Football preps for midweek matchup

Brady Fitch photo Scott Taylor Renfroe admires his field goal kick.

Troy football looks to turn around its recent struggles with a Thursday night matchup against the Texas State Bobcats.

With the Trojans now holding a 1-4 record, the concern of missing a bowl game may be looming over most fans. Troy hopes to grab a conference win and take another step towards getting to a bowl-clinching six wins.

After beginning the year with back-to-back wins, the Bobcats have fallen to 2-2. The team nearly upset Power 4 opponent Arizona State in week three, followed by a stunning 22 point blown lead against Sam Houston last week to lose 40-39.

Despite the losses, Texas State remains the favorite to win the West division of the Sun Belt Conference. The Trojans will be the first conference matchup for Texas State to prove its ability.

Troy’s defense will meet a familiar foe on Thursday. Bobcats quarterback Jordan McCloud, a transfer of James Madison, managed hand Troy its only home loss last season. McCloud passed for 187 yards and a touchdown to lead the Dukes to the 16-14 win.

Now with the Bobcats, McCloud is supported by a talented receiving room in Jaden Williams, Joey Hobert and Chris Dawn Jr. Each receiver has three touchdowns or more this season.

Defensive back Jordan Polk will try to shut down the Trojans offense. Polk leads the team in tackles with 26.

Troy will once again have concerns at the quarterback position. With Goose Crowder exiting early against ULM, head coach Gerad Parker lists him as a “gametime decision”.

Tucker Kilcrease filled the quarterback role in Crowder’s absence but was also injured against ULM. It’s likely Kilcrease will do so again if needed, but Matthew Caldwell is available as well.

Caldwell had significant reps against Memphis after Crowder’s first injury and started the road game against Iowa.

Troy’s defense has established itself as capable of success in conference play. The offense will need to do the same this week, after being unable to score a touchdown in last week’s ULM game.

Troy looks to right the ship and upset the Bobcats Thursday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast at 6 p.m. on ESPNU.