Trojans get set for nationally televised conference game

The Troy Trojans are back on national television this week as they travel to South Carolina for a key Sun Belt Conference game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers this Thursday, Oct. 28, on ESPN2.

Troy, Coastal, Georgia State and Appalachian State are all sitting in a four-way tie for first place of the Sun Belt East Division with 2-1 conference records. The Trojans are coming off back-to-back conference wins over Georgia Southern and Texas State, while the previously undefeated Chanticleers fell to Appalachian State on Oct. 20.

While the Troy offense has seemed to come alive with last year’s starting quarterback Gunnar Watson returning to the lineup, the Troy defense has continued to impress throughout the season. The Troy defense is currently ranked seventh in the entire country in total defense and first in the Sun Belt.

The Troy run defense is also first in the conference and the passing defense is third. Troy has also forced the most turnovers – by a wide margin – in the Sun Belt. Troy’s Javon Solomon is also third in the country in tackles-for-loss, only behind Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. and Utah’s Devin Llody, while Richard Jibunor leads the entire country in sacks. Solomon is also in the top five in sacks in the country.

While the Troy offense looks to continue to get back on track, the Trojans will have to do so likely without leading receiver Reggie Todd. Todd was suspended indefinitely last week after being arrested and charged with hindering prosecution.

The arrest stems from a shooting that took place at Ladd Peebles Stadium in Mobile following the Vigor-Williamson high school football game. Todd was arrested after police claim he was being untruthful during his interrogation. Troy has not made a statement about Todd’s arrest other than announcing his suspension.

Troy and Coastal Carolina will play at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 on Oct. 28.