Trojans run win streak up to five games with win

Troy extended its win streak to five games and clinched bowl eligibility thanks to a 35-23 win over Louisiana on Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium. 

Jordan Lovett’s two touchdown performance solidified the win that maintained Troy’s undefeated conference record after four games. In the absence of running back Tae Meadows, the sophomore rushed for 113 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. 

“A lot was asked of him this week,” head coach Gerad Parker said. “He brings a strong work ethic and smile into the building everyday, and I couldn’t be happier to see him score to help us seal the game.” 

Quarterback Tucker Kilcrease also had a strong showing on the ground. He managed two rushing touchdowns, as well as 180 passing yards. 

Troy trailed 14-7 early in the second quarter. Despite an opening drive touchdown, the Trojans appeared flat until Jaquez White gave the team life thanks to an interception that was returned 30-yards for a game-tying pick six.  

The defense finished the day with three interceptions. Troy’s defense has now forced six turnovers over the last two games. 

The Trojans entered the locker room leading 21-17, but head coach Gerad Parker was not thrilled with the first 30 minutes of play from his team. 

“It doesn't feel like a lead,” Parker said at the break. “[We] played poorly on special teams, we're not playing sound, we're not lining up properly on defense and we’re inefficient on offense. 

“We have to get things fixed.” 

The Trojans did come out with things fixed, striking the first blow of the second half with a methodical drive spanning 69 yards over five minutes and 29 seconds to take a two-score lead. The Trojans outscored the Ragin’ Cajuns 14-6 in the final 30 minutes and sealed the game with a Justin Powe interception on Louisiana’s final offensive drive. 

“I'm a little bit speechless, which is a bit out of the norm, because I'm all over the place emotionally,” Parker said. “I feel like this is the first game where I lost a little bit of my composure in the first half.  

“Some things I feel like we got fixed at halftime and certainly came out and played better.” 

This is the first time a Parker-coached team has earned a bid to a bowl game. It is also the third time in four years the Trojans will add a game to their schedule. This will be the 11th bowl appearance for the Men of Troy. 

The eyes of the team are on a bigger prize though. Sitting at 4-0 in conference play, Troy remains tied with Southern Miss for the top spot in the Sun Belt West. The two will face off in the final game of the regular season.  

James Madison holds control of the top spot in the Sun Belt East and would be the host of the conference championship game if the Dukes win out. A conference title would not only be the third in the last four years but could potentially put the Trojans in contention for a playoff spot, thanks to the auto-bid system introduced to the College Football Playoff last season. 

The focus will only be on Arkansas State for the time being though. Troy will play host to the Red Wolves this Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU.