The “Ol’ School Bell” Rivalry Returns in Montgomery

The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl brings back one of Alabama’s oldest and most passionate rivalries as the Troy Trojans and Jacksonville State Gamecocks meet for the first time since 2001. This is the 64th all-time battle for the “Ol’ School Bell,” a series JSU leads 33–28–2 — though Troy has won the last seven meetings.

Both teams enter at 8–5 with distinct identities: Troy leans on defense and efficient passing, while Jacksonville State brings one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the nation. Expect a physical, old-school game under the Montgomery lights.

🏟️ Game Details

 Matchup Troy Trojans (8–5, Sun Belt) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8–5, C-USA)Date/Time Tuesday, December 16, 2025 — 9:00 PM ETLocation Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, series History Jacksonville State leads 33–28–2; Troy has won 7 straight

🔺 TROY TROJANS — Defense, Discipline, and Downfield Precision

Troy won the Sun Belt West with one of the conference’s best defensive units and an efficient passing attack that masks their struggling ground game.

Offense: Two-QB System & Vertical Threats

Tucker Kilcrease and Goose Crowder split reps, combining for 20 TD passes with minimal turnovers. WR Rara Thomas (577 yards, 5 TDs) is the top big-play weapon, and this matchup aligns perfectly with JSU’s weakness — a pass defense ranked 106th nationally.

Defense: The Backbone of the Team

The Trojans excel at limiting explosive plays and forcing mistakes:

• 37th in FBS vs. the pass (198.3 YPG allowed)

• 10 sacks from star DE Donnie Smith

• 100+ tackles each from LBs Jordan Stringer & Devin Lafayette

• +1 turnover margin

If Troy stops the run early, their defense can control the game.

🔺 JACKSONVILLE STATE GAMECOCKS — Elite Rushing Attack, Bowl Momentum

JSU reached the C-USA Championship Game by unleashing one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in America.

Offense: A Top-4 Rushing Unit Nationally

Jacksonville State averages 258.2 rushing YPG, good for 4th in the FBS.

• RB Cam Cook — 1,659 yards, 16 TDs

• QB Caden Creel — 1,085 rushing yards, 7 TDs

Their option-based ground game churns out long drives and punishing body blows. If they control tempo, Troy’s defense could be tested for four full quarters.

Defense: Strong vs. Run, Vulnerable vs. Pass

JSU’s run defense is solid (148.6 YPG allowed), but their pass defense is a major liability against a team like Troy.

• 242.6 passing YPG allowed — 106th in FBS

• LB Walker O’Steen — 80 tackles

• +9 turnover margin (12th nationally)

The Gamecocks must force Troy into short throws and avoid explosive plays.

⭐ Top 4 Prop Bets for Troy vs Jacksonville State

Cam Cook Over 119.5 Rushing Yards

Cook leads the nation in rushing and has surpassed 120 yards in 10 of his last 12 games. Even against Troy’s disciplined front, volume is king — he’ll see 25–30 carries in this game. JSU’s option-heavy attack guarantees Cook consistent opportunities to break chunk plays.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Cam Cook over 119.5 rushing yards

• Nation’s leading rusher
• 25–30 carry workload
• Elite efficiency vs all defenses

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Rara Thomas Over 58.5 Receiving Yards

Troy’s top receiver draws a JSU secondary ranked 106th nationally. Thomas is the vertical target in Troy’s offense, and bowl games often emphasize explosive scripted plays early. One deep shot plus steady usage should push him over this total.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Rara Thomas over 58.5 receiving yards

• Major mismatch vs JSU secondary
• Troy’s primary deep threat
• High-probability explosive targets

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Jacksonville State Team Total Over 23.5

JSU averages 31.4 points per game and rarely stalls because their run game creates manageable downs and long drives. Even if Troy wins, Creel and Cook generate too much consistent yardage to stay below three touchdowns.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Jacksonville State team total over 23.5

• Elite rushing offense
• Bowl game scoring trends
• Multiple red-zone options

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First Half Over 24.5 Points

Both offenses script well early, and both defenses face their opponent’s biggest strength. Troy will air it out early, and JSU’s option game is toughest to defend before fatigue sets in. Expect scoring on both sides before adjustments settle in during the third quarter.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: First-half total points over 24.5

• Fast offensive starts
• Scripted plays favor scoring
• Both teams vulnerable early

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📈 Betting Outlook

Spread Troy -3 Moneyline Troy -155 / JSU +130Total51.5

🔮 Final Prediction

This bowl game will hinge on pace. If Jacksonville State controls the clock, Troy’s edge in passing efficiency narrows. But Troy’s defensive front and advantage through the air ultimately tilt the outcome.

Final Score Prediction:

Troy 27, Jacksonville State 23

A classic rivalry battle — physical, emotional, and close until the final minutes.