division I-A football at Troy State takes place in Lincoln, Neb., a virtual graveyard for hundreds of promising teams. Three-year starting QB Brock Nutter will direct the 'Trojan Spread' offense, a new scheme featuring four wideouts and one tailback. This system should benefit Nutter, who threw for 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Troy State's most dangerous weapon is RB Deontray Carter, an explosive runner who also hauled in more than 200 yards receiving last year. A strong rushing defense will be tested by the likes of Nebraska and Miami this season. Six defensive starters return, including LB Naazir Yamini, who lead Troy State with 120 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles last year. Keep an eye on: DT Davern Williams. At 289 pounds, Mack recorded 56 tackles and three sacks last season. Williams transferred from Auburn after redshirting his freshman season and immediately replaced All-American DT Al Lucas. After a strong spring, Williams should be faster off the blocks. With sack master DE Vernon Marable patrolling the perimeter, Williams will be Troy State's primary run stuffer. Key game: The biggest game in Troy State's young Division I-A existence comes one week after Nebraska -- at Middle Tennessee. The Trojans responsiveness and resiliency will be tested against the nation's 16th best offense. Middle Tennessee is a good model for Troy State -- in only three years, the Blue Raiders have gone from a Division I-AA program to the Sun Belt Conference favorite. It's a good year if... Troy State stays competitive. The Trojans' toughest adjustment in 2001 will adapting to a league where they are not dominant, but destitute. Coach Larry Blakeney (92-29-1 all-time record) will be instrumental in keeping chins up every week. The new sets may take time to sink in, but Troy State has enough talent to keep things together. With three years under his belt, Nutter can lead an offense loaded with athletic players. If an experienced defensive line can hold things together, Troy State could compete with the big boys. |
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