Troy (1-1) vs. Georgia Tech (1-1)

Troy

After nearly upsetting the Seminoles last week, the Trojans look to rebound against an equally-determined Tech squad. A heartbreaking loss had Troy's linebacker Marcus Richardson promising to use the frustration from the Florida State loss against Tech. Troy's offensive philosophy relies on the four or five wide receiver spread which enables the offense to stretch the defense and open up the running game. Omar Haugabook completed 49 of 78 pass attempts for 390 yards and five touchdowns so far this year. Toris Rutledge has hauled in eight of those passes for 105 yards.

GT

Tech is coming off of a solid win against Samford where the defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the game. This was the first time that had happened in 40 years. Last week Reggie Ball connected with preseason All-American receiver Calvin Johnson for two touchdowns in the victory. With a 29 point lead at halftime, Tech's second team got a chance to earn some playing time to add experience to the depth chart early in the season. Former Troy Head Coach Chan Gailey "wasn't terribly shocked" after hearing the news of Troy's near upset of Florida State.

Four Key Questions

• How will Troy's cornerbacks match up with Calvin Johnson?

Troy's starting cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Henry Chubb are each 5-foot 11, giving Tech's Calvin Johnson a six inch height advantage. However, do not underestimate the two corners as they are fast and quick off the snap.

The fact remains that Johnson's 6-foot 5 frame can easily overpower the two defenders in the hope of making big plays. It is up to Reggie Ball to continue to utilize Johnson's size and athleticism to get him the ball and open up big play opportunities.

• Can fans expect another big week from the defense?

It was clear last week that Tech's defense came to play, allowing only 11 yards rushing and forcing two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. However, any Tech fan can tell you that the defense can be great one week and then have an off week the next.

`"I think Coach Tenuta and his staff do a wonderful job of teaching and coaching and getting their guys to understand their responsibility within the defense," said Tech football Head Coach Chan Gailey.

The defense may have to go without safety Djay Jones tomorrow because he is listed as doubtful with a thigh injury. Jones was one of two Jackets to return an interception for a touchdown last week.

• Will anyone other than Calvin Johnson step up this week?

For the past two weeks, Tashard Choice made some big plays in the running game for Tech. This is good news for Tech because it offers a variety of options in the offensive playbook other than just Calvin Johnson.

However, a second or third wide receiver, like James Johnson, Chris Dunlap or Greg Smith, will have to step up and take the pressure off of Calvin Johnson to deter the double and triple coverage that he often sees. Tech has to incorporate a mix of plays to keep the opposing defense guessing and allow other players, including Calvin Johnson, to make big plays.

• Will the Trojans be able to put together another solid game against a major Division I foe?

The performance by Troy last weekend was not an aberration. In just the last three years, the Trojans have played against six BCS conference teams. They have managed to stay close to their opponent at least until halftime and put scares into four of the six opponents in the final minutes.

In 2004, the Trojans knocked off Missouri 24-14 in their home opener. A few weeks later, they traveled to Death Valley and lost to Louisiana State by a slim 24-20 margin.

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