What level of concern should the BBN have about Troy? Two coaches who are familiar with the Trojans were questioned.
As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for another season of college football, all eyes are focused on their matchup against Troy, an underrated but dangerous opponent on their schedule. Known for their competitive spirit and strong coaching, the Troy Trojans have often been a team that has outperformed expectations and given top-tier teams trouble. Kentucky fans, or the Big Blue Nation (BBN), are naturally concerned when facing a team like Troy—one that is not often in the national spotlight but has the potential to upset more prominent programs.
In this article, we will explore the level of concern the BBN should have about the upcoming game against Troy, based on insights from two coaches who are familiar with the Trojans. These coaches provide a comprehensive breakdown of what makes Troy such a dangerous team and why Kentucky needs to be on its toes when facing them. While Kentucky has the more prestigious program, the Trojans’ ability to execute and compete has earned them respect from coaches and analysts alike.
Who are the Coaches Sharing Their Insights?
To assess the level of concern the BBN should have, we spoke to two coaches who are intimately familiar with the Troy Trojans and their style of play. Coach A is a former SEC coordinator who has faced Troy multiple times during his tenure with a Power Five school, while Coach B is a coach from another Group of Five program who has studied Troy extensively in preparation for their own games against the Trojans.
Their perspectives offer valuable insight into what Kentucky should expect and how the Wildcats can prepare for this potential trap game.
The Troy Trojans: A Program on the Rise
Troy has built a reputation as a strong Group of Five program that consistently competes at a high level. While they may not have the same resources or recognition as a Power Five school like Kentucky, they have developed a resilient and efficient football team under the leadership of Jon Sumrall, who has brought a renewed sense of discipline and focus to the program.
Strong Defensive Play
One of the most concerning aspects of Troy’s game is their defensive prowess. The Trojans have historically prided themselves on being a tough, physical defense, and under Sumrall, that trend has only continued. In recent years, Troy has made strides on the defensive side of the ball, with a reputation for forcing turnovers, disrupting quarterbacks, and making life difficult for opposing offenses.
Coach A notes that Troy’s defense is well-coached and aggressive, with a focus on creating chaos at the line of scrimmage. “They are a team that thrives on defense,” Coach A explains. “They don’t have the size or depth of a Power Five program, but they play with an incredible amount of heart and passion. They are going to get after you from the first snap.”
This aggressive defense could be a challenge for Kentucky, particularly if the Wildcats’ offensive line struggles to protect their quarterback. If Kentucky doesn’t execute well up front, the Trojans could disrupt their rhythm and force them into uncomfortable situations.
Dynamic Special Teams
In addition to their strong defense, Troy is also known for having a special teams unit that plays a critical role in their success. They often create favorable field positions and are capable of making significant plays that can shift momentum in their favor. Coach B points out that the Trojans’ special teams have often been a hidden weapon that can turn a game around. “Troy’s special teams are as good as any team in the country at creating big plays. Whether it’s a big return or a blocked punt, they’ve found ways to make an impact when it matters most,” Coach B explains.
With Kentucky’s strong offense and Troy’s ability to capitalize on mistakes or field-position advantages, the Wildcats must be aware of the possibility of special teams turning the tide. If Troy is able to execute on special teams, it could give them an edge in a game that might otherwise be closer than expected.
What Does Kentucky Need to Do to Be Successful?
While Troy is undoubtedly a team to watch out for, Kentucky is the more talented team and should theoretically have the upper hand. However, as Coach A points out, talent alone is never enough to guarantee victory, especially in the unpredictable environment of college football.
Play with Focus and Discipline
The first key to success for Kentucky in this matchup is to stay focused and disciplined. According to Coach A, Troy’s strength lies in their ability to take advantage of mistakes, both on offense and special teams. If Kentucky comes out flat, overlooking the Trojans or making avoidable mistakes, Troy will make them pay. “Troy is a team that thrives on forcing turnovers and capitalizing on your mistakes. Kentucky cannot afford to get complacent. They need to stay locked in on every single play,” says Coach A.
Kentucky must ensure that they stay sharp and execute at a high level. Turnovers, penalties, and mental errors can derail Kentucky’s game plan, and the Wildcats cannot afford to let Troy capitalize on these types of mistakes.
Establish the Run Game Early
Another crucial aspect of Kentucky’s game plan against Troy will be establishing the run game early. With a strong, physical offensive line and talented running backs, Kentucky has the ability to dominate in the trenches. By setting the tone early with the run game, Kentucky can control the clock and dictate the flow of the game.
Coach B believes that Kentucky’s offensive line will be key to their success, stating, “Troy’s defense is aggressive, but they’re not as big as some of the teams in the SEC. If Kentucky can impose its will up front and establish the run, it will open up the rest of the offense.”
By establishing the run game, Kentucky can also open up the play-action passing game, allowing quarterback Will Levis (if he returns) or whoever the starting quarterback may be in 2025 to operate more comfortably in the pocket. Troy’s defense will have a harder time generating pressure if Kentucky is able to stay balanced and keep the Trojans guessing.
Protect the Quarterback
As Coach A pointed out, Troy’s defense is built to pressure the quarterback and make life difficult for opposing offenses. If Kentucky’s offensive line is unable to protect the quarterback, Troy’s defense could create havoc. This will be especially important for Kentucky’s passing game, which has the potential to exploit Troy’s secondary if given time to operate.
“You can’t let Troy’s defense dictate the game,” Coach A advises. “If Kentucky’s offensive line holds up, they’ll have a chance to dominate. But if they can’t protect the quarterback, it could turn into a long day.”
If Kentucky’s offensive line can hold firm and give the quarterback time to make plays, it will significantly increase their chances of winning. On the other hand, if Troy’s defense is allowed to disrupt Kentucky’s offensive flow, it could lead to costly mistakes and a closer game than anticipated.
What Level of Concern Should the BBN Have?
While there are certainly reasons to be cautious when facing a team like Troy, C.L. Brown and the two coaches agree that Kentucky should not be overly concerned—provided they play up to their potential and execute their game plan effectively. Troy’s strengths—aggressive defense, special teams, and physicality—are all areas that Kentucky has the talent to counter.
However, complacency and mistakes are Kentucky’s biggest threats in this matchup. If Kentucky comes out ready to play, executes well, and stays disciplined, they should have little trouble handling Troy. On the other hand, if the Wildcats get careless or take the Trojans lightly, it could result in an uncomfortable game and, in the worst-case scenario, a loss.
In conclusion, Kentucky fans need not be overly worried, but they should recognize that Troy is a dangerous team capable of pulling off an upset if given the opportunity. The level of concern should be moderate—Kentucky has the talent and coaching to handle the Trojans, but only if they stay focused and execute at a high level. The BBN should expect Kentucky to win, but they should also acknowledge that Troy’s hard-nosed football style could make it a more challenging game than some might expect.
