Troy improves to 8 and 4 with win over Southern Miss

November 22, 2025 - HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI - Troy closed its regular season with a gritty 28–18 road win over Southern Miss, powered by quarterback Goose Crowder's late-game heroics and a resilient defensive effort that sealed an 8–4 finish for the Trojans.

In a game with postseason implications and pride on the line, the Troy Trojans delivered a clutch performance in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, overcoming a third-quarter deficit and outscoring the Golden Eagles 14–8 in the final frame. The win marked Troy's second straight victory and capped a regular season that saw the team go 6–2 in Sun Belt Conference play.

Game Overview: A Battle of Momentum

Played at M.M. Roberts Stadium, the matchup was tight from the outset. Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, with Southern Miss edging ahead 3–0 in the second before Troy responded with two touchdowns to take a 14–3 lead into halftime. The third quarter saw Southern Miss claw back with a defensive touchdown and a two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 14–11.

But the fourth quarter belonged to Troy. Crowder connected with wide receiver Reddy Thomas for two touchdowns-one a 7-yard strike and the other a dramatic 75-yard bomb with just over three minutes remaining. Southern Miss responded with a touchdown of its own, but Troy's defense held firm to preserve the win.

Offensive Standouts

Goose Crowder was the star of the show, throwing for three touchdowns and orchestrating two fourth-quarter scoring drives. His connection with Reddy Thomas, who caught both fourth-quarter touchdowns, proved decisive.

• Crowder's final stat line: 14-of-17 passing, 166 yards, 3 TDs

• Thomas: 3 receptions, 82 yards, 2 TDs

Running back T.Meadows added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter, while kicker S.Renfroe was perfect on extra points.

Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton threw for 159 yards and a touchdown, but the Golden Eagles struggled to establish the run, finishing with just 41 rushing yards.

Defensive Grit

Troy's defense bent but didn't break. Despite allowing 18 points, the unit forced key stops and limited Southern Miss to just 3-of-12 on third downs. Linebacker D.Lafayette forced a fumble that led to a Southern Miss touchdown, but the Trojans regrouped and tightened coverage in the final minutes.

Southern Miss's defense scored off a fumble recovery in the third quarter, but couldn't contain Troy's aerial attack late in the game.

Season Reflection

With the win, Troy finishes the regular season at 8–4 overall and 6–2 in conference play, securing a strong position for bowl consideration. The Trojans rebounded from a midseason slump that included losses to Old Dominion and Arkansas State, showing resilience and growth in the final stretch.

Head coach Gerad Parker, in his first season, guided the team to a winning record and a top-tier finish in the Sun Belt West Division. The emergence of Crowder at quarterback and the late-season surge from the receiving corps offer optimism heading into postseason play.