Sunday’s AP Top 25 wasn’t just a momentous occasion for a program, but for an entire conference.
Troy’s No. 25 ranking in the latest AP poll was the first-ever appearance for the Trojans’ program, but for the entire conference. The Trojans’ 63 points edged out Houston’s 49 to earn the final spot in this week’s poll.
The Trojans have sponsored football since 1909 but didn’t join FBS until 2001, at the formation of the Sun Belt Conference.
Troy earned the ranking after defeating Appalachian State 28-24 on Saturday in Troy; the Mountaineers came in undefeated in Sun Belt play. Next week’s opponent -- Arkansas State -- is also a perfect 5-0 in SBC play after stumbling to an 0-4 mark out of conference.
Win that game and the Trojans would need to win just one of their final two against Texas State and Georgia Southern to win their first Sun Belt championship since 2010.
Of course, Neal Brown‘s Trojans have bigger distinctions than a simple conference championship on their minds at this point.