Troy defense looking to control UNT run game

Harry · September 21, 2012

Troy is expecting North Texas to try and control the football in this Saturday’s Sun Belt Conference matchup in Denton, Tex. The Trojans (1-2, 0-1 Sun Belt) defense is looking to get off the field and let the offense do the talking.

“They got into a rhythm last year and had a good run at the end of the game,” defensive end Tony Davis said. “We’ve got to do a better job on third downs and getting off the field.”

North Texas (1-2) held the ball for 36:30 in last season’s contest compared to Troy’s 23:30 time of possession. The Mean Green ran off the 7:28 seconds at the end of the final quarter, giving Troy just 15 seconds left to score in the 38-33 UNT victory.

Quarterback Derek Thompson had a career game completing 31 of 38 passes for 331 yards and pair of touchdowns.

“It’s a pass-happy league, so we definitely have to get pressure on the quarterback,” Davis said. “Anytime you can get pressure on (Thompson) it’s an added bonus.”

Troy defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell is ready for the ball-control style that North Texas brings.

“They do a really job of running the ball,” Rowell said. “They are definitely not the team they were a few years ago throwing the ball all over.”

In North Texas’ 35-21 loss to No. 15 Kansas State last week, the Wildcats ran just 48 offense plays and Thompson played in a large role in that with short, safe pass attempts. He finished the game 25-for-28.

Read more: http://www.troymessenger.com/2012/09/19/troy-defense-looking-to-control-unt-run-game/