Sports Editor

With a renewed spirit the Troy State University Trojans returned to Memorial Stadium yesterday to treat hometown fans to a 44-31 win over Cal-State Northridge exactly one week after making the move to Division 1-A official by beating Southeastern Conference opponent Mississippi State.

Fevered with spirit has been the only way to describe the atmosphere all over Pike County as TSU fans relived the excitement after the win in Starkville. That excitement was still apparent as thousands of Trojans fans welcomed the winning Trojans home to cheer them on to another victory.

Forrest Lee, a graduate of TSU and teacher at Charles Henderson Middle School, was ready for Saturday’s game and excited about the direction the Trojans are heading.

"It’s a big adrenaline boost to the program as a whole," said Lee. "It effects everything, from the community to the school to the alumni involved in the program."

Lee, who also coaches football at CHMS, said the win on Saturday should have came as no surprise to those who follow college football.

"Mississippi State has still got some good ball players on the team, but their expectations were so high coming into this season," he said. "I think the loss to Auburn and South Carolina really deflated them some and Troy State just beat them."

After the Trojans win against Cal-State Northridge, Lee is looking for a second straight win next week at homecoming against Southern Utah.

"We got on the porch and played with the biggest dogs in the SEC," said Lee. "If we can get a win next week, I think Maryland better watch out."

The Terps, ranked No. 12 in the nation, remained unbeaten with 59-17 win over Duke on Saturday. The Trojans travel to College Park, Md., on Nov. 3.

Kenneth Harris of Troy was at last week’s game against the Bulldogs and said the win was "surprising" to some degree, but not unexpected.

"It was wonderful," he said. "I can remember when Auburn (University) was this size and now look at it. The biggest thing was our win over Mississippi State silenced the people who thought we couldn’t play at the next level. That’s what I’m happy about."