Football set to take on Old Dominion

Troy football travels to Norfolk, Virginia to take on the Old Dominion Monarchs tonight at S.B. Ballard Stadium on ESPN. 

The Trojans return to action after a bye week following their loss at home to Arkansas State snapped a five-game win streak. Old Dominion also got the week off after winning its last two games, including a 31-6 showing against ULM. 

Brady Fitch photo

Tucker Kilcrease throws a pass against Arkansas State.

The Trojans have been led by quarterback Tucker Kilcrease, who holds a 5-1 record as the starter this season. The initial starter this year, Goose Crowder, is expected to see action this week. 

“Both quarterbacks will play,” head coach Gerad Parker said. “We’re excited to welcome [Crowder] back to us and will continue to do the right thing for our football team to take the steps so that we are where we want to be at the end of the year.  

“So, he will play this week.” 

Crowder was the starter in the first three games before going down with a collarbone injury against Memphis. He threw for 373 yards, four touchdowns and an interception over that time. Crowder fired off 223 yards against Clemson, helping the team to hold a lead at halftime against the ACC foe. 

While Troy looks to figure out its quarterback battle, sophomore quarterback Colton Joseph has left no doubt that he is the leader for the Monarchs’ offense. Joseph has been the starter since his arrival on campus. Against Virginia Tech, he mounted a 276-yard passing showcase with two passing touchdowns and one score with his legs to upset the Hokies 45-26. 

Joseph has 19 house calls with his arm but also has a team-high nine rushing touchdowns. He has 620 rushing yards, while starting running back Trequan Jones has 528. 

Defensively, Jerome Carter has been lethal from the safety position. The sophomore leads the team in both tackles and interceptions with 64 and three, respectively. Meanwhile, linebacker Jeremy Mack Jr. continues to apply pressure in the backfield for ODU with 3.5 sacks this season. 

Troy has struggled this season with sacks and turnovers. While Goose Crowder has four touchdowns, he also threw three interceptions. Tucker Kilcrease has taken 26 sacks so far, including nine in the loss to Arkansas State.  

Old Dominion will be looking to press the turnover and sack issues against Troy. The Trojans simply look for a quicker start to the game. This season, Troy has been outscored in the first quarter, 73-38, including trailing by three scores on two different occasions. 

Troy looks to continue hunting for a Sun Belt Championship bid tonight. With Southern Miss beating Arkansas State last week, the Trojans once again control their own destiny.

The Monarchs need some help, but a win over Troy would keep their conference title hopes alive as well. 

Troy and Old Dominion kick off tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Norfolk, Virginia. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.