Troy Falls to Arkansas State 23–10, Ending Five-Game Win Streak: Coach Parker Calls for "Urgency and Accountability"

November 1, 2025 - TROY, Ala. - In a deflating Homecoming loss at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Troy Trojans fell 23–10 to Arkansas State on Saturday, November 1, snapping a five-game winning streak and dropping to 6–3 overall and 4–1 in Sun Belt Conference play.

The Red Wolves stunned Troy with a 17-point first quarter, capitalizing on early turnovers and relentless pressure. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while Arkansas State's defense recorded nine sacks, the most ever allowed by Troy in its Division I history.

First Quarter Collapse

Troy's troubles began early. After Raynor's 4-yard touchdown pass opened the scoring, a fumbled snap on the next play gave Arkansas State a short field. Raynor quickly followed with a 19-yard strike to Hunter Summers, and a field goal made it 17–0 before the first quarter ended.

Troy's offense struggled to respond. Quarterback Tucker Kilcrease finished 19-of-34 for 166 yards, with one interception and a late rushing touchdown. The Trojans managed just 187 total yards, including only 48 rushing yards on 14 carries by Tae Meadows.

Coach Gerad Parker's Reaction

Head Coach Gerad Parker didn't mince words in his postgame press conference.

"We got punched in the mouth early, and we didn't respond fast enough," Parker said. "You can't spot a team 17 points and expect to win in this league."

Parker emphasized the need for better protection and execution, especially up front.

"Nine sacks is unacceptable. That's on all of us-coaches, linemen, backs, everyone. We've got to protect our quarterback and give him a chance to make plays."

Despite the loss, Parker praised his defense for adjusting after the first quarter, holding Arkansas State to just six points over the final three quarters.

"The defense settled in and gave us a chance. But offensively, we didn't do enough to capitalize. We've got to be more urgent, more accountable, and more physical."

Key Stats and Notes

• Troy forced two turnovers, continuing a three-game streak of multiple takeaways

• Kilcrease's 1-yard rushing TD was his fifth of the season, and third in two games

• Scott Taylor Renfroe hit a 43-yard field goal just before halftime

• Arkansas State's win moves them into a tie with Troy for second place in the Sun Belt West Division

What's Next

Troy has a bye week before traveling to Old Dominion on Thursday, November 13, followed by matchups against Georgia State and Southern Miss to close the regular season. With the Sun Belt title race tightening, Parker said the team must "reset and refocus."

"We've got everything still in front of us," he said. "But we've got to earn it. No one's going to hand us anything."