Troy’s quarterback situation in 2024 has been tumultuous to say the least. After Goose Crowder saw his season end on an injury, the position was in flux.
However, Matthew Caldwell seems to have things under control after a great performance at Georgia Southern led the Trojans to a second straight win. The junior completed 26-of-32 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns to earn the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week award.
The Auburn, Alabama, native also ran for 13 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles and led Troy to an outstanding 11-of-14 mark on third down.
The Trojans 2024 campaign is a far cry from where it was when they stared down a 23-3 deficit against Arkansas State a few short weeks ago.
“We’ve been putting in this work and it’s just now showing up,” Caldwell said to Troy Athletics. “The last three weeks, it’s all been coming together a little more and we’re really excited to play Lafayette this next week.”
Although Caldwell couldn’t quite lead the Trojans back – throwing a back-breaking interception late in the 34-31 loss to the Red Wolves – the contest proved to be a turning point for the team.
Since throwing that interception in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Caldwell has completed nearly 73% of his passes for 457 yards and four touchdowns in two statement wins. As a team, the Trojans have scored 97 points in the last three games, compared to 99 in their six other FBS games.
While Caldwell’s emergence isn’t the only reason the offense has improved so drastically – the offensive line and run game have also taken huge strides – his leadership and poise at the position have certainly helped. Against Coastal Carolina, the run game shined, but Caldwell proved the passing game can be a threat too.
“We believe in our passing game, and that’s never really wavered,” Caldwell said to Troy Athletics. “We believe in the guys we have out there and I’m glad the coaches believe in me to put the ball in my hands.”
Caldwell and the Trojans look to further build on their momentum at Louisiana on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. in Lafayette, Louisiana.
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