Troy State is a bigger school than Mississippi State, I'm told. They are trying really hard to upgrade athletics and compete with SEC schools. Their beating a ranked team is impressive and good for LSU because they won't slip in here unrespected like Miami of Ohio or UAB did. Also, on his radio show Nick said, while he never expected a 1-point overtime nail-biter, he had actually wanted the first game to be a tough game because it would be good for LSU. It mentally tested the team early, gave the fans some more realistic expectations, and LSU definitely got its wake-up call.
Troy does not have the enrollment that MSU does at the main campus in Troy. They have 6300 students in Troy, but the university system is one of the largest there is, with campuses in several other countries (Germany, Japan, Cuba, Korea, etc.) The thing that makes Troy successful (athletically) is the overwhelming support they get from the city of Troy. They are very lucky to have the booster support that they do.
Troy dropped "state" just like Memphis did a couple of years ago. It seems strange to not add the "state" with Troy. I didn't see the game, but it looked like they scored a couple of flukey plays, but at least the Tigers will not overlook Troy now. I guess also that Arky St.'s performance needs to be put in perspective since racking up yards on Mizzou may not be that great of an accomplishment.
I'll say this, Brad Smith (Missouri QB) is on every Heisman short list from here to the moon and Marcus Randall and JaMarcus Russell would both have the entire state of Missouri waist deep in a QB war after that crap performance on National TV vs. Troy. If a Heisman Candidate can be made to look that bad on a dry field by executing a solid game plan, I feel better about our little talent pool in BR. Man, that kid threw 3 interceptions without thinking twice...
It was a couple of fluke plays, but with 8 minutes remaining in the 1st QTR Mizz was up 14-0. Troy lined up and hit Mizz square in the mouth for the balance of the game and defeated them. It wasn't a fluke win, the #17 country in the nation with a Hiesman QB lost game in which they were flat out beat by a team with less talent. That happens in college football, it's what makes the sport special. Troy wanted it more and they won. I'm also glad that Troy looks so good because it does add weight to LSU's schedule and I doubt we will overlook them.
