Last season, Troy finished with a 3-9 record, and a 3-5 record in the Sun Belt.  They run a spread offense, and the same 4-2-5 defense that NC State runs.  The Trojans weren’t impressive last season, and they aren’t expected to be vastly improved this year.  They ranked 100th in the nation in yards per game and 108th in total defense.

Troy does return some of their key positions.  They return running backs Senior Brandon Burks and Junior Jordan Chunn, who combined for 1,089 yards and 9 touchdowns last year.  They also return Sophomore quarterback Brandon Silver, who completed 70.5% of his passes last year, with a quarterback rating of 138.6.  Senior Receiver Bryan Holmes is also back after leading the team last season with 474 yards and 5 touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Trojans return Senior Safety Montres Kitchens who was a 1st Team All Sun Belt selection last year, and Senior Defensive End Tyler Roberts, who received an honorable mention.

For the first time in a quarter of a century, Troy has a new head football coach.  Neal Brown was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky for the past two seasons, but coaching at Troy isn’t new for Brown.  He was a coach on staff at Troy from 2006-09, and was even the offensive coordinator for the final two years.  Brown likes to run an uptempo offense that gets out of the gate quick.

Offense

Total Yards – NC State – 408.5 / Troy – 363.2
Rushing Yards – NC State – 204.5 / Troy – 164.5
Receiving Yards – NC State – 204 / Troy – 198.8

Defense

Total Yards – NC State – 373.1 / Troy – 454
Rushing Yards – NC State – 168.4 / Troy – 246.1
Receiving Yards – NC State – 204.7 / Troy – 207.9