TXST FOOTBALL
Bobcats face Trojans for homecoming
The Countdown to Kickoff series takes a look at the upcoming season for the Texas State Bobcats as they hit the gridiron for the final season in the Sun Belt Conference.
This week will preview the Bobcats annual homecoming game against the Troy Trojans.
After capturing the Sun Belt Conference title in 2023, the Trojans took a step back the next season following the loss of not only head coach Jon Sumerall but several offensive and defensive starters.
Troy finished the 2024 season with a 4-8 overall record but won three out of their last four games to end the year on a high note.
In Texas State’s showdown with Troy, the Bobcats defeated the Trojans 38-17. For Texas State, it was the Bobcats first win over Troy since 1997 and their first win against the Trojans on the road.
Going into the 2025 season, the Trojans will have to replace their leading passer, rusher and receiver on offense.
Returning for the Trojans is quarterback Goose Crowder. Crowder passed for 542 yards and five touchdowns for Troy while rushing for 52 yards and one touchdown in four games.
On defense, the Trojans return linebacker Jordan Stringer and safety Justin Powe. Stringer was second in total tackles last season with 76 along with 34 solo tackles, two sacks and one interception. Powe was third in total tackles with 67 and first in solo tackles with 38.
The series history between Texas State and Troy dates back to 1996 when the Trojans became football-only members of the Southland Conference from 1996-2000.
The Trojans defeated the Bobcats 24-13 in their first ever meeting during the 1996 season.
In their showdown in 1997, Texas State faced off with the No. 7 ranked Trojans on a Thursday night in San Marcos.
The Bobcats stunned Troy, upsetting the Trojans 31-17 behind 159 rushing yards from senior running back Claude Mathis.
Troy would defeat Texas State three consecutive times before making their transition to FBS in 2001.
The series was reunited in 2013 when Texas State joined the Sun Belt Conference where Troy was a member since 2005.
In the first meeting in 12 years, Troy defeated Texas State 42-28. The two teams would not play again until 2016 where the game became an annual contest.
Troy continued their dominance over Texas State, winning eight straight match ups to push their winning streak over the Bobcats to 12 games.
With the Trojans success against the Bobcats, many Texas State fans wonder if a long coveted win over Troy ever would come. However, they got their answer during the 2024 season.
In the conference opener for both teams, ironically on a Thursday night, Texas State made the trip to Troy to face-off with the Trojans.
The Bobcats jumped out to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter before extending their lead to 28-10 at halftime. Troy was unable to climb out of the hole as Texas State went on to win 3817 over the Trojans.
Kickoff for Texas State-Troy is set for Saturday Oct. 11 at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
