Troy football is set to showcase both quarterbacks, Goose Crowder and Tucker Kilcrease, during their upcoming game against Old Dominion on Thursday. Crowder has fully recovered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for six games, and head coach Gerad Parker announced this week that both quarterbacks will see action in the game.
Crowder started the season strong, leading the Trojans to victories in the first three games before his injury occurred in the first quarter against Memphis on September 13. Although Crowder was listed as “available” for the recent game against Arkansas State on November 1, Kilcrease handled the starting role throughout, continuing a streak of five games played in his absence.
Parker stated, “We decided to keep him off the field one more time. He”ll certainly be cleared and available this week, and he will play. What that looks like and all those things, I still wouldn”t say that I know that.” He emphasized the excitement surrounding Crowder”s return, noting the importance of making decisions that benefit the team as they aim for success by the end of the season.
This year, Crowder, a redshirt junior from Gardendale, has completed 35 of 58 passes for 347 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. However, he only played a limited number of snaps in the loss to Memphis. Meanwhile, Kilcrease has performed admirably in Crowder”s absence, leading the Trojans to five consecutive wins before their recent setback against Arkansas State, where he recorded 19 completions on 34 attempts for 166 yards and an interception.
With a record of 6-3 overall and 4-1 in Sun Belt conference play, Troy looks to build on their performance against Old Dominion, who also stands at 6-3, with a conference record of 3-2. Parker has not disclosed which quarterback will start the game, simply indicating that both will be utilized. “No real plan as far as how that”ll go. Both guys are going to play, and we”re going to see where the game takes us,” he remarked.
Crowder has been a pivotal player for the Trojans, having secured the starting quarterback role for the past two seasons before injuries interrupted his progress. Last year, he suffered both a shoulder injury and a concussion, limiting his play to just 11 quarters over four games before being sidelined until the following spring practice. Kilcrease also stepped in during that time, ultimately yielding the starting position to Matthew Caldwell, who has since transferred to Texas.
This season, Kilcrease has thrown for 1,400 yards on 115 completions from 192 attempts, along with nine touchdown passes and four interceptions. He has also added five rushing touchdowns to his account, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
Troy wide receiver Peyton Higgins expressed confidence in both quarterbacks, stating, “Goose and Tucker, we believe in both of them to go out there and make plays and do their job and just get the job done for the team. Whoever”s out there, we”ve got full confidence in them, and we trust them.” Higgins is eager for both quarterbacks to take the field and contribute to the Trojans” success.
