3 takeaways from Troy blowout of North Texas in the 2017 New Orleans Bowl

3. Defense kept the game exciting throughout the New Orleans Bowl

One of the biggest reasons why North Texas was still in the contest at halftime was turnovers. Just when it looked like Troy was going to break open the game in the second quarter, an errant snap over the head of Brandon Silvers was converted into a 56-yard fumble return by Colton McDonald. On Troy’s next offensive play, Silvers threw an interception.

Ultimately, though, Troy’s defense was better at generating turnovers in the New Orleans Bowl. Mason Fine fumbled on a sack on the opening drive for North Texas. He threw an interception on the opening drive of the second half, fumbled on another sack later in the third quarter, and threw another interception early in the fourth quarter.

The defenses did their best to keep things interesting, and through the first half North Texas kept up the ballhawking as well as Troy. After the intermission, though, Troy found a different gear to break the defense while the Mean Green continued to give away turnovers.

Ultimately, Troy managed to crack the defense with veteran quarterback play from Silvers. Even with a depleted group of skill players, the Trojans managed to break out a potent passing and rushing game. North Texas couldn’t contain the offense for four quarters, which was a huge reason why they eventually fell by multiple scores.