Monday links

November 12, 2007

By Drew Champlin

From the Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennesse is playing for pride following its upset loss to UL-Lafayette over the weekend.

Finally able to blog (also more on Omar) ...

November 10, 2007

By Drew Champlin

...I must apologize for no in-game blogging. They’ve spent some 30 million to renovate the stadium at Western Kentucky, and not one red penny went to help out the sports information department.

So there was no wireless up there, and few ethernet cables to be used by people more important than me (and the Troy SID staff too, as they didn’t have internet access till postgame). I had a wireless network card, but it wouldn’t let me get in here.

As you know, Troy won 21-17. In my opinion, this year’s Western Kentucky team is better than any Sun Belt team Troy has faced to this point. If ASU had a healthy Corey Leonard, they could rival that, but Troy is lucky to get out with a win.

Quarterback Omar Haugabook left the game with injury again, but it had nothing to do with the hamstring. Here’s what he told me for Sunday’s paper.

“I want to say it was a strain,” Haugabook said. “I don’t know if it was a spleen or what type of injury, but it was real painful. It happened when I was throwing an out route to Mykeal. I overturned and felt something pulling or snapping. They didn’t hit me.”

I thought it happened on a hit after a throw, but strange enough, it wasn’t on a hit. No one touched him. He thinks it’s something that will go away in a couple of days. Don’t you ever wake up and turn your neck wrong and it hurts like all heck? That’s probably what happened.

Elbert Mack is now tied for first place in the country with 7 interceptions. Unfortunately for Mack, he got burned at least three times. Not his best game, but he’s a standup guy and an all-Sun Belt cornerback. He’ll get past it.

The run game was pretty good. Cattouse, as needed, had a good night. I thought Jamie Hampton looked poised and comfortable when he came in, though he wasn’t asked to do anything really with his arm.

Gameday links

By Drew Champlin

Here’s my football game preview. Here is our Alabama beat writer Ken Rogers’ account of the Troy-Alabama basketball game, which Alabama pulled away to win.

From the Bowling Green Daily News, WKU has to stop Omar to have a chance to win.

Some Saturday thoughts

By Drew Champlin

I’m thinking Troy beats Western Kentucky 34-17 today, after spotting an early 10 points. WKU has a good RB and he may get his 100 yards, but Troy should prevail because they are more talented.

Troy had its chances basketball-wise against Alabama, but going scoreless from about the 12-minute mark to the 1-minute mark (well not scoreless, but no field goals) will kill you every time. Troy did play much better than I thought and let’s face it, they’ve already faced the most talented team on its schedule (Ole Miss is probably better coached). Troy won’t see an inside force like Richard Hendrix all year, but will have to do better on the boards.

There are still ways to win even if you are undersized. Thankfully for Troy, the Sun Belt isn’t forward-oriented. The Trojans have more athletes and better shooters this year, but we’ll see if it translates to success. That press did force 25 turnovers, so that is encouraging.

Basketball update

November 09, 2007

By Drew Champlin

Listening on the radio at my hotel in Franklin, Tenn., which is apparently home of some National Historian’s Society convention. Thanks to all of you who made it difficult for me to even get up the elevator.

Alabama has a 46-41 halftime lead. Troy had a lead for most of the half and is still forcing the issue with turnovers. The Trojans very much have a chance to come out of Tuscaloosa with a win.

Senior Jarvis Acker apparently didn’t get cleared, so he’s not playing. That’s a big loss for Troy. Not sure when he’ll be back.