The football rivalry between the Missouri Tigers and the Troy Trojans stretches back over a decade, marked by a seesaw of triumphs and setbacks that have left an indelible imprint on both programs.
A Rivalry Marked by Upsets and Injuries
In 2004 the Tigers suffered a 24‑14 defeat that shocked many, while a 2019 matchup ended in a 42‑10 victory that was quickly overshadowed by injuries to key players Cale Garrett and Kelly Bryant, both of whom were sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Gerad Parker, now in his third season as head coach, carries a 12‑14 record that reflects both the promise and the volatility of the program, as he attempts to steady a squad that has seen its share of turbulence.
The roster overhaul has been stark: Troy lost 25 scholarship players and replaced them with only 14 newcomers, forcing the coaching staff to lean heavily on junior college transfers; of the 34‑player signing class, 18 arrived via junior college routes, a strategy that underscores the program’s reliance on immediate impact talent.
For the author, the memory of those injuries and the program’s recent instability has cultivated a palpable reluctance to face Troy again, a sentiment that colors the anticipation of every upcoming encounter.