02-05-2009, 09:56 PM
Franklin becomes a traitor to Troy
February 5, 2009 7:44 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson
Tony Franklin is always welcome in the Sun Belt Conference, but how he'll be received after joining his former team's rival is yet to be determined.
Franklin, who left Troy last year to spend less than a season at Auburn, has taken offensive coordinator's position at Middle Tennessee.
Troy and Middle Tennessee are fierce rivals.
The Battle for the Palladium has been raging since 1936 -- the longest running series between Sun Belt rivals -- and Middle Tennessee owns an 11-5 advantage. However, Troy has won the trophy each of the past three seasons.
But that could change with Franklin on board. Although he didn't have a great tenure at Auburn, he was wildly successful at Troy, especially against Sun Belt competition.
"We are excited to have Tony joining our staff," coach Rick Stockstill said. "I know he can help us expand our offensive philosophy while bringing a lot of energy and enthusiasm to that side of the ball.
"He will also be a very valuable asset in recruiting because of his many contacts throughout the country."
The Blue Raiders needed a spark like this especially in a conference that is starting to gain a lot of parity. Teams such as Florida International and Louisiana-Monroe are steadily catching up, making the Sun Belt a much more competitive conference.
If Franklin stays true to form, the Blue Raiders will run a spread offense next year, which is good because they have the quarterback and receivers to do it. Dwight Dasher is the anticipated starting quarterback and star receiver Malcolm Beyah returns for his sophomore season.
During Franklin's first season at Troy, he helped the Trojans to their first Sun Belt title while transforming the Sun Belt's worst offensive unit into the second best. The Trojans ranked first in passing offense after ranking last in that category, too.
In 2007, the Trojans ranked 16th nationally in total offense and 25th in scoring offense.
"I am glad to be coming to Middle Tennessee and working with Coach Stockstill, his staff, and meeting the players," Franklin said. "I am very familiar with Middle Tennessee because of our conference affiliation when I was at Troy and I can't wait to get started. The one thing I am excited about is getting to know all the people and becoming part of the Blue Raider family."
February 5, 2009 7:44 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson
Tony Franklin is always welcome in the Sun Belt Conference, but how he'll be received after joining his former team's rival is yet to be determined.
Franklin, who left Troy last year to spend less than a season at Auburn, has taken offensive coordinator's position at Middle Tennessee.
Troy and Middle Tennessee are fierce rivals.
The Battle for the Palladium has been raging since 1936 -- the longest running series between Sun Belt rivals -- and Middle Tennessee owns an 11-5 advantage. However, Troy has won the trophy each of the past three seasons.
But that could change with Franklin on board. Although he didn't have a great tenure at Auburn, he was wildly successful at Troy, especially against Sun Belt competition.
"We are excited to have Tony joining our staff," coach Rick Stockstill said. "I know he can help us expand our offensive philosophy while bringing a lot of energy and enthusiasm to that side of the ball.
"He will also be a very valuable asset in recruiting because of his many contacts throughout the country."
The Blue Raiders needed a spark like this especially in a conference that is starting to gain a lot of parity. Teams such as Florida International and Louisiana-Monroe are steadily catching up, making the Sun Belt a much more competitive conference.
If Franklin stays true to form, the Blue Raiders will run a spread offense next year, which is good because they have the quarterback and receivers to do it. Dwight Dasher is the anticipated starting quarterback and star receiver Malcolm Beyah returns for his sophomore season.
During Franklin's first season at Troy, he helped the Trojans to their first Sun Belt title while transforming the Sun Belt's worst offensive unit into the second best. The Trojans ranked first in passing offense after ranking last in that category, too.
In 2007, the Trojans ranked 16th nationally in total offense and 25th in scoring offense.
"I am glad to be coming to Middle Tennessee and working with Coach Stockstill, his staff, and meeting the players," Franklin said. "I am very familiar with Middle Tennessee because of our conference affiliation when I was at Troy and I can't wait to get started. The one thing I am excited about is getting to know all the people and becoming part of the Blue Raider family."
