Gridiron Architects
An analytical exploration of the 2006 Troy Trojans football team's championship season, detailing their performance, coaching strategies, and key achievements.
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Season Synopsis
Championship Performance
The 2006 Troy Trojans football team achieved a commendable overall record of 8 wins and 5 losses. Critically, their performance within the Sun Belt Conference was dominant, securing a 6โ1 conference record. This marked a significant milestone, representing the program's first Sun Belt championship since its entry into the conference in 2004.
Coaching Cadre
Under the seasoned leadership of Head Coach Larry Blakeney, now in his 16th season, the Trojans implemented distinct strategic approaches. The offensive unit, guided by first-year Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin, operated under the principles of the "Air Raid" offense. Defensively, Jeremy Rowell also entered his first season as Defensive Coordinator, deploying a 4โ2โ5 Nickel defense.
Home Ground Advantage
The Trojans played their home games at Movie Gallery Stadium, located in Troy, Alabama. This venue served as the backdrop for their successful 2006 campaign, contributing to their overall performance and conference standing.
Sun Belt Supremacy
Shared Title Distinction
The 2006 season saw the Troy Trojans share the Sun Belt Conference championship title. Their conference record of 6 wins and 1 loss placed them atop the standings alongside Middle Tennessee, underscoring a period of significant competitive success for the program within the conference.
Conference Standings Overview
The team's 6โ1 conference record was the cornerstone of their championship claim. This performance placed them ahead of rivals, demonstrating strategic execution and consistent play throughout the conference schedule.
| Conference | Overall | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | W | L | W | L | |||||||
| Troy + | 6 | โ | 1 | 8 | โ | 5 | |||||
| Middle Tennessee + | 6 | โ | 1 | 7 | โ | 6 | |||||
| Arkansas State | 4 | โ | 3 | 6 | โ | 6 | |||||
| Florida Atlantic | 4 | โ | 3 | 5 | โ | 7 | |||||
| LouisianaโLafayette | 3 | โ | 4 | 6 | โ | 6 | |||||
| LouisianaโMonroe | 3 | โ | 4 | 4 | โ | 8 | |||||
| North Texas | 2 | โ | 5 | 3 | โ | 9 | |||||
| FIU | 0 | โ | 7 | 0 | โ | 12 | |||||
| + Conference co-champions | |||||||||||
Strategic Execution
Achieving a co-championship required consistent high-level performance across multiple games. The blend of the Air Raid offense and the 4-2-5 Nickel defense provided a dynamic framework for the team's success against conference opponents.
Bowl Triumph
New Orleans Bowl Dominance
The culmination of the successful season was an invitation to the New Orleans Bowl. Here, the Trojans faced off against Rice University, representing Conference USA. Troy delivered a commanding performance, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 41โ17, capping off a memorable season with a postseason triumph.
Opponent Context
Rice University, competing in Conference USA, provided the opposition for the Trojans' bowl appearance. The victory over a team from a different conference highlighted Troy's strength and readiness on a broader stage.
Offensive and Defensive Prowess
The 41โ17 scoreline suggests a strong offensive output capable of generating significant points, complemented by a defense that effectively contained Rice's offensive capabilities. This balanced performance was key to securing the bowl championship.
Strategic Minds
Head Coach Larry Blakeney
Leading the Trojans for his 16th season, Head Coach Larry Blakeney provided stability and experienced leadership. His tenure has been instrumental in building the Troy football program, culminating in significant achievements like the 2006 conference title.
Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin
In his first season, Tony Franklin introduced the dynamic "Air Raid" offensive scheme. This system is known for its pass-heavy approach and emphasis on spreading the field, aiming to create explosive plays and high scoring opportunities.
Defensive Coordinator Jeremy Rowell
Jeremy Rowell also began his tenure as Defensive Coordinator in 2006, implementing the 4โ2โ5 Nickel defense. This scheme typically features five defensive backs, offering flexibility in coverage and pass defense, while maintaining a solid front seven.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
2006 Season Schedule & Results
| Date | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2 | Alabama State* | Movie Gallery Stadium Troy, AL |
W 38โ0 | 26,265 | |
| Sep 9 | at No. 9 Florida State* | Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, FL |
Sun Sports | L 17โ24 | 77,217 |
| Sep 16 | at Georgia Tech* | Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA |
L 20โ35 | 45,637 | |
| Sep 24 | at No. 23 Nebraska* | Memorial Stadium Lincoln, NE |
L 0โ56 | 84,799 | |
| Sep 30 | at UAB* | Legion Field Birmingham, AL |
L 3โ21 | 32,818 | |
| Oct 14 | LouisianaโMonroe | Movie Gallery Stadium Troy, AL |
W 24โ19 | 19,415 | |
| Oct 28 | North Texas | Movie Gallery Stadium Troy, AL |
W 14โ6 | 17,795 | |
| Nov 4 | LouisianaโLafayette | Movie Gallery Stadium Troy, AL |
ESPN Plus | W 42โ28 | 20,111 |
| Nov 11 | Florida Atlantic | Lockhart Stadium Fort Lauderdale, FL |
W 24โ17 | 12,340 | |
| Nov 18 | Arkansas State | Movie Gallery Stadium Troy, AL |
L 26โ33 | 20,462 | |
| Nov 25 | at Middle Tennessee | Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium Murfreesboro, TN (Battle for the Palladium) |
ESPN Plus | W 21โ20 | 17,812 |
| Dec 2 | at FIU | FIU Stadium Miami, FL |
W 26โ13 | 15,023 | |
| Dec 22 | vs. Rice (New Orleans Bowl) | Louisiana Superdome New Orleans, LA |
ESPN2 | W 41โ17 | 24,791 |
|
*Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game. |
|||||
Home Fortress
Movie Gallery Stadium
Movie Gallery Stadium served as the home turf for the Troy Trojans football team during the 2006 season. Located in Troy, Alabama, the stadium has been a significant venue for the program, witnessing numerous pivotal games and contributing to the team's identity and fan engagement.
Historical Context
While the source text focuses on the 2006 season, the stadium's history dates back significantly further, having hosted games since 1950. Its role in the 2006 championship season adds another chapter to its legacy within Troy University athletics.
Accolades & Achievements
Sun Belt Co-Champions
The 2006 Troy Trojans were crowned co-champions of the Sun Belt Conference, achieving a 6-1 record in conference play. This title marked a significant program milestone.
New Orleans Bowl Champions
Further solidifying their successful season, the Trojans secured victory in the New Orleans Bowl, defeating Rice University with a decisive score of 41โ17. This bowl championship represents a key achievement in the team's history.
Source References
Cited Sources
The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:
- "Troy dominates ASU". The Selma Times-Journal. September 3, 2006.
- "Troy Trojans Schedule 2006". ESPN.
- "2006 Football Schedule". Troy University Athletics.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for expert analysis or consultation regarding sports statistics, team performance, or historical context. Always consult official records and expert commentary for comprehensive insights.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.