Troy, AL – Texas State Bobcats QB Jordan McCloud threw for three TDs and ran for one as they defeated the Troy Trojans, 38-17. With the departure of former HC Jon Sumrall to Tulane, the atmosphere and talent witnessed at Troy’s Veterans Memorial Stadium fell far from what we experienced here last season. Following a 24-2 record and two Sun Belt championships, new HC Gerad Parker’s takeover appears to be a work in progress.
Bobcats fast forward
A sack by DE Jo’Laison Landry halted Troy’s opening drive. The ensuing Bobcat possession resulted with a one-yard TD run by Ismail Mahdi. Texas State’s next score followed a fumble by QB Tucker Kilcrease. The Bobcats drove 64 yards as McCloud (20 for 29, 252 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs) connected for his first TD on a 10-yard pass to Jaden Williams for a 14-0 lead at the end of one.
Troy made some noise in the second. An interception bounced off a lineman’s helmet fell into the hands of LB Jordan Stringer for the turnover. Kilcrease connected effectively with WR Landon Parker on the following series. They connected from ten yards out to cut the Texas State Bobcats’ lead, 14-7. The Trojans tried to keep up the rest of the half, but to no avail. A roughing the kicker penalty on TXST’s next drive put the Bobcats on their 49. McCloud connected near the end zone with Kole Wilson for a 51-yard touchdown. Troy responded with Scott Renfroe’s 40-yard FG to trail, 21-10.
Bobcats Halt Valiant Trojan Try
A Bobcat pass and 15-yard penalty put State at the Trojan 45. McCloud threw 28 yards to Joey Hobert to extend the lead 28-10. Troy moved the ball deep into Bobcat territory before the half ended. WR Peyton Higgins raced toward the end zone for an apparent score but fumbled the ball and S Ryan Nolan recovered at the two to end the scoring threat. The Bobcats closed leading by 18 at the half.
Only real fireworks for Troy
In the third, Mason Shipley’s 52-yard FG put the Bobcats up 31-10. A turnover on downs ensued over to Texas State. This time, McCloud scored with his legs on a 42-yard TD gallop. The Trojans countered with a 75-yard scoring drive as Devonte Ross hauled in a 25-yard scoring pass. The Veterans Memorial Stadium scoreboard set off some fireworks, literally, before the fourth period started. However, only the Texas State Bobcats lit up the scoreboard in the fourth following another Trojan turnover on downs. Final score: 38-17 in favor of the Bobcats.
Next up!
Troy travels to Mobile, Alabama to play South Alabama in two weeks. The Texas State Bobcats (3-2, 1-0) will host Arkansas State Red Wolves (3-2, 1-0) in what will be an early, key conflict between both for Sun Belt superiority in the standings. Last season, ASU trounced TXST, 77-31. Revenge will play a factor in this one. Collegefootballfan.com drives on the see Kennesaw State (0-4) host Jacksonville State (1-3) in a Conference USA dispute the following evening. KSU starts it inaugural season in the FBS and CUSA. Despite a very sure end result, we’ll check the box as the Owls Fifth Third Bank Stadium becomes our 93rd FBS venue. After that, Auburn at Georgia on Saturday.
Texas State in our future
We still continue to monitor the Sun Belt Conference through the end of this year. We anticipated a big improvement at TXST since HC GJ Kinne took over last season and guided the Bobcats to their first eight-win season since 2008. Much is still expected as having an experienced, strong-armed QB from a winning program like James Madison joined his team. However, the competition anticipated comes from a different group of foes than expected.
Among the most anticipated contenders in preseason, several have fallen out and several have stepped in unexpectedly. We watched Appalachian State (2-3, 0-2) falter big to South Alabama already, 48-14. James Madison (4-1, 0-1) dropped this weekend from the ranks of the undefeated to surprising UL Monroe (4-1,1-0), 21-19. The ULM War Hawks’ (4-1, 2-0) only loss thus far came against No.1 Texas. In addition, Arkansas State coming up stands as a formidable opponent. Louisiana (4-1,1-0) looks formidable as usual, and South Alabama (2-4, 1-1) offers an end of year challenge. We still consider attending this one in Mobile if it coincides with our Thanksgiving weekend plans to visit the USS Alabama in Mobile.
East challengers
This season, the two top Sun Belt conference teams in regular season will play for the title. Also looking strong among others playing within an “East Division,” Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern and Marshall have gotten off to strong starts in the Sun Belt. The balance of the season looks conjure up some pretty big battles to win the SBC. Stay tuned.
-Ed. by Steve Koreivo Member of Football Writers Association of America
Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly