I am proud to call myself a Troy Trojan. After coming into Division I-A in 2001, Troy has moved up within the ranks of the mid-majors.
Troy has shown a lot of progress over these seven years. In 2001, Troy surprised the SEC by beating the Mississippi State Bulldogs at their homecoming. Granted, MSU was not exactly a powerhouse at that time—but regardless, getting a win over an SEC team is a big deal. I mean, if you are scheduled as the Homecoming team, that doesn't speak highly of you.
For the next two years, Troy did struggle a little bit, joining a new conference and being one of the new kids on the block.
However, all that changed in 2004. Troy hosted Marshall at home—and beat them. Everyone was excited. Jump to 2005L Troy hosted the then-No. 17 Missouri Tigers and won against Heisman-candidate QB, Brad Smith. Troy also beat Marshall again that year, and came VERY close to winning against LSU in Death Valley!
Then came Troy's first bowl game, against Northern Illinois. The Trojans lost—but hey, at least they were in a bowl game. The next year, Troy dominanted in-conference play and won the Sun Belt Championship, beating MTSU on an onside kick. The Trojans went to the New Orleans Bowl and showed their stuff, beating Rice 41-17.
Then came the 2007 season. Troy hosted Oklahoma State—and won! Though they didn't go to a bowl game, the Trojans held their own against teams such as Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas.
But the big question is—where does Troy go from here?
We all know Auburn or Alabama will never play Troy, because they have too much to lose. I personally see Troy taking UAB's place as the third-most dominant football school in the state. But I think the highest conference Troy will ever join will be Conference USA. The SEC is too big and powerful.
Just be on the look out. One day, you may see Troy contending for a C-USA title—or maybe even the Big East! Who knows?
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2 months ago
The SEC will trade you Vandy for Troy...
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