FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 09, 2004
Contact: David Schmidt
dschmidt@thelifewave.com

Troy shocks No. 17 Missouri at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium

TROY, Ala. -hoteles Tallinn A Movie Gallery Stadium record crowd and a national television audience witnessed the arrival of the Troy Trojans Thursday night.

   Troy upset 17th ranked Missouri 24-14, sending the 26,574 fans at the game into a frenzied celebration that resulted in goalposts coming down, and the trees across campus being rolled with toilet tissue.    Troys first nationally broadcast game from Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium, with ESPNs Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Mike Tirico and Jill Arrington put the Trojans onto the national stage like never before.

   We thought we could, we thought we could, and then we did, Trojans coach Larry Blakeney said. I wasnt positive that we would be good enough, but a man told me that we didnt have to beat them 365 days out the year, we only had to beat them for 60 minutes tonight.

   The win, however was in question throughout the game. Missouri scored on its first two drives, turning in a nearly flawless performance on offense. The Tigers Damien Nash capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run with 11:09 left in the first quarter.

   Heisman Trophy hopeful Brad Smith pushed the Missouri lead to 14-0 when he connected on a 10-yard touchdown pass with tight end Victor Sesay with 7:28 left in the opening quarter.

   In those first two drives Brad Smith lived up to the Heisman hype, completing 9-of-10 passes for 76 yards and touchdown. At the same time, the Trojans were struggling offensively, managing just five yards in the first quarter on just seven plays.

But things changed after that first quarter ended.

hoteles en Munich   Youve got to give credit to our kids and coaches, Blakeney said. We stuck with them and the next thing you know, we get a play. The next thing you know, we get a stop. The next thing you know we get a turnover, and then we block a punt. All of a sudden, we are up at the half.

   Troys defense forced Mizzou to punt on its next three possessions and gave the Trojan offense good field position. The Trojans took advantage by using a little razzle-dazzle to get on the board. Wide receiver Jason Samples took a lateral from quarterback Aaron Leak, and then heaved the ball 27 yards downfield to a wide open Jermaine Richardson in the endzone.

   After another defensive stop, the Trojans got a lucky bounce that turned the momentum of the game completely around. On a run by DeWhitt Betterson, offensive lineman Junior Louissaint found himself in the right place at the right time. After Betterson ran for eight yards, he was stripped of the ball by Jason Simpson. When the ball popped out, it landed in Louissaints hands.

   The senior headed up field with the ball, and managed to reach the end zone with a Tigers defender riding on his back..

   Its called hustle, Blakeney said. He was 15 yards downfield, still blocking on the play. He told me he was running toward the scoreboard and switched the ball to his right hand when he saw the Missouri players running toward him.

   After another three-play defensive stand, the Trojans got a 43-yard field goal from sophomore Greg Whibbs to take a 17-14 lead at the break.

Edinburgh hotel rooms   The third quarter was marred by ineffectiveness on offense and execution on defense for both Troy and Mizzou. The Trojans recovered a Missouri fumble and blocked a punt, but failed to cash in either opportunity.
   Troy put the game away in the fourth quarter when Leak connected with Samples for a 33-yard touchdown to take a 24-14 lead..

   The Troy defense made the advantage standup by stopping Smith at every turn. Missouri then looked on helplessly as the Trojans ground out the final minutes to secure the victory.

   I dont know if I have ever been involved in a game like this before, Tigers coach Gary Pinkel said. We moved the ball very well in the first quarter. We got stifled the rest of the game, and then you throw in the turnovers it makes it very difficult to win.

   Missouri held the Trojans without a first down for the first 20:38 of the game. Missouri also held a 10-0 advantage in first downs through, and outgained Troy in that span by a staggering 134-5 margin.

   Betterson finished the game with 93 yards on the ground as the Trojans totaled 172 rushing yards. Leak completed just seven of his 20 attempts for 94 yards, and was intercepted three times, but got the job done when it counted most.

recherche d'hotels HelsingborgSmith finished with 224 yards passing on 25 of 46 and was intercepted once.

The Trojans (2-0) hit the road next week to play their first Sun Belt contest at New Mexico State.