Jaheim Merriweather rushes for 127 yards and three touchdowns as the Trojans pile up 427 yards of offense and hold the Hornets to their lowest output during a 15-game scoring streak.
TROY, Ala. | Troy waited 13 years to open a football season with consecutive victories. Jaheim Merriweather made sure the wait ended Saturday.
Merriweather rushed for a career-high three touchdowns, including an explosive 69-yard score, and Troy rolled up 427 yards of total offense in a 34-17 victory over in-state opponent Alabama State at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Trojans improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2013, powered by 226 rushing yards and a defense that limited an Alabama State offense averaging at least 30 points over its previous 15 games to just 17.
Merriweather was the centerpiece of Troy's ground attack, rushing for 127 yards on 28 carries. T.K. Keyes delivered through the air with five receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Goose Crowder completed another turnover-free performance with 201 passing yards.
Troy's defense was equally disruptive, holding Alabama State to 221 total yards and 105 through the air.
Still, head coach Gerad Parker saw plenty to correct.
“We didn't turn the football over — which was a positive, but we didn't play clean at all and played with poor discipline,” Parker said. “We ran the football well enough to get out of the game with a win.”
