A View From the Stands: TSU vs. Marshall 2003
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We dedicated the new stadium in fine fashion. First we had the official ceremony, then we beat the best team ever to visit, and finally we tore down the goal posts. This was a game that changed the whole gameday atmosphere at TSU and hopefully has set the standard. It was big-time college football in Troy, Alabama, where just a few years ago we were playing teams that most people in the nation would neither recognize nor care about. Our program has come a very long way.
I got to Troy about three hours before the game and the place was already crowded. Tailgating was in full swing and the streets were crowded with people and vehicles. I called my daughter on my cell phone and told her not to wait too late to come as she might not find a decent place to park; I’ve never done that before. I walked around and exchanged greetings. The Marshall fans seemed to be just as excited as I was. Finally I heard the distinctive sound of the Sound of the South and I watched the band come up University Avenue which was lined with people. I wished we still had the Trojan Warrior Princes on her horse leading them, but they still sounded great.
The excitement continued to build during the pre-game. The paratroopers made me proud as they hit there mark. In an earlier career I would have been able to shake their hands and exchange salutes. The band and the fans were in sync with each other and I sensed an excitement throughout the stadium that I haven’t felt before. This was our biggest game ever in Troy and we wanted a win. We needed to play better than we did when we beat UAB and SELA. After all, Marshall beat Kansas State last week which took us to the woodshed on our first game. They were a damn good team. I read their papers in Huntington, West Virginia and I figured that they expected to smack us hard and early and then dominate the game. However, on this Saturday, the Trojans had a very different idea on how events would unfold.
Our first test came on early in the first quarter on Marshall’s first two possessions. They received the kickoff and proceeded to run and pass their way down to our 28 yard line. Two plays later they were on the 16 and it was 3rd and 3. Bernard Davis broke through the Marshall line and was going for a quarterback sack, but instead caused a hurried pass that was incomplete. They had to settle for a field goal and we cheered the defense for stopping them. Our first drive was quickly stalled and Olmstead kicked a long 49 yard punt but it still left Marshall at almost midfield. Once again they marched into our territory and were threatening to score. They were controlling the game. However, this time they decided to test our defensive on a 4th and 6 at the 26. Now if there is one thing that will fire up a defense it is to tell them that you have so little respect for them that you will go for a 4th and 6 rather than kick another field goal. Once again our defense stopped them. We started our offense and marched to their 36 where Leak tossed a lateral to Jason Samples who then threw it to Jermaine Richardson, who was all alone as he ran for our first touchdown. All but the 900 people from Marshall erupted into a screaming frenzy that was another first in noise level for our new stadium. The Herd was corralled. They only had one more long drive late in the second half after Stan Hill came in at quarterback. The rest of the game belonged to use.
We answered their touchdowns with ones of our own and added one more in the fourth quarter to seal the game. Olmstead did a great job kicking even though he missed a long field goal and one point after was blocked. He is averaging over 42 yards and frequently kicks them over 50. Our offensive line wore them down and they couldn’t stop us as we ran at them, through them, and over them. Although their 4th down tries were stopped, ours was good and it ended the game.
We played as a team. The offense, defense, and special teams, all played extremely well. Sure we make mistakes and once again some of the officiating was terrible but we overcame them and stayed together for an outstanding win. Leak is a much better quarterback than two weeks ago. Our defensive line has come together and the secondary is as good as any team. Our offensive line can push anyone out of the way and open holes. Our backs have speed and they are finding the holes. They can also put their heads down and bust into the pile. We moved the ball well and the defense stopped the Herd on the ground and in the air with timely interceptions. Derrick Ansley is the best in the nation with four interceptions. We played with confidence and spirit. All three parts of the team came together to win this game. No one part carried the load more than another. We were balanced and lethal.
We are a good football team. Someone please tell Johnny Williams to schedule Kansas State and Minnesota again. We’re not the same team we were at the start of this season.