The Troy Trojans football team will continue its road trip this Saturday as they take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Iowa currently holds a 1-1 record and is coming off a 20-19 loss against rival Iowa State. The Hawkeyes led 13-0 at half before a second half Cyclone rally would force Iowa to send the Cy-Hawk Trophy back to Ames.
Despite Iowa’s loss, they showed strength in areas they have been most known for in recent years. The ground attack continued to be dominant. Junior Kaleb Johnson put up 187 yards in week two and already has four touchdowns on the season.
The Hawkeyes’ defense has been a nearly impenetrable force ever since head coach Kirk Ferentz’s arrival in 1999. In 2023, the team was ranked fourth in the country in team defense. They only allowed an average of 14.8 points per game. Iowa has also already had a shutout this season, with a week one 40-0 victory over Illinois State.
While Iowa’s strength lies in the run, its weakness is in the air. Sixth-year quarterback Cade McNamara will be under center against the Trojans.
McNamara is in his second season with Iowa after transferring from Michigan following the 2022 season. He is the full-time starter this year after a week five season-ending injury last season.
He currently has three touchdowns and two interceptions, both of which came against Iowa State, the Hawkeyes’ only FBS opponent so far.
To beat a team in the Big Ten, it takes perfection. Troy will have to be close to it to come out on top. The Trojans currently hold an 0-2 record following the loss to Memphis last week.
The biggest question going into the game for Troy will be the quarterback position. Starting quarterback Goose Crowder exited early Saturday with an AC joint sprain. Should Crowder be unavailable, the duties will go to Matthew Caldwell and possibly Tucker Kilcrease. Troy head coach Gerad Parker lists Crowder as probable, but said, “in a situation like this, we need to be prepared to play all three guys.”
Troy will look to replicate the energy of historic victories of past seasons over LSU, Oklahoma State, Missouri and others as they take on a Big Ten powerhouse in Iowa. The Trojans and Hawkeyes will clash at 3 p.m. on Saturday and can be viewed on Fox Sports 1.
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