Troy notebook: Two key defensive backs don't make UNT trip

[Harry]

DENTON, Texas – Troy was without starting safety Chris Pickett and reserve cornerback T.J. Bryant for the Trojans’ 14-7 win at North Texas.

Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said that the two broke team rules, but could be back next week at South Alabama.

“I have the leverage to go two games, but I really don’t want to,” Blakeney said. “I’m not a big suspender. It wasn’t anything that’s going to kill anybody, but something where we had to get their attention.”

Pickett, a junior, had started the first three games at safety after moving from cornerback in the offseason. Bryant, a fifth-year senior, transferred from USC before the season.

Troy recovers onside kick

Troy started the second half with some trickery.

Kickoff specialist Will Scott looped a short kick to the left side, which receiver Chip Reeves caught 13 yards downfield (past the required 10 yards). North Texas was caught completely off guard and Troy took over.

Blakeney said the Trojans were going to run it last week against Mississippi State, but the Bulldogs covered the area up at the last second.

North Texas did not.

“There was nobody over there,” Blakeney said. “If you kick it anywhere close to properly, Chip will run down there and catch it.”

Read more: http://www2.dothaneagle.com/sports/2012/sep/23/troy-notebook-two-key-defensive-backs-dont-make-tr-ar-4605762/