The Texas State at Troy Game 2024 ~ Bobcats outpace the Trojans.

Under the lights of Veterans Memorial Stadium before a collective crowd of about 20,000 people with national sports media live streaming from iconic Troy, the Bobcats outpaced the Trojans resulting in a 38 to 17 win for Texas State in the teams 13th meeting. The two teams began play in 1997 and for only the second time - the Bobcats left Troy with a well-deserved win. In effect, outmanning and outpacing the young Trojans.

In essence, Troy is rebuilding depth on both offense and defense. The comparison, unlike years of past, was/is apparent with a basic position by position noticeable difference here and there. Texas State had more depth and more experience. Years past have been more well balanced. Shucked down to the husk - Texas State outmanned Troy. Texas State was athletically superior this year at too many positions for young and injury embattled Troy to overcome.

Going into the game, Texas State averaged 37.5 points per game this season, while Troy averaged 21.4. The Trojan offensive line is improving at the center and guard positions as necessary to establish a productive offense. The Bobcats were 13.5-point favorites in the latest Texas State vs. Troy proving the Simulator true/correct, actually winning by 21. Certainly, Coach Parker will face criticism having nixed a fifth loss as Head Coach - but that number is deceptive. His prior successes and potential will require time to ripen.

Yet the Trojan should and did faithful remained optimistic, clearly appreciating the transition of new coaching staffs. The Referee Squad led by Scott Broadway were a non-factor, doing their job well, with zero negative effect upon the actual play of the game. So thanks to the NCAA for a Referee Squad of professionals that cut no cuttos, but called it “fair & straight”.

So the Legends of Troy remains in process, at least for the football program, as many standout Trojan players exhibited heroic efforts and unexpected feats of greatness at times were borne out by brave young players. The Sound of the South as always provided a stellar show and powerful booming support force to the game atmosphere. And specific plays saw big Trojan Legend moments. Specifically the speed and strength of #5 and #7 for Troy was notable.

Jordan Stringer’s pursuit of the football for Troy on defense was weaponizing and exciting. Stringer’s standout efforts, despite the team loss, and his ability to literally wrap up tackle while being blocked the Bobcat’s running back on several occasions resembled that of Demarcus Ware & Osi Umenyiora. Jah-Mal Williams displayed heroic Trojan battle efforts as well throughout the game delivering old school hits and grit consistently fulfilling his player duties. Kam Curry, a stout D-lineman out of Midland, Texas, battled the Bobcats in the interior often jamming up the coveted Play Grid of the A & B gaps.

And the Troy defensive backs, to include safety Justin Powe, had sparks of greatness during play. Yet the overall team syncing “chemistry” required felt slightly evasive - likely due again to the depth of Texas State foregoing Troy’s traditional approach of always fresh rotated defensive front. In years past, much credit was given in college football overall by those who study the game to Coach Wayne Bolt for his unique philosophy of steady “fresh legs” on the defensive front.

For the Bobcats, Jordan McCloud stole the show at the QB position in effect creating and taking the victory back to Texas. Bodily he could start as a running back or quarterback given his speed and balanced physique. Not only did the six foot, two hundred pound running quarterback have a steady night passing (70% completion rate on 29 attempts) and leading with a confident presence. He outscampered the Troy linebacker squad and often avoided the D-lines pressure. Troy’s QB position has both the athleticism and leadership traits necessary t

Troy’s victories historically are built on defensive standouts, with a steady rotation of fresh defensive lineman remaining in rotation throughout the game. With linebackers and defensive backs whose speed and striking strength force big plays and unexpected, forced mental errors of the offense. Yet, the “push” of the Trojan wall defense compared to Texas State this season was marginal at best. In effect, McCloud was the single player effort that should be credited with the win as both a leader and player. Jordan McCloud accounted for four touchdowns, three of them through the air, But young Troy looked good.

Troy is a mid-major football program whose future is as bright as ever specifically given the dynamics established for school growth and player exposure. Coach Parker as a respected leader and offensive genius is forging his identity with regards to character and fortitude. Being a global University with satellite campuses on military bases and private property throughout the world - this loss will not define, but certainly is in the books as a predicted loss. And well deserved win for the Bobcats. The true test for the Troy players and Coach Parker is winning the games by objective comparison that are supposed to be won and by sheer chemistry and determination winning a few unexpectedly. That has defined Troy.

Coach Parker has a good opportunity to continue to infuse his core “culture” into this young squad. With likely sufficient breathing room at Troy for several years of “flex & flux” one degree improvements as the entirety of his “philosophy” and the mechanics of football come to life. Despite the loss as a Team on paper, the fans and support staff appeared resolved. From a country school at the D3 level to a now sprawling global university with buildings resembling that of timeless empires the schools identity almost having a Gladiator Games, welcome to the “Coliseum”, enjoy the circus type feel - program improvement is certain over time. The crisp, orderly campus and the cluster of athletic fields which sprawl across the lush valley always provides a timeless experience.

As a televised Thursday (school night) game, both the Bobcats and Trojans provided a good showing during a coveted evening of national athletic attention. So as to “program spirit” the evening was a “wash” for the young Troy team and new coaching staff, despite a loss on paper. Troy remains eternally Troy. Good work by the Bobcat Staff and Players - well deserved victory in this the 13th meeting of the programs. Hats off to the Bobcats and work horses of Troy. Surviving to fight another day is the essence of being “Battle Ready”.

Favilla well,

Youtube: Texas State Bobcats vs. Troy Trojans | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Football

ESPN: https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401643797

Troy University: https://troytrojans.com/news/2024/10/3/football-troy-falls-to-texas-state

Texas State University: https://txst.com/news/2024/10/3/football-bobcats-open-sun-belt-play-with-38-17-win-at-troy.aspx

Trenton "Trentesimo" Garmon is a Christian civil activist, a seasoned trial lawyer, and father of five. He believes in natural law, the Constitution and inalienable civil rights. He enjoys his faith, family, fishing, campfires and football.

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