In a decisive Sun Belt Conference matchup on Saturday, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs trounced the Troy Trojans 41-17 at Troy, Ala. The Bulldogs (7-2, 5-0 Sun Belt) surged ahead early, scoring on each of their first three drives and establishing a 20-10 lead at halftime.
Key performances
Junior wide receiver Marcus Calwise was the offensive catalyst, hauling in nine receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown, including a 28-yard scoring catch. Running back Alonzo Jackson Jr. capped the victory with a dramatic 66-yard scoop-and-score on the final play, with just over a minute left on the clock.
Louisiana Tech’s defense forced three turnovers, highlighted by a strip‑sack from Kolbe Fields that set up Jackson’s fumble‑recovery touchdown. Defensive standout Jackson also logged 11 tackles, two sacks and 2½ tackles for loss, anchoring a unit that held Troy to a single touchdown after halftime.
Troy’s effort
The Trojans (4-5, 2-3 Sun Belt) managed to keep the game within reach early in the third quarter after a strip‑sack of quarterback Blake Baker resulted in a recovered fumble in the end zone. However, Troy’s offense struggled to sustain momentum, turning the ball over twice and failing to convert after the break.
Quarterback duo Blake Baker and Trey Kukuk each threw a touchdown pass, while senior quarterback Tucker Kilcrease posted 215 passing yards. The Trojans’ ground game could not match the Bulldogs, and they were limited to just seven points in the second half.
Looking ahead
Louisiana Tech’s victory solidifies its position near the top of the Sun Belt standings and builds momentum as the team prepares for its next contest. Troy, meanwhile, will travel to South Alabama next Saturday to try to rebound from the loss.
Both programs continue to showcase the talent and competitive spirit that make college football a beloved staple of local communities across Alabama and Louisiana.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
