The Troy Trojan’s offense embarked on a 13-play scoring drive lasting 7:47 to officially clinch a win over rival South Alabama last Wednesday night.

The Trojans’ offense, thanks in large part to the offensive line, ran the ball on all 13 plays for a total of 71 yards.

“That was a good drive for us,” head coach Chip Lindsey said. “Being able to run the ball when you want to run it. We ran seven minutes off the clock in a time where if you screw around and turn it over and they score quick, and then you do it again – now everybody’s in an uproar. I thought it was a good drive. And that O-line showed on that drive what they’re capable of doing.”

Lindsey entered the season with high hopes for the offensive line. On Wednesday night, Lindsey felt like the unit played a complete game. Lindsey commended their play during Tuesday’s press conference and named each lineman as a player of the game against South Alabama.

“We were able to run it. We were able to pass protect,” Lindsey said. “The communication was really good and we didn’t have any penalties.

“They played great as a unit. We ran for 220 yards and had 34 knockdowns, which is a really good number. They did not allow a sack, we had 13 explosive plays and, most importantly, no penalties.”

The lengthy scoring drive has been somewhat of a rarity this season.

The Trojans entered Wednesday’s game with eight drives that lasted 10 plays or longer that resulted in points. Three of them ended with field goals.

The lengthy scoring drive against South proved to the offense that they are capable of having success on the ground.

“It’s great when your o-line can sit there and just move the ball from first down to first down and really move the clock,” right guard Tristan Crowder said. “It feels good really. It lets you know that you can run the ball.”

Crowder believes the line has been productive since he was a freshman. Wednesday’s performance allowed others to see what Crowder believes the unit is capable of.

“Since I have been here, the offensive line has always done their job, even when we were highly ranked,” Crowder said. “Pass protection, run blocking and B.J. getting 1,000 yards – the offensive line has always been productive since I have been here. This year we are finally getting a chance to show that we still got it.”

The Trojans will take on a Georgia State team that should provide a challenge for the Trojan offensive line.

“This is a great team we’re about to play,” offensive coordinator Ryan Pugh said. “Defensively, they’re very active, they’re very fast. They play physical, especially in the box.”