There was a solemn atmosphere in Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
Two Western turnovers became two Troy touchdowns within a minute and a half span, giving the Trojans a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Western overcame three early turnovers with a score in each of the final three quarters, but eventually fell short in its 21-17 loss against Troy Saturday evening. The Toppers (6-4) had a chance for the victory with less than a minute to play in the contest.

Teams typically schedule weaker opponents for Homecoming games.
But for Western, this will not just be another typical Homecoming game.
This game will mark the first time a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent has ever traveled to Bowling Green.

Junior running back Stephen Willis said he and the rest of the team waited in the locker room at halftime, not knowing how coach David Elson was going to react to their lackluster first-half performance.
“We didn’t know if he was going to come in and start yelling,” Willis said.