TROY, Ala. — Matthew Caldwell played a pivotal role in the game with three touchdowns, while Damien Taylor had an impressive performance rushing for 190 yards and one touchdown as Troy secured a 38-24 victory over Coastal Carolina on Saturday, thereby ending their four-game losing streak.

Caldwell completed 9 of 16 passes for 169 yards along with two touchdown passes and no interceptions, highlighted by a 1-yard touchdown run just before halftime that extended the Trojans’ lead to 28-7. Additionally, Gerald Green contributed with 123 rushing yards on 18 carries. This victory marked Troy’s first win since their 34-12 triumph over Florida A&M on September 21, improving their record to 2-7 and 1-4 within the Sun Belt Conference.

On the other side, Coastal Carolina’s quarterback Ethan Vasko was 18 of 34 for 206 yards, throwing one touchdown without any interceptions. Jameson Tucker emerged as a key receiver with six catches for 106 yards, while Braydon Bennett added a rushing touchdown and 69 yards on the ground.

Troy made an early statement with Green’s 1-yard touchdown run, which capped off a seven-play, 99-yard drive, giving them a 7-0 advantage with just five minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Shortly after, Avyonne Jones successfully blocked a Troy punt, allowing Coastal Carolina to take over at the Trojan 11-yard line. Vasko then scrambled for a touchdown on the next play, tying the game at 7-7 just before the end of the first quarter.

The Trojans quickly regained control, answering with an 11-play, 82-yard offensive drive that consumed nearly six minutes. This culminated in Caldwell connecting with Devonte Ross for a 3-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter. Coastal Carolina’s next drive ended in a three-and-out, allowing Troy to establish a commanding lead. Green caught a short pass and sprinted 83 yards to the end zone, amplifying the Trojans’ lead to 21-7 with 4:57 remaining in the half.

Caldwell’s touchdown run just before halftime increased the margin to 21 points, putting the Trojans in a strong position. Following halftime, Coastal Carolina aimed to respond with a meticulous 12-play, 73-yard drive that lasted over five minutes but ultimately fell short at the 11-yard line. They opted for a field goal by Kade Hensley from 29 yards out, narrowing their deficit to 28-10.