Former Gulf Shores Dolphin and the Trojans quarterback Brandon Silvers was voted MVP in the last game of his collegiate career.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA. — Opening day of the 2017 College Football Bowl season started off with a fantastic performance from the Gulf Coast’s most recent up-and-coming star. The Troy Trojans (11-2) defeated the North Texas Mean Green (9-5) 50-30 in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Former Gulf Shores Dolphin and the Trojans quarterback Brandon Silvers was voted MVP in the last game of his collegiate career.
The Trojans knew that the Mean Green would be able to score often, so Troy needed a big passing game from Silvers. Not only did Silvers deliver as a game-manager but, he was the high-velocity passer the Trojans needed him to be. Silvers passed for 305 yards on 24 completions (out of 31 attempts) for four touchdowns, one interception and rushed for one touchdown. Silvers had a 196.2 passing rating against the defense of North Texas that was originally ranked 65th in pass defense.
This is without the Trojans leading receiver in Deondre Douglas, who was hurt in the opening kickoff. Silvers and the Trojans quickly found a replacement in Damon Willis, who had 135 yards on 11 receptions and two touchdowns.
The Trojans wanted to match the Mean Green’s fast tempo offense with their own with quick screens, quick slants, and multiple out routes. While Josh Anderson rushed for two touchdowns to make the score 15-0, Silvers went 8-for-8 for 87 yards. Silvers finished the first half with 16 completions (out of 21 attempts) for 138 yards, one touchdown and an interception. He completed his first 11 throws against the Mean Green which ties second most straight completions in New Orleans Bowl history and tied for seventh in NCAA bowl history.
While the Trojans defense did a phenomenal job in the third quarter forcing two turnovers, Silvers and the offense also had an incredible quarter. Silvers went 4-for-5 for 113 yards and accounted for 2 passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown.