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Another Trojans game, another high-scoring affair.
The scoring got off to a fast start and never let up.
Following a punt on the Trojans opening drive, the first snap for the Red Wolves results in a 92 yard pitch and catch from Hatcher to Bayless.
Hatcher, the Alabama transfer, started this game filling in for Bonner who will miss the remainder of the season with a hand injury.
The very next drive, the Red Wolves capitalized on a strip sack and scoop and score to give them an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter.
After a chip shot field goal from Trojans kicker, Sumpter, it was Arkansas State on the wrong side of the fumble as Chatman lost the kickoff and the Trojans recovered.
The Trojans cashed in on the fumble as Barker found Eafford on the first play for a 26 yard TD to cut the lead to 14-10.
With just over a minute left in the first half, Barker found McClain for his 3rd TD of the day as the Trojans tied it up 31-31 at the break.
The Trojans took the lead early in the 3rd quarter on a Sumpter 22 yard FG.
Halfway through the 3rd, Arkansas State took back the lead on a 7 yard rushing TD from Jones.
It was back and forth for the remainder of the second half but the Trojans were never able to regain the lead as they ultimately lose this game 50-43 to fall to 2-2 on the season.
The story line for this game was the Trojans inability to convert deep in the red zone. Tyler Sumpter knocked in field goals from 20, 22, 22.
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If Troy were to have been more efficient in the red zone, they likely would have been in the driver’s seat. Instead, they settled for three short FGs and lost another tight one.
Just two weeks ago, the Trojans dropped a home game 47-42 to Southern Miss. This week, they drop a home game 50-43 to Arkansas State.
The offense has been spectacular for Troy with showings of 43, 42, 35, 43 in the first four games of the season.
On the other hand, if you are Lindsey and defensive coordinator, Brandon Hall, these two defensive outings do not sit well with you.
The Trojans need to tighten up on defense if they want any shot at a Sun Belt title.
Notable Stat Lines:
(TROY)
Kaleb Barker: 34/58, 361 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
DK Billingsley: 20 carries, 103 yards
Kaylon Geiger: 8 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD
Reggie Todd: 4 catches, 100 yards
(ARKANSAS STATE)
Layne Hatcher: 25/35, 440 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Omar Bayless: 10 catches, 213 yards, 1 TD
Jonathan Adams Jr: 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD
Kirk Merritt: 6 catches, 104 yards, 2 TD
The Troy Trojans (2-2) will travel to Mizzou for their contest against the Tigers (3-1) on October 5th. The Red Wolves (3-2) will travel to Georgia State to take on the Panthers (2-2) on October 5th.