JONESBORO — Arkansas State defensive backs will need to be on their toes Saturday when the Red Wolves open Sun Belt Conference play at home against Troy.
The Trojans, averaging 247.3 passing yards per game this season, will look to pick apart an ASU pass defense that allowed 358 yards and four touchdowns against Nebraska in its last game.
"We weren't really communicating that well with each other against Nebraska," cornerback Daylan Walker said. "They just kept making big plays after big plays, and that is something we have been working to stop throughout the bye week and this week."
Troy's passing attack is led by quarterback Levi Brown, who has passed for 742 yards through three games this season, completing 60 of 100passes with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
"Their offense looks really good," Walker said. "They will line up four and five wide most of the time and spread the ball to everyone. If we go out and line up right and communicate, we should be all right."
Arkansas State Coach Steve Roberts said he has been impressed by what he has seen of the Troy offense on film.
"Their quarterback is very big and tall and has the mobility to make things happen when the play breaks down," Roberts said after Wednesday's practice. "They won't ask him to run a lot, but he has a very strong arm. The thing that stands out is how he gets rid of the ball and allows his receivers to be able to get downfield and make plays."
Troy has dominated the series recently, winning 35-9 last season and 27-0 in 2007.
"Anytime you lose to a team two years in a row, it's tough to swallow," Red Wolves quarterback Corey Leonard said. "They prepared better than we did. Last year, we just made way too many mistakes. We just gave them the momentum."
Leonard said he put the blame on himself after last year's loss, when he had two interceptions and a fumble.
"Being responsible for three turnovers last year, it killed us. I didn't play well enough in that game to beat anyone last year and especially not Troy," Leonard said. "That was uncharacteristic of our team because we were one of the top teams in the country in not turning the ball over. But that happens sometimes when you play good teams."
Leonard also said last year's defeat left a bitter taste in his mouth because it was the last game of the season and added he is excited to play the Trojans this early in the season.
"I wouldn't say us and Troy are friends. It's not like we like each other," Leonard said. "You're going to see two teams go to war, and it's going to be an intense game with hard hitting. They key to the game will be what team can mentally execute better than the other."
The Red Wolves practiced Wednesday in shoulder pads and shorts for approximately 2 1 /2 hours. Roberts spent about 10 minutes after practice with players on special teams going over alignment for Saturday's game.
"Today was excellent," Roberts said. "I thought we communicated very well and did everything we were supposed to. That made it a great practice."
Sports, Pages 24 on 09/24/2009