Football takes down ULM on the road

Troy notched its fourth consecutive win after a commanding 37-14 showing at ULM on Saturday at Malone Stadium. 

The victory now makes it the longest winning streak for the Trojans since the Jon Sumrall-coached team in 2023. It also puts the Trojans at 3-0 in Sun Belt play, where head coach Gerad Parker’s team only amounted to 3-5 in his debut year. 

Troy Athletics photo

DJ Jackson Jr. celebrates after getting a sack against ULM.

"These guys don't flinch; they just keep on playing through stuff,” Parker said. “I'm really proud of us.  

“Our defense, took a huge step in the second half in how they found the football.” 

The defense held ULM to just six points and forced an unprecedented four turnovers in the second half. The Trojans had gone the previous three games without a takeaway. 

ULM stuck around for the majority of the first half. Trailing 20-14 late in the third quarter, quarterback Aiden Armenta was intercepted by Joe Lott. The redshirt freshman then sealed the Warhawks’ fate in the fourth quarter with yet another interception, this time for a 53-yard pick-six. 

The Trojans two fumble recoveries were forced by Jahmal Williams and TJ Thompson. The pair of fumbles, along with the first of Lott’s two interceptions, all occurred over a five-play span for ULM’s offense. 

Offensively, Tray Taylor was the star of the show for the Men of Troy. The receiver had 89 yards and a touchdown off two receptions, including a 60-yard pass. He also found success in the run game with 20 rushing yards and another touchdown. 

Quarterback Tucker Kilcrease had another strong showing with 223 yards and a touchdown pass. The junior has thrown at least one touchdown in each of the last four games. 

Troy got off to a strong start, leading 10-0 after the first quarter. ULM managed to get back in it though with a touchdown and two-point conversion. The Warhawks had kicking struggles, limiting their options in extra point and goal line situations. 

Tae Meadows scored a touchdown in the second quarter to put the lead back up to two goals. Because of the kicking struggles, ULM was unable to come up with points from the Troy 14-yard line as time expired on the half. Troy led 17-8 entering the locker room. 

The turnovers helped give Troy a larger gap, along with multiple field goals from Scott Taylor Renfroe. The senior went 3-for-3, including a 41-yard make to help secure the win. He is now 7-for-8 on this season. With a 47-yarder last week, the Troy native has gone back-to-back weeks with 40-plusyard field goal makes. 

The Trojans move to 5-2 on the year and sit tied for first in the Sun Belt West division. Southern Miss is the only other team in the division to hold an undefeated record in conference play. 

Troy now sets its sights on the two-game homestand that begins this Saturday. The first game is against Louisiana this Saturday. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Troy Sports Media Network.