Notebook on History: Coastal Carolina, Military Appreciation and More

Troy’s History vs. Coastal Carolina:

Two Kickoffs.

Two Touchdowns.

23 seconds.

178 yards.

1 Marcus Jones.

That was all it took for the Trojans to take control of their only meeting with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in 2017. The bout in Myrtle Beach was mostly notable for the exploits of the nimble cornerback and return man. However, let’s not rely too much on last year’s 42-17 win as a barometer for success in 2018.

Last year’s CCU squad was competing under an interim coach after head man Joe Moglia took a medical sabbatical to treat an allergic reaction in his lungs. The 57-15 coach is back this year and has led his Chanticleers to a 3-1 record (with a win over the hated B’ham Geckos to his credit). With this in mind, this year’s match-up is anyone’s game.

 

Military Appreciation Game:

The CCU game is notable for being the annual Military Appreciation Game. Troy has a deep history with the military and since the year 2000 has held a military game each season. In my research, I was unable to find data on exactly which game was the designated military game for the years of 2001-2005.

Without these years in my calculations, Troy has amassed an 11-2 record in this special game for the Trojans. Until 2017, only one game (Halloween, 2013 vs ULM) was played outside of the month of November. Both the 2017 and 2018 military games have been played in September.

 

Notable facts for Saturday:

• With the Sun Belt’s move to divisions this year, the CCU game marks the first divisional game in Troy’s 109 year history
• After the win in Week 4 over ULM, Coach Neal Brown has a 27-0 record when leading to begin the 4th quarter.
• This marks the fourth time the Trojans have broken out the “War Machine” uniforms for the Military Appreciation Game. This consists of gray jerseys and pants, as well as, a white helmet with stars and stripes decals.