So what is the difference in this team from Troy to now?

one word.

DESIRE.

They have the Want to win

Thinking all you have to do is show up and win. And now showing up and playing hard

one heart beat

Team looked lost at the MSU game. They looked weak vs Troy. I think maybe Troy and the ensuing chatter motivated them.

Or may the younger players are finally becoming football players.

EFFORT

We also got a few guys back on the DLine and some of our young guys are growing up fast.

Even with the thin roster against Troy, all this team had to do was show up and they didn't do that.

A combination of all the above but also having players available from injury/suspension. We had Lawrence, Alexander, and Herron back on the DL for Auburn, although I didn't see much of Alexander this game. There was definitely more passion. If the whole team was that hyped up after scoring to make it 7-7 at State, we would have had a better game. After that Sullivan sweep for a TD, he didn't stop pumping up the sideline. The defense fed off of that and played lights out the rest of the way.

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Is it as simple as playing with heart? Was it the come to Jesus meeting with Alleva? O letting Aranda and Canada run the show? Combo of all or some? Happy we won but kind of pissed I now know this team had the ability to be undefeated at this point.

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Young kids growing up, players buying in, leaders stepping up, O understanding his role, and the two coaches that were hired to run both sides of the ball left to do just that.

One Word - Development, it takes time and they are still growing.

By the way Troy served a purpose, get over it, the TEAM HAS

IMO- a "healthy" Rashard Lawrence and some young offensive linemen that are growing up each game and would rather pound a defense than challenge fans to a fight. Injuries to the o line have actually been a blessing in disguise. Hats off to those freshmen.