| Troy Trojans (8-5) at Jacksonville State (8-5) | |||
| Game Details: Tuesday, December 16, 7 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: Montgomery, AL | |||
| Where to Watch: ESPN |
Salute to Veterans Bowl Bowl Matchup
For the first time since 2001, the Troy Trojans and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will face off, reigniting a dormant in-state rivalry known as the “Battle for the Ol’ School Bell.” While the trophy might be gathering dust in the memories of older fans, the intensity on the field will be fresh.
Both programs are entering this Salute to Veterans Bowl with an 8-5 record, and both are looking to wash away the bitter taste of recent defeat. Troy fell to James Madison in the Sun Belt title game, 31- 14, while Jacksonville State suffered a narrow 19-15 heartbreak against Kennesaw State in the Conference USA finale. It is a classic redemption story set under the lights of national television, with state bragging rights on the line for two campuses separated by just 150 miles.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Trojans | -2.5 | -132 | Over 46.5 |
| Jacksonville State | +2.5 | +110 | Under 46.5 |
**Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports **
Tale of The Tape
| Troy Trojans | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Jacksonville State |
|---|---|---|
| 24.3 | Points Per Game | 29.0 |
| 215.4 | Passing Yards Per Game | 161.2 |
| 98.8 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 258.0 |
| 24.5 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 26.2 |
| 198 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 242.6 |
| 182.3 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 148.6 |
Statistics from various online sources, courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Troy Trojans
The Troy Trojans are searching for answers after a tough offensive season. Ranked 123rd in total offense with just 314.2 yards per game, Troy has struggled to move the ball consistently. Their ground game has been particularly anemic, managing only 98.8 yards per game, placing them near the bottom of the FBS at 130th.
With running back Tae Meadows (695 yards, 6 TDs) facing uncertainty, the pressure falls squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Tucker Kilcrease. Kilcrease has thrown for 1,421 yards and nine touchdowns this season, but he faces a stout Jacksonville State defense that allows fewer than 400 yards per game.
Jacksonville State
The narrative for the Gamecocks begins and ends in the trenches. Jacksonville State boasts one of the most ferocious rushing attacks in the entire nation, averaging a staggering 258.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks them fourth in the NCAA. Their identity is clear: they want to physically dominate the line of scrimmage and break the will of the opposing defense.
The engine of this high-powered machine is running back Cam Cook, who has shredded defenses all season to the tune of 1,666 yards and 16 touchdowns. When the Gamecocks are clicking, they are nearly impossible to stop, controlling the clock and keeping opposing offenses on the sideline.
Prediction
Troy has more to prove, losing big to a tough James Madison team that is in the CFP. Look for them to win big.
