By Kenzie Stanford
SouthernPigskin.com

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Looking back at Troy’s 2014 season.

Summary: The Troy football program underwent a major shift in the 2014 season from previous years. The Trojans last spectacular year was in 2010, when they won their fifth straight Sun Belt title. Unfortunately for fans of the program, things have been slowly regressing since then. The season started off with a disheartening 0-5 record and an unexpected 38-35 loss against Abilene Christian. Just to add some salt to their wounds, the announcement of head coach Larry Blakeneys retirement in October seemed to deflate the Trojan team. After their coach’s announcement, they took their first win of the season against New Mexico State, but followed that victory with a three-game losing streak to Appalachian State, South Alabama, and Georgia Southern. A glimmer of hope ended Troys season with two wins to cap off a 3-9 overall record, as the Trojans patiently awaited the announcement of their new coach, Neal Brown. My guess is that both fans and members of the Trojan football team want to put the 2014 season behind them, and begin a fresh journey towards their 2015 season.

Biggest Surprise: Former head coach Larry Blakeneys retirement announcement in October was a surprise that changed the course of not only the 2014 season, but the Troy football program as a whole. Blakeney served as head coach for the Trojans for 24 seasons and left a legacy behind him. Although a surprise, Troy is prepared to make the adjustments it needs to build success in the upcoming season with Brown.

Biggest Disappointment: The biggest disappointment for the Trojans had to come in September with their 38-35 heartbreaker to Abilene Christian. ACU came back from a 14-point deficit to stun Troy in the final minutes of the game. Troys desperate attempt to recover an on-side kick was unsuccessful, and left the Trojans defeated by the Wildcats. ACU finished eighth in its first season in the Southland Conference.

Stat of the Year: Troys pass defense was one of its strengths, allowing an average of about 208 yards per game x93 fifth best in the Sun Belt.

Offensive MVP: Terrence Jones, OL

Defensive MVP: Montres Kitchens, S

Rising Star: Brandon Silver, QB