Troy Shut Out by Old Dominion in 33–0 Road Loss, Snapping Momentum and Raising Questions Ahead of Georgia State Clash

Troy University's football team suffered a humbling defeat on Thursday night, November 13, falling 33–0 to Old Dominion in a Sun Belt Conference matchup at Kornblau Field in Norfolk, Virginia. The loss marked Troy's second consecutive defeat and its first shutout of the 2025 season, dropping the Trojans to 6–4 overall and 4–2 in conference play.

Coming off a narrow loss to Arkansas State, Troy entered the game hoping to regain its footing and solidify its position in the Sun Belt West Division. Instead, the Trojans were overwhelmed by a surging Old Dominion squad that improved to 7–3 and showcased dominance on both sides of the ball. The Monarchs controlled the tempo from the opening kickoff, outgaining Troy 412 to 114 in total yards and holding the Trojans to just six first downs.

Old Dominion quarterback Jack Shields led the charge, throwing for 198 yards and two touchdowns while adding 47 rushing yards. Running back T. Jones punctuated the win with a 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, capping a night of explosive plays and sustained drives. Wide receiver C. Joseph hauled in both of Shields' touchdown passes, finishing with 92 receiving yards and providing a reliable target throughout the game.

Troy's offense, which had shown flashes of explosiveness earlier in the season, was stifled from start to finish. Quarterback K. Hill completed just 9 of 21 passes for 98 yards and was sacked four times. The rushing attack was virtually nonexistent, with the team managing only 16 yards on the ground. Third-down efficiency was a glaring issue, as Troy converted just 2 of 13 attempts, often finding itself behind the chains due to penalties and negative plays.

Defensively, Troy struggled to contain Old Dominion's balanced attack. The Trojans allowed 214 rushing yards and failed to generate a turnover or sack. Linebacker J. McGee led the team with eight tackles, but the unit as a whole appeared fatigued and outmatched, particularly in the second half when the Monarchs pulled away.

Special teams also faltered, with Troy missing a 42-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter and failing to flip field position on punts. The average starting field position for Old Dominion was near midfield, giving them a consistent advantage in play-calling and clock management.

Head coach Gerad Parker acknowledged the team's shortcomings in his postgame remarks. "We didn't execute in any phase of the game," Parker said. "That's on me. We've got to be better prepared, and we've got to respond. This isn't who we are, and we've got to prove that next week."

The loss raises concerns about Troy's postseason prospects. With two games remaining, including a pivotal home matchup against Georgia State on November 22, the Trojans must regroup quickly to secure bowl eligibility and maintain relevance in the Sun Belt race. Georgia State, currently 5–5, presents a formidable challenge with a mobile quarterback and aggressive defense.

Troy's recent struggles contrast sharply with its midseason surge, which included wins over South Alabama, Texas State, and Louisiana. During that stretch, the Trojans averaged over 30 points per game and showcased a defense that forced turnovers and controlled the line of scrimmage. The back-to-back losses have exposed vulnerabilities in depth, discipline, and adaptability.

Injuries have also played a role. Starting wide receiver D. Johnson missed Thursday's game with a hamstring injury, and offensive lineman M. Carter left in the second quarter with a shoulder issue. Their absence contributed to the lack of rhythm and protection for Hill, who was pressured on nearly half of his dropbacks.

Looking ahead, Troy must address several key areas:

- Offensive line protection: Hill has been sacked nine times in the last two games.

- Third-down efficiency: The Trojans are converting just 28% of third downs over the past three weeks.

- Red zone execution: Troy has failed to score on its last five red zone trips.

- Defensive containment: Opponents have averaged 6.2 yards per carry in the last two games.

Despite the setbacks, Troy remains a team with potential and pride. Veterans like J. McGee, C. Brown, and R. Thomas have voiced leadership in the locker room, emphasizing accountability and urgency. "We've got two games to show who we are," McGee said. "This isn't how we want to be remembered."

The upcoming game against Georgia State will be played at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, offering a chance for redemption in front of a home crowd. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

For fans and alumni, the final stretch of the season is about more than wins-it's about resilience, pride, and the pursuit of excellence that defines Troy football. Whether the Trojans can bounce back and finish strong remains to be seen, but the path forward is clear: regroup, refocus, and respond.