TROY

1995 RECORD: 6-5 overall, 3-2 in league.

COACH: John Turek (67-58-5 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Nate Bush, DL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jason Ferren, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Kyion Grayes, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; J.D. Lawrence, WR/DB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Steve Muther, QB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Willy Piguee, TE/DL, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Adrian Vargas, RB, 5-9, 160, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Brian Anderson, OL, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Tom Duarte, FB/LB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Brant Elliott, RB/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Jason Harvey, DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Warriors sneaked up on teams last season, winning their last three games to grab the final playoff spot. What made it more impressive was doing it after losing their best player, running back Larry Montgomery, to injury the second game of the year. (Montgomery had 374 yards in only 38 carries.) But Troy, which was shut out twice and gave up more points than it scored (169-189), somehow prevailed. The Warriors won’t have to keep doing it with mirrors this time if Grayes (97 carries, 591 yards, nine touchdowns) and Vargas (110 carries, 579 yards, four touchdowns) continue to develop. That would take the pressure off Muther who needs to pass more efficiently (37 of 104, a 35.6% completion rate). Last year he was more of a runner than a thrower by design. Now Muther should be more comfortable with the entire offense. Piguee is among those expected to provide yards as well as leadership. The Warriors have speedy skill players, but the offensive line quality is unknown.