Football opens season with comeback win

The Troy football team dominated the fourth quarter to mount a 38-20 comeback win over Nicholls at home on Saturday night. 

After trailing 17-7 early in the third quarter, the Trojans outscored the Colonels 31-3 the rest of the way, including a 28-3 showing in the fourth quarter alone. 

“I'm very happy for our football team, our program, our staff and our players,” head coach Gerad Parker said. “It was a huge testament to our depth and stamina, and I'm really excited for our fan base to open up an event and get a much-needed win.” 

Things started off slow for both teams. The season-opening rust was on display with a scoreless first quarter. Nicholls made things tough on the Men of Troy with 10 unanswered points to start the second quarter. 

Nothing seemed to be working for the Trojans’ offense until quarterback Goose Crowder fired off a 27-yard touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Roman Mothershed. The first of Crowder’s three passing touchdown passes made it 10-7 Nicholls at the half. 

Nicholls opened the second half with an impressive 58-yard touchdown to push its lead back to 10. An outstanding running game from the Trojans helped to turn the tide against the Colonels. 

Along with his three passing touchdowns, Crowder broke free for a rushing touchdown to tie the game. The junior impressed with four total touchdowns and 187 total yards. 

Despite being named the starter last year, Crowder battled injuries all season. He played only 11 quarters and even less at full health. 

“It was a great environment and the guys had a lot of confidence in me.” Crowder said. “It was just awesome to be back out there with my guys.” 

After Trey Cooley had been ruled out for the game, sophomore running back Tae Meadows surprised many when he emerged as the lead back on Saturday. After Cooley suffered a season-ending knee injury, it is expected that Meadows will continue as the lead back along with Jordan Lovett.  

 Once Troy had taken the lead, it was Meadows’ 47-yard score that sealed the game for the team. Along with the touchdown, he finished the night with 20 carries and 186 yards. Meadows ranks third nationally in rushing yards after week one. 

After Troy had taken the lead, the defense became the best it had been all night. Throughout the game, the Trojans allowed just 65 rushing yards, which began to affect the passing game. 

Jaquez White picked off a pass from Colonels’ quarterback Deuce Hogan in Nicholls territory. White’s interception was the only turnover for either team. 

The junior transfer had a strong debut defensively. White’s interception capped off his performance of eight tackles and a pass deflection. 

“That interception was everything I’ve always wanted,” White said. “Just coming out of high school as an underdog and now making plays on the biggest stage is great.” 

The win over Nicholls is reminiscent of last year's opener against Nevada, but with a different ending. Troy had trailed going into the fourth quarter of that game a year ago, but the rally came up just short of tying the game after a failed two-point conversion. 

 This year, the Trojans mounted the comeback and lived up to the “fourth quarter, our quarter” motto commonly used. The 10-0 deficit was the largest Troy had managed to come back from since its win over UTSA in the 2023 Cure Bowl.  

The 28 points scored in the final quarter were the most the Trojans have put up in the fourth quarter since their 2023 Sun Belt Championship win over App State. 

The Trojans now prepare to face their presumably toughest foe of the season: Clemson. The Tigers are coming off a loss to LSU after winning the ACC Championship and securing a bid to the College Football Playoff a year ago. 

Troy will kick off its road clash with the Tigers at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina . The game will be broadcast on the ACC Network.