Troy vs Texas State Football 2024: Player Stats and Game Analysis

The Troy Trojans faced off against the Texas State Bobcats on October 3, 2024, in a Sun Belt Conference showdown at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama. The Bobcats emerged victorious with a decisive 38-17 scoreline, capitalizing on Troy’s miscues and showcasing a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Jordan McCloud. This dives deep into the player stats, key performances, and critical moments of the game, offering a comprehensive analysis for football fans and analysts alike. Drawing from official box scores, ESPN, and other reputable sources.

Game Overview

The Texas State Bobcats (3-2, 1-0 Sun Belt) entered the game as 13.5-point favorites, according to ESPN and FOX Sports, against the Troy Trojans (1-5, 0-1 Sun Belt), who were struggling under first-year head coach Gerad Parker. The game, played on a Thursday night, saw Texas State dominate early, building a 28-10 halftime lead and never looking back. Troy’s offense, hampered by injuries and quarterback uncertainty, couldn’t keep pace, and their defense failed to contain Texas State’s explosive plays. The final score of 38-17 reflected Texas State’s ability to exploit turnovers, penalties, and defensive lapses.

Key statistical highlights include

• Total Offense: Texas State amassed 462 yards (215 rushing, 247 passing), while Troy managed 315 yards (63 rushing, 252 passing).
• Turnovers: Troy committed one turnover (a fumble), while Texas State had none.
• Penalties: Troy’s costly penalties, including a roughing-the-punter call, extended Texas State drives.
• Sacks: Troy’s offensive line struggled, allowing six sacks, while their defense recorded two.

Below, we break down the standout player performances and critical stats for both teams.

Texas State Bobcats: Player Stats and Key Performances

Offense

Jordan McCloud (Quarterback)

• Stats: 19/28 passing, 247 yards, 3 TD passes, 0 INT; 10 carries, 67 yards, 1 rushing TD
• Impact: McCloud was the game’s MVP, accounting for four total touchdowns. His 51-yard touchdown pass to Kole Wilson in the second quarter, following a Troy penalty, shifted momentum decisively. His 42-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter effectively sealed the game. McCloud’s dual-threat ability overwhelmed Troy’s defense, which struggled to contain his mobility and deep throws.

Kole Wilson (Wide Receiver)

• Stats: 4 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD (51-yard reception)
• Impact: Wilson’s long touchdown catch was a turning point, exploiting a Troy defensive lapse after a roughing-the-punter penalty. His ability to stretch the field opened opportunities for other receivers.

Joey Hobert (Wide Receiver)

• Stats: 5 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD (28-yard reception)
• Impact: Hobert, a fifth-year senior, was a reliable target, particularly in the red zone. His 28-yard touchdown before halftime gave Texas State a commanding 28-10 lead. Hobert’s eight catches for 75 yards in the previous game against Sam Houston underscore his consistency.

Ismail Mahdi (Running Back)

• Stats: 17 carries, 104 yards, 0 TD
• Impact: Mahdi led Texas State’s ground game, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles and gain consistent yardage kept Troy’s defense off balance, complementing McCloud’s passing attack.

Defense

• Ben Bell (Defensive End): Recorded 2 sacks, 4 tackles
• Carson Kroon (Linebacker): 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
• Impact: Texas State’s defense pressured Troy’s quarterbacks relentlessly, with Bell’s sacks disrupting drives. The Bobcats’ six sacks limited Troy’s rushing game to 63 yards and forced third-and-long situations.

Special Teams

• Mason Shipley (Kicker): 1/1 field goals (53 yards), 5/5 extra points
• Impact: Shipley’s 53-yard field goal in the third quarter extended Texas State’s lead to 31-10, showcasing his range and reliability.

Troy Trojans: Player Stats and Key Performances

Offense

Tucker Kilcrease (Quarterback)

• Stats: 12/18 passing, 134 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; 5 carries, -12 yards (due to sacks)
• Impact: Kilcrease, making his first career start, showed poise with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Devonte Ross in the third quarter. However, constant pressure from Texas State’s defensive line limited his effectiveness, and he was sacked multiple times.

Tommy Kilcrease (Quarterback)

• Stats: 5/8 passing, 118 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; 3 carries, -15 yards
• Impact: Tommy Kilcrease started the game and connected with Mojo Dortch for a 7-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Like Tucker, he faced heavy pressure, contributing to Troy’s six sacks allowed.

Landon Parker (Wide Receiver)

• Stats: 4 receptions, 83 yards, 0 TD
• Impact: Parker was Troy’s leading receiver, setting a career-high in yardage. His deep catches kept drives alive, but Troy’s inability to sustain momentum limited his overall impact.

Mojo Dortch (Wide Receiver)

• Stats: 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD (7-yard reception)
• Impact: Dortch’s touchdown early in the second quarter gave Troy a brief spark, but he was quiet thereafter as Texas State’s secondary tightened coverage.

Damien Taylor (Running Back)

• Stats: 10 carries, 48 yards, 0 TD
• Impact: Taylor was Troy’s primary rusher, but Texas State’s defensive front stifled the ground game, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry for the team.

Defense

• Julian Peterson (Defensive Tackle): 5 tackles, 1 sack
• Darrell Starling (Linebacker): 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
• Impact: Troy’s defense struggled to stop Texas State’s balanced attack, allowing 215 rushing yards and 247 passing yards. Peterson’s sack was a highlight, but the unit couldn’t generate consistent pressure on McCloud.

Special Teams

• Scott Taylor Renfroe (Kicker): 1/1 field goals (42 yards), 2/2 extra points
• Impact: Renfroe’s 42-yard field goal in the second quarter cut Texas State’s lead to 21-10, but Troy’s offense couldn’t capitalize on the momentum.

Critical Game Moments

1. Early Deficit: Texas State jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, exploiting Troy’s slow start. McCloud’s two touchdown passes set the tone.
2. Roughing-the-Punter Penalty: In the second quarter, Troy’s defense forced a third-and-2 stop, but a roughing-the-punter penalty extended Texas State’s drive. McCloud capitalized with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Wilson, making it 21-7.
3. Halftime Lead: Texas State’s 28-10 lead at halftime, capped by Hobert’s 28-yard touchdown, deflated Troy’s morale.
4. McCloud’s Rushing TD: McCloud’s 42-yard touchdown run in the third quarter pushed the score to 38-10, effectively ending Troy’s comeback hopes.
5. Troy’s Late Score: Tucker Kilcrease’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Devonte Ross made it 38-17, but it was too little, too late.

Statistical Comparison

Category	Texas State	Troy
Total Yards	462	315
Passing Yards	247	252
Rushing Yards	215	63
First Downs	22	16
Turnovers	0	1
Sacks (Defense)	6	2
Penalties	4-35 yards	6-55 yards
Time of Possession	32:15	27:45

Texas State’s efficiency on third downs (7/13) and red-zone scoring (4/4) contrasted with Troy’s struggles (4/12 on third downs, 2/3 in the red zone).

Analysis: What Went Right and Wrong

Texas State

• What Went Right: McCloud’s versatility and the Bobcats’ balanced attack overwhelmed Troy. The defense’s six sacks disrupted Troy’s rhythm, and zero turnovers ensured clean play. Special teams, led by Shipley’s 53-yard field goal, added crucial points.
• What Went Wrong: Minor penalties (4-35 yards) extended Troy drives, and the secondary allowed 252 passing yards, indicating room for improvement against stronger passing teams.

Troy

• What Went Right: Landon Parker and the Kilcrease quarterbacks showed flashes of potential, with 252 passing yards against a solid Texas State secondary. Renfroe’s kicking was perfect.
• What Went Wrong: Six sacks and 63 rushing yards highlight offensive line struggles. Penalties, particularly the roughing-the-punter call, were costly. The defense couldn’t stop McCloud’s big plays, and early deficits put Troy in a hole.

Implications for the Season

For Texas State, the win improved their record to 3-2 and marked a strong start in Sun Belt play. McCloud’s performance solidifies his status as a conference star, and the Bobcats’ balanced offense positions them as contenders in the Sun Belt West. Their next game against Arkansas State offers a chance to build momentum.

For Troy, the loss dropped them to 1-5, raising concerns about their direction under Parker. With a bye week before facing South Alabama on October 15, the Trojans must address their offensive line issues and quarterback situation. The defense needs to generate more pressure to avoid further blowouts.

Conclusion

The Texas State Bobcats’ 38-17 victory over the Troy Trojans on October 3, 2024, was a masterclass in capitalizing on opponent mistakes and executing a balanced game plan. Jordan McCloud’s four touchdowns, Kole Wilson’s big plays, and a relentless defensive front were too much for Troy to handle. Despite flashes from Tucker Kilcrease and Landon Parker, Troy’s offensive struggles and costly penalties sealed their fate. This game underscores Texas State’s potential as a Sun Belt contender and highlights the challenges facing Troy in a transitional season.

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