29,000 faithful fans flooded into Veterans Memorial Stadium to support Gerad Parker’s quest for his first win of the season. The Trojans welcomed Florida A&M for the first home game since the season opener.
Junior wideout Devonte Ross had a record-setting night en route to a 34-12 victory over the Rattlers. He finished the game with 229 receiving yards, a new school record. Parker had finally gotten that long-awaited first win of the season.
“I have thought about the first moment to get behind this pedestal after a win as Troy’s head coach,” Parker said. “This is certainly some momentum that was created by a lot of good motivators, but there is no better motivator than winning.”
The Trojans received the ball first with quarterback Goose Crowder returning to game action from his injury against Memphis. Crowder immediately connected with Ross for an 11-yard gain on the first play of the game -- something that would become common as the game progressed.
“Devonte has been awesome,” Crowder said. “He works his tail off, and I can’t give him enough praise.
“I’m glad all his hard work paid off because he deserves it.”
A few plays later, running back Damien Taylor found a seam down the left side of the field, and he broke away for a 40-yard touchdown. The Trojans led 7-0 two and a half minutes into the game.
“We played championship offensive football tonight,” Parker said. “I look forward to seeing us progress in that aspect.”
The Rattlers offense came onto the field for the first time in the game. The run-heavy offensive attack was stifled for only 55 yards on the night. This marked the first time this season Troy has given up less than 200 yards rushing. However, FAMU was able to attack in a different way.
“I credit our scout team,” said defensive end Steven Cattledge. “They gave us the best looks all week about how FAMU was going to run their scheme.”
Senior quarterback Daniel Richardson led an aerial assault down the field. Richardson connected with Jamari Gassett for a 25-yard gain all the way to the 13-yard-line.
Richardson’s connection with Gassett would become prevalent throughout this game, with Gassett finishing with 141 yards.
The Trojans defense did not break, forcing FAMU into a field goal situation. Cameron Gillis connected on a 29-yard field goal to bring the score to 7-3.
Both defenses settled in for the rest of the first quarter and most of the second. The teams combined for five punts after the first two drives of the game. It was not until the final minute of the second quarter that an offense finally broke through.
Ross received a punt and set the Trojans up in plus territory after an 18-yard return. Ross became the main target on this scoring drive, accounting for all 35-yards gained. Crowder hit Ross on a slant route that broke free for a 20-yard score. The Trojans now led 14-6.
The Rattlers did not hold back on the counterattack. Richardson found Gassett for a 48-yard gain setting up a last second field goal to bring the halftime score to 14-9.
“Our staff didn’t panic,” Parker said. “We had a lot of doubts creeping into our mind, but we did not let those affect us.
“We went out and played free in the second half and attacked on both sides of the ball.”
Those adjustments proved fruitful. The Trojans forced a quick three-and-out to get the ball back in the third quarter. The Crowder to Ross connection once again proved strong. A 44-yard strike would give the duo their second touchdown of the game bringing the score to 21-9.
Florida A&M would not go down without a fight. The Rattlers continued to find success through the air but were not able to find the endzone. Gillis connected on his fourth field goal of the game, keeping the score within nine points, 21-12.
After this field goal, Troy put the pedal to the metal and never turned back. The Trojans drove the length of the field, scoring on a 7-yard halfback screen to give Taylor his second touchdown of the game.
One drive later, the Trojans found themselves backed up on the two-yard line. It was third down with all of 10yards left to go. The play was called, and Crowder dropped back to see Ross streaking down the sideline.
“That was one of those go-get-it plays,” Ross said. “I ran as hard as I could and looked up to see the ball coming my way and took it to the house.”
The duo connected for their third touchdown of the game, a 98-yard house call. Ross finished the game with 11 receptions for 229 yards and three touchdowns. The 229 yards gained set a single game Troy record for the junior wideout.
“It’s a blessing,” Ross said. “I love this coaching staff because they put us in a great position to make plays.
“I am thankful for the first win of the season and to be a part of this team.”
Crowder finished 18-for-25 for 295 yards and four touchdowns in his return from injury en route to a 34-12 win over the Rattlers.
The Trojans turn their attention to conference play. The ULM Warhawks visit Veteran’s Memorial Stadium Saturday, Sept. 28, for the first Sun Belt game of the season. The Warhawks are 2-1 on the year looking for a bounce-back game after a 51-3 loss at nationally ranked Texas. The game between the Trojans and Warhawks is slated for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
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