The Troy Trojans have knocked off their fair share of Power 5 schools in their Division-I history. From Oklahoma State to LSU, the Trojans have knocked off some of the nation’s top programs.

On a Thursday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Troy Trojans stunned the Missouri Tigers in front of a national audience. They will get their second opportunity to knock of the Tigers when the two teams meet on Saturday afternoon.

“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to play a quality opponent like Missouri on the road,” Troy head coach Chip Lindsey said. “We have a little bit of a history here at Troy with them, beating them several years ago. Now they’re in the SEC, so it’s an even better opportunity for us.”

Troy has had success in recent history knocking off SEC programs, most recently LSU in 2017. Although this is a different team, Lindsey and the Trojans relish the opportunity to get another big win in front of a national audience.

“I think the opportunity to play in these games is what makes Troy a special place for our players to come to,” Lindsey said. “They’re excited about this opportunity. Obviously, each year is different because the team is different, and I wasn’t here the last couple of years, but I know our players are excited about this opportunity.”

When the Trojans knocked off the Tigers in 2004, one big play stands out for most Trojan fans – a touchdown by an offensive lineman. Junior Louissant scooped a loose fumble and returned it over 50 yards for the touchdown.

“It still comes up from time to time,” Louissant said. “There are a lot of people I don’t even know who come up to me and mention that play to me. It was one of those great nights. Thanks to my roommate for fumbling the ball. He’s made me focused.”

Louissant’s Trojans were in a similar situation to this year’s squad in the fact that many people weren’t giving the Trojans much of a chance to win the game. By night’s end, the Trojans picked up their win against a ranked team.

“It was such an amazing night,” Louissant said. “It was awesome. Coming in, nobody gave us a chance and we were down 14 early. We knew we were good enough. It was a great night. We enjoyed the fact knowing we were good enough to hang around with a team like that. They had a Heisman Trophy (candidate) that night. For us to be able to beat them was a good accomplishment for that team.”

Louissant will make his first trip back to Missouri on Saturday as part of Troy’s radio crew. He admits he doesn’t quite know what to expect.

“That’s probably one of the main things I’m worried about,” Louissant said. “I’m hoping some them (fans) don’t (remember). Nowadays, people hold grudges. I’m hoping they don’t remember, but if they do, I’m pretty sure there will be some cool fans there.”

Since that Thursday night, the Trojans have picked up wins against Oklahoma State, LSU and Nebraska. The Trojans also knocked off Mississippi State in 2001. They hope to pick up win number six against a Power 5 School on Saturday.

“Historically, we have five Power 5 victories which leads the Sun Belt Conference,” Lindsey said. “Some of those wins were a while ago and some were more recent. But each year is different. Our players are looking forward to the opportunity to compete against a quality SEC opponent.”

Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m. and it can be seen on the SEC Network.