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Iowa football 2024 early opponent preview: Troy
Trojans are in clear rebuilding mode after losing head coach, most of their starters
Editor’s note: Third in a 12-part series previewing each of Iowa’s 2024 regular-season opponents.
IOWA CITY — After two of the most successful years in program history, Troy football is in an obvious rebuilding mode ahead of the 2024 season.
Jon Sumrall, who led Troy to a 23-4 record in his two seasons as head coach, left before last year’s bowl game to be the next head coach at Tulane.
The quarterback from the last two-and-a-half seasons, Gunnar Watson, exhausted his eligibility. Troy’s top running back from last year, Kimani Vidal, was a sixth-round selection by the Los Angeles Chargers in this year’s NFL Draft.
Troy lost key receivers such as Jabre Barber and Deshon Stoudemire. (Barber transferred to Texas A&M, and Stoudemire left to pursue a professional career.) Two offensive linemen are the only starters returning on the offensive side of the ball.
Troy also lost the bulk of its defensive production, with linebackers Terry Thomas, Steven Cattledge and Jordan Stringer among the few key contributors returning from a unit that excelled in 2023.
Gerad Parker, previously Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, has the tall task of rebuilding the Trojans. Parker worked with Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester when they were on the Purdue staff in 2016. Lester was the quarterbacks coach, and Parker was the wide receivers coach and then interim head coach for the last six games.
Parker’s rebuild of Troy marks his first head coaching opportunity since going 0-6 as Purdue’s interim coach in 2016.
The Sept. 14 game at Kinnick Stadium — Iowa’s nonconference finale — will be Iowa’s first matchup in program history against Troy, which has been a member of the Sun Belt Conference since 2004.
Iowa vs. Troy: 3 things to watch
- Can Iowa pull away early? Iowa will be heavily favored in this contest, so this might be the best opportunity to give in-game opportunities to some second or third-team players.
- What does Goose Crowder add to the Troy offense? The former West Virginia transfer quarterback went 9-of-13 for 94 yards last year as Troy’s second-team quarterback.
- Does Iowa get through this week unscathed from an injury standpoint? Iowa has the benefit of a bye on Sept. 28, but considering how close Floyd of Rosedale games have historically been, it would be ideal to be at full strength ahead of the Sept. 21 trip to Minnesota.
2024 prognosis
Troy might have been a fear-inducing opponent in 2022 or 2023. But 2024 is a much different story. This will be a nice tuneup opportunity for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa football 2024 early opponent previews
• Illinois State: Redbirds have exceeded 6 wins only once since 2016
• Iowa State: With abundance of returning production, overlook Cyclones at your own risk
Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com
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