By Danielle Percival

Though the Troy Trojans were able to put up impressive offensive numbers on Thursday night, it was four costly turnovers that proved to be the difference in the game.

Three interceptions and a fumble led to 13 points for the Arkansas State Redwolves in a 41-34 loss for the Trojans.

Troy put up 614 yards of total offense, their highest total of the season, and had over 500 passing yards for the first time since the conference opener last season against Lousiana-Lafayette.

In the 37-24 loss to ULL last season, the Trojans had a mere 60 yards on the ground. Against Arkansas State Thursday night, Troy only reached 110 rushing yards, the lowest total since facing the Redwolves last season.

The importance moving into game week against Mississippi State will be returning some balance to the offense.

“We definitely have got to get the run game going and get those big guys up front tired for Mississippi State,” quarterback Corey Robinson said. “I know they’re big and they’re probably fast too but hopefully we can get them tired.”

Quarterback Deon Anthony led all rushers against the Redwolves with 87 of the teams 110 rushing yards.

Running backs Jordan Chunn and Brandon Burks both reached 20 yards but were the only other players to have positive yards in the stats.

The Trojans did have two players with over 100 receiving yards including Bryan Holmes who had the highest total of his career.

Entering the game Holmes had 83 yards this season but put up 117 receiving yards against the Redwolves.

“He’s playing like he’s capable of playing,” offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said. “We’ve seen him make a lot of plays and finishing plays.”

Though having a midweek game creates a short week, it does allow a team the opportunity to have more time to prepare for the next game.

Following a Thursday night loss to Western Kentucky last season, the Trojans defeated Florida International 38-37 on a late field goal by kicker Will Scott.

On Saturday, the Trojans will be heading to Starkville, Mississippi for the first time since 2002.

The Trojans are 1-2 all-time against the Bulldogs including facing Mississippi State last season in Troy’s first SEC game at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

“We’re not going to sneak up on them this year like we did last year,” Robinson said. “It’s going to be a tough fought football game.”