Goose Crowder throws three touchdown passes as Troy holds off Sam Houston 24-21

TROY, Ala. (AP) — Goose Crowder threw three touchdown passes and Troy shut out Sam Houston for most of the second half for a 24-21 victory tonight in the season opener for both teams.

Ethan Head kicked a 32-yard field goal for Troy in the opening minute of the second half to break a 14-all tie. Crowder then connected with TJ Lott on an 18-yard touchdown pass to make it 24-14 with 10:46 left in the fourth quarter.

Sam Houston’s Landyn Locke threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Chris Reed with 1:03 remaining. The Trojans recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal it.

Crowder completed 12 of 24 passes for 165 yards. TJ Keyes and Fabian Rogosch also had touchdown catches for Troy. Gavin Griffin added 81 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Locke was 30-of-46 passes for 335 yards and threw three touchdown passes and an interception for Sam Houston. Grady O’Neill also had a TD catch and finished with 86 receiving yards on seven receptions.

Troy will be at home on Saturday against Alabama State.

(Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)