Johnson's Journal - Troy Offense Has Overcome Injuries Behind Leadership and Perseverance

Perhaps nobody understands what it entails to overcome injuries any more than Troy starting quarterback Goose Crowder, who leads the Trojans into the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game at James Madison on Friday with a 6 p.m. (CT) kickoff.

The junior signal-caller for the Trojans missed most of last season dealing with upper-body injuries and then went down with a broken collarbone in the third game this year during a 28-7 home loss to Memphis.

"I know for me when I broke my collarbone, it was leaning on the team a lot and the staff to just kind of help me get through hard times and just eager to get back on that field with them, because I just love them and the connection so much," Crowder said.

Since returning to the lineup against Old Dominion on Nov. 13 after then starting QB Tucker Kilcrease was knocked out of that game with an injury, Crowder has worked his way back into top form in helping lead the Trojans to a West Division championship.

"He's been critical in leadership even when he was injured, but certainly a presence in playing and being out there in a huddle and moving throughout practice is a different type of leadership," Troy head coach Gerad Parker said. "So, I think you've seen a step taken by him and certainly our team when he's been back out there.

"That's not to say Tucker's presence hasn't also been wonderful. They both have a great relationship; they both prepare the same way, and both know they're going to need to play at times. But Goose … it's been great to have him back. He was voted a team captain. The guys love, appreciate and respect who he is.

"When you have those people out there on the field, people respond, and I think that's what we're seeing. He's taken steps each week, because he hadn't played for two months, and he'll have to take a big one this Friday night."

Troy (8-4, 6-2 SBC) will be playing in its third league championship game in the last four years as the West Division representative when it takes on James Madison (11-1, 8-0) in a game to be televised by ESPN.

It will be the first time during that time span the Trojans have played for the title on the road. Troy hosted and won the SBC Championship Game in 2022 against Coastal Carolina (45-26) and in 2023 against App State (49-23).

The Trojans earned the right to play JMU by winning at Southern Miss last Saturday, 28-18, in a game in which Crowder completed 24-of-34 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns.
In the past two games, Crowder has completed 51-of-77 passes for 646 yards and seven touchdowns.
"I actually didn't know that," Crowder said when told of the stats over the last two games. "I think it's how Coach Parker and Coach (Sean) Reagan have put a great plan in … especially this offensive staff as a unit. They do a great job of preparing me all week to get comfortable with the plan. Just go out there and execute, be relaxed and just go out there and play."

Injury-riddled season
Injuries in general have plagued the Trojans' offense this season, which shows the resiliency of the team in their journey into the championship game.

In addition to the early-season loss of Crowder, the offensive line has endured multiple starting lineups after being hit hard with injuries.

"We've struggled at times on offense, but the number one reason is because of them (injuries)," Parker said. "Our two offensive tackles (Garner Langlo and Elijah Prather) that we expected to play and play at a high level are gone … those are critical positions on your O-line.

"I think that finding ways to win through that type of adversity is a testament to a bunch of players and staff who have just found ways. I think great coaching and great playing happen when you find ways to put your football team in positions to win games regardless of what it looks like."

Senior Eli Russ, formerly a center who began this season at left guard, moved over to left tackle the last two games.

"Making that move is something (offensive line) Coach (Caleb) Carbine walked up and asked if I was comfortable doing that," Russ said. "I'll do anything to help this team, and if he thinks that's the right move, then I'll do it, and it worked out pretty well these last couple of games. We're just going to see if we can keep that going."

Crowder understands injuries are just part of a long football season, and it's how the team responded that led to a division title.

"I think it's the resilience of everybody individually," Crowder said. "I mean, we're all banged up; it's football. It's a long season – guys are going to get banged up and get injured – but it's next man up. You've got to take care of your body and things like that."

Preparing for JMU
The Dukes' defense is among the best statistically in the nation, allowing just 261.1 total yards per game.

No doubt, the Troy offense will face a stern challenge.

"You know, great defenses, you may get them once on something, but great defenses, you don't get them twice," Parker said. "That's what you see on tape watching them. They're not going to repeat a mistake … they're not going to let you get them on the same play again. They close that up and make you call something else.

"It will take our best and then finding ways to attack them to be in this football game."

Russ believes the Trojans just need to stick to what has gotten them this far.

"Our thing is just do what we do … don't try to overcorrect anybody or think about anybody else's job or anything like that … just do your job, keep your head down and keep going," Russ said.

Crowder is eager for the challenge ahead.

"They play hard and they're physical," Crowder said of the JMU defense. "You can tell they're well-coached … they're going to be where they're supposed to be and they're going to play hard. They're going to have their home crowd behind them, so we've got to prepare for that as well."

Just having the opportunity to play for a title accomplishes one of the primary goals set by the Trojans.

"It means a lot," Crowder said. "It's kind of unspoken, I guess, when you start in January in the offseason and it's the end goal. We're super excited; super hungry for it for the seniors and the staff and for how hard they've worked, but we've got to go out and finish on Friday."

Troy University Athletics

Johnson's Journal - Troy Offense Has Overcome Injuries Behind Leadership and Perseverance

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