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Troy Football: Can the Trojans win close games in 2021?

By Dante Pryor

Sep 19, 2020; Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA; Troy Trojans players celebrate with the Battle for the Palladium traveling trophy after a win over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Floyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2020; Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA; Troy Trojans players celebrate with the Battle for the Palladium traveling trophy after a win over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Floyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 5, 2019; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers tight end Daniel Parker Jr. (82) is upended by Troy Trojans cornerback O’shai Fletcher (11) and cornerback Dell Pettus (19) during the first half at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers tight end Daniel Parker Jr. (82) is upended by Troy Trojans cornerback O’shai Fletcher (11) and cornerback Dell Pettus (19) during the first half at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Consistency needed from an experienced defense

The defense returns all of its starters just like the offense. Also, like the offense, the defense needs more consistent play for the Trojans to see the postseason. The defense surrendered 350 or more total yards in seven games last season.

However, with all 11 starters returning and some good transfer signings, the defense could take a step forward. Included in that returning group are Troy’s two best pass rushers, Will Choloh, a 6-foot, 300-pound defensive tackle, and Richard Jibunor hybrid outside linebacker, defensive end.

There is size upfront as well. Choloh is a bit undersized, but tackle AJ Pierce is 6-foot1 and 320 pounds. Florida State transfer is 280 pounds as well. Lindsey and his defensive staff have to like the depth the Trojans have in the defensive trenches.

Choloh and Jibunor were 1-2 in sacks for the Trojans last season. Middle linebacker Carlton Marital was a tackling machine last season, leading the Trojans with total tackles.

The secondary needs to take a step forward. Terrance Dunlap led the Trojans with three interceptions, but no other defensive back had more than one. Playing alongside a spread offense requires a havoc-rate defense.

Troy is going to give up yards; the offense does not possess the ball long enough to keep their opponent’s offense off of the field what Troy needs are sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers.

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