Scouting report: What you need to know for Troy’s game vs. Alabama State

SportsTroy running back Gavin Griffin is shown vs. Sam Houston on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy. (Aliza Chambers/Troy athletics)Aliza Chambers/Troy athleticsBy Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.comTroy continues its 2026 season at home Saturday, hosting in-state rival Alabama State.The Trojans (1-0) host the Hornets (2-0) at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Troy leads the all-time series with Alabama State 14-2, with the last meeting a 34-7 Trojans win in 2017.Troy opened its season with a 24-21 home win vs. Sam Houston last Saturday. Alabama State beat Southern University 30-17 on Aug. 29 and then Lane College 34-0 last Saturday.Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s game, including a key matchup, storylines and a score prediction.Key matchupAlabama State QB Andrew Body vs. Troy defenseBody is one of the more dynamic players at the FCS level, the reigning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year who is equally adept as both a runner and passer. He has been particularly adept at taking care of the ball, with only two interceptions thrown in more than 200 attempts during his time with the Hornets.Troy’s up front defenders will have to keep Body contained, something they were able to do for the most part when they sacked Sam Houston’s Landyn Locke four times last week. However, the Trojans’ secondary got picked apart to the tune of 335 yards and three touchdowns. StorylinesTrojans looking for first 2-0 start in 13 yearsTroy hasn’t won its first two games of the season since 2013, when it started 2-0 on the way to a 6-6 season. Of course, in many of the years since, they have faced a power conference opponent early, something they won’t do this year until Week 3 at Missouri. Alabama State is also off to an excellent start at 2-0, and have won six straight and 12 of 13 dating to last season. However, the Hornets have never beaten a FBS opponent.Can Troy’s offense take the next step?Reviews were mixed regarding the Trojans’ first game under new offensive coordinator Adam Austin, with a fairly solid running game, but limited production in the passing game. Head coach Gerad Parker lauded quarterback Goose Crowder’s effort despite inconsistent play by the offensive line and the Trojans’ receivers. Junior college transfer running back Gavin Griffin was productive in limited opportunities last week, totaling 81 yards on 16 carries. The Trojans might be wise to make him the focus of the attack until the rest of the offense catches up.PredictionTroy 38, Alabama State 21Alabama State is a dangerous team, with Body potential the best offensive player who will take the field on Saturday. However, the Trojans’ depth and talent should eventually win out. Troy’s defense was excellent for the final three quarters against Sam Houston, limiting the Bearkats to just seven points after the early minutes of the second quarter. A similar effort against Alabama State should lead to a decisive victory. Game infoWho: Alabama State at TroyWhere: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy, AlabamaWhen: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 — 3 p.m. CentralWatch: ESPN+On the call: Will Kollmeyer, Ben Stanfield, Rosie Langello (streaming); Barry McKnight, Jerry Miller, Chris Blackshear (Troy radio)Listen: Troy Sports Radio Network Creg Stephenson became college sports managing producer for AL.com in 2026. A veteran of more than 30 years as a sports writer, he is a past president of the Alabama Sports Writers Association and has won...