TROY, Ala. — Troy University triumphed over Southern Mississippi with a decisive 52-20 victory on Saturday, highlighted by a stellar performance from running back Damien Taylor. Taylor rushed for an impressive 169 yards and scored three touchdowns, contributing significantly to Troy’s offensive success. Quarterback Matthew Caldwell also made his mark by throwing for one touchdown and running for another, showcasing a versatile offense.

The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Troy erupted for 21 points in under two minutes. Taylor made an electrifying 56-yard run up the middle to extend Troy’s lead to 24-8 during the third quarter. He followed that with another touchdown, rushing 35 yards to solidify a commanding 38-20 advantage with just over five minutes remaining in the game.

After Troy’s offensive surge, the defense stepped up when Ian Conerly-Goodly intercepted a tipped pass, returning it 31 yards and pushing the lead to 25 points. Southern Miss quarterback Tate Rodemaker then faced further struggles as he was intercepted again, with LJ Green returning the pick for 49 yards, putting the ball at the 16-yard line of Southern Miss. Jordan Lovett promptly took advantage of the short field, scoring a touchdown with a 5-yard run.

With this performance, Taylor not only shone in the game but also achieved a notable milestone by surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the season, solidifying his position as a key player for Troy (4-8, 3-5 in the Sun Belt Conference). Caldwell completed 14 of his 26 passes for 187 yards and added 30 yards on the ground from seven carries.

For the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (1-11, 0-8), Rodemaker showed determination as he passed for 234 yards and connected for two touchdowns, but his two interceptions proved costly, contributing to the team’s struggle throughout the game.

Overall, it was a standout day for Troy, highlighting the team’s potential and marking a significant chapter in their season as they continued their campaign in college football.