HERE is the Troy story I wrote for Tuesday’s paper on the rebuilding of the football program and the north end zone project.

Troy Athletic Director John Hartwell said Monday that Troy is “very close” to signing a deal with Southern Miss to play in football.

Troy’s 2013 non-conference schedule is complete other than a replacement for Alcorn State on Sept. 7. That date will likely be filled by another FBS opponent as Southern Miss is scheduled to play Nebraska on that date. The deal between Troy and Southern Miss will likely be a home-and-home agreement beginning in 2014.

Troy lost to Southern Miss, 30-27, in overtime in the 2008 New Orleans Bowl, but the team have not met in the regular season since 1977. Troy is 1-7 all time versus the Golden Eagles with the lone victory coming in the first meeting between the school’s in 1935.

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