The message throughout the Iowa Football practice facility this week will no doubt be about bouncing back from a tough loss to Iowa State on Saturday. The Hawkeyes will try to do it against the Troy Trojans in what will be the first ever meeting between the two programs. It’s also the fifth time since 2014 that Iowa starts the season with three straight games at Kinnick Stadium.
Troy has been one of the better Group of 5 programs recently, winning 10+ games in five of the last eight seasons. However, they are in major rebuild mode under first-year head coach Gerad Parker. The Trojans are off to an 0-2 start this season, including a 38-17 loss to Memphis this past weekend.
Iowa opened as a 20-point favorite over the Trojans by the various sportsbooks. Over the last five seasons, the Hawkeyes are 8-0 when favored by 20+ points and have covered the spread in six of them. Colorado State (’21) and Utah State (’23) were the two teams to cover the 20-point spread.
TROJANS OFFENSE
2024 Numbers: 21.5 PPG (102nd), 145.5 RUSH (80th), 175.5 PASS (104th), 321.0 TOTAL (104th)
The Troy offense averaged nearly 30 points per game last season, but they return just two starters from last season and ranked 114th in returning production. The big question this week for the Trojans is, who is going to start at quarterback?
West Virginia transfer Goose Crowder has completed 25 of 37 (67.6%) passes for 238 yards, but injured his shoulder early in the game against Memphis and did not return. His status is uncertain as of right now. If he can’t go, it will be Gardner-Webb transfer Matthew Caldwell taking the snaps under center. In relief of Crowder on Saturday, Caldwell completed 11 of 19 (57.9%) passes for 113 yards. In two years at GWU, Caldwell started just five games, totaling six touchdowns and six interceptions.
At running back, the Trojans have split carries between junior Damien Taylor and senior Gerald Green. Taylor has been the more efficient back, totaling 136 yards on 18 carries (7.6 ypc) and one touchdown. Green has 21 carries for just 60 yards (2.9 ypc) and a touchdown.
Looking at the wideout position, Devonte Ross and Peyton Higgins have combined to catch 21 of the 36 pass completions so far this year. Ross caught 40 passes last season and has ten catches for 130 yards and one touchdown so far this season. Higgins caught just 12 passes a year ago, but has already totaled 11 catches for 91 yards through two games. The other name to watch is former Oregon State receiver Zeriah Beason . He has caught six passes for 77 yards, including a 33-yard reception against Memphis.
The offensive line has been a big weakness so far for the Trojans. They came into the year ranked 115th in the country in returning starts on the offensive line and that has shown to be an issue so far. Per PFF, Troy ranks 126th in the country in run blocking grade (50.6) and 73rd in pass blocking (69.5). Although they’ve allowed just one sack, opponents have totaled 21 quarterback pressures (10.5 per gm).
TROJANS DEFENSE
2024 Numbers: 33.0 PPG (114th), 212.5 RUSH (119th), 170.0 PASS (50th), 382.5 TOTAL (94th)
Troy has recently been one of the better defensive Group of 5 teams, ranking 3rd amongst the G5 in ppg in 2022 and 2023. That has not been the case this season, as the Trojans have allowed 66 points through two games.
They’ve allowed opponents to rush for 6.7 yards per carry and 425 total yards, while opposing QB’s have completed 38 of 51 passes (74.5%) for 340 yards and two touchdowns. The Trojans have allowed points on ten of 18 drives, including nine touchdowns and have yet to force a turnover.
Despite the defensive struggles, there are still a few names to know. Linebacker Jordan Stringer was a preseason All-Sun Belt selection, after totaling 68 tackles and three tackles for loss last season. He has nine tackles and a forced fumble.
Gardner-Webb transfer linebacker Brendan Jackson totaled 96 tackles over two season with the Bulldogs and currently leads the Troy defense with 16 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Sophomore safety Justin Powe is second on the team with 14 tackles, while corner Damaje Yancey has 11 tackles.
Per PFF, Troy ranks 125th in rush defense grade (57.1), 117th in pass rushing (58.9) and 87th in coverage (68.0). Their overall 60.9 defensive grade ranks 123rd out of 134 teams.
TROJANS SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Scott Taylor Renfroe: 3/3 FG, 4/4 PAT, LNG 30
Punter Robert Cole: 8 punts, 42.3 AVG, LNG 59
Kick Returner Jordan Lovett: 4 returns, 15.3 AVG, LNG 24
Punt Returner Peyton Higgins: 1 return, 7 yds
FINAL THOUGHT
On paper, this is an easier game than the season opener against Illinois State. Troy could very well be starting their backup quarterback, while their struggling offensive line will be going up against one of the best defenses in the country. The Hawkeyes offensive line has shown great strides in the run blocking department, while Kaleb Johnson has been virtually unstoppable. That’s very bad news for a Troy defense that is allowing almost 7.0 yards per carry. Kirk Ferentz isn’t one for running up the score, but this should be a get right 45-3 type game for the Hawkeyes.
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