Texas State took advantage of several Troy miscues on Thursday night and converted them all into points, as the Bobcats defeated the Trojans, 38-17, in Sun Belt Conference action at The Vet to snap a 12-game losing streak to Troy.
Tucker Kilcrease put together a career-best performance at quarterback for the Trojans while filling in for starter Goose Crowder, passing for 249 and two touchdowns.
In his first career start, Kilcrease set career highs in completions (17), passing yards (249) and passing touchdowns (2). Mojo Dortch recorded his first career touchdown reception on a 7-yard strike by Kilcrease in the second quarter, while Devonte Ross added a 19-yard touchdown for his seventh score of the year in the fourth quarter.
However, a roughing the punter penalty led to a touchdown on the very next play, Troy fumbled on the 2-yard line going in for a touchdown right before the half and the Trojans fumbled at midfield in the first quarter, which led to a Bobcats touchdown eight plays later.
Reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year Jordan McCloud led the Bobcats with 252 yards and three touchdowns through the air with 72 yards and another score on the ground. The Trojan defense, however, forced three turnovers with interceptions by Jordan Stringer and LJ Green and a fumble recovery by Trent Henry.
The final interception of the night came as Texas State head coach GJ Kinne dialed up a passing play with 29 seconds remaining in the game, up by 21 points. Green picked off McCloud in the end zone, and the Trojans were the ones who took a knee to run out the clock.
Troy trailed 14-7 early in the second quarter and got a crucial defensive stop and 3rd-and-2, but the roughing the punter penalty gave Texas State a first down, and on the very next play, McCloud hit Kole Wilson downfield for a 51-yard touchdown.
Peyton Higgins set a new career high with 76 receiving yards for the Trojans, while Landon Parker added a season-high 83 receiving yards. Troy, however, took six sacks and rushed for 63 yards, while Texas State picked up 215 yards on the ground, and the Trojans sacked them twice.
Up Next
Troy has a bye week before heading to Mobile, Ala., to face South Alabama in the "Battle for the Belt" on Tuesday, October 15.
