Scott Shelton The Troy football team heads to Lincoln, Nebraska, to take on the Cornhuskers after beating the Florida A&M Rattlers at home on Saturday. Troy’s first road game of the season will be its second opportunity in consecutive years to take down a Power 5 opponent on the road after last year’s win at LSU. Against Florida A&M, Troy got back on track after a 36-point home loss to Boise State. “Winning is hard,” Troy Head Coach Neal Brown said. “There is so much that goes into it, and you never want to take a win for granted.” The ground game on both offense and defense reigned supreme for Troy. The Trojans gained 292 yards on the ground and only allowed the Rattlers to gain 68 yards. Quarterback Kaleb Barker accounted for five touchdowns last week—four through the air and one on the ground. His five touchdowns were just one shy of the program record for most touchdowns responsible in a game. Nebraska started its season last Saturday against the University of Colorado after its September 1 opener against Akron was canceled. The Cornhuskers had an advantage in the ground game by nearly 300 yards, but the Buffaloes scored twice on three Nebraska turnovers. True freshman Adrian Martinez made his first start, and the freshman threw for 187 yards and a touchdown and accounted for 117 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.So far this season, Troy ranks in the top 25 in tackles for loss, fumbles recovered and rushing defense. If defense really does travel, then Troy will need it to keep up with the Cornhuskers defense, which after one game, ranks top-five nationally in team sacks and rushing defense. Nebraska is a Power 5 team, but Troy players are not wavering. “Nebraska is big, but they put on their pads the same way we do,” said junior offensive lineman Zach Branner. “They’re a good team but I think it’s going to come down to who wants it more.” Troy and Nebraska kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. on Big 10 Network.
Staff Writer
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