The second bowl game of the season takes place Tuesday night at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, as the Troy Trojans face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.
This is the 64th meeting between these two programs, but the first since 2001, marking the renewal of a former longtime rivalry termed the Ol’ School Bell.
See why I’m betting on the underdog with my Troy vs. Jacksonville State predictions and college football picks for the Salute to Veterans Bowl.
Troy vs Jacksonville State predictions for the Salute to Veterans Bowl
Who will win the Salute to Veterans Bowl?
Jacksonville State will pull off the upset as the ground game gets moving with Creel and Cook, and the defense holds up just enough against a poor Troy offense.
Troy vs Jacksonville State best bet: Jacksonville State +2.5 (-105)
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have the better overall metrics, yet are listed as the underdog. Why is that the case? Charles Kelly’s squad has accumulated those numbers against the easiest schedule in the country (136th per ESPN’s FPI).
The thing is, the Troy Trojans haven’t been particularly impressive despite facing a more challenging slate of opponents. Gerad Parker’s team gains a full yard less per play on offense (4.7) than it allows on defense (5.7).
They benefited from two overtime wins in conference play to qualify for the Sun Belt Championship Game, where they mustered just 2.6 yards per play against James Madison.
The offense already stinks out loud (111th in success rate), and now could be without workhorse running back Tae Meadows (portal) and starting quarterback Goose Crowder. The offensive line struggles to block (126th in front seven havoc), and that’s where JSU’s defense excels (43rd in front seven havoc, 31st in line yards).
Troy’s defense can’t stop the run, allowing 182.7 yards per game, and that’s music to the ears of Caden Creel (1,085 rushing yards) and national rushing yardage leader Cam Cook (1,659).
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Troy vs Jacksonville State same-game parlay
This total has seen significant movement, dropping five points in response to the Crowder and Meadow news. I’m buying back, as Crowder is reportedly practicing, and he has nearly identical numbers to backup Tucker Kilcrease, who saw extensive action this season and doesn’t represent much of a dropoff, if any.
Cook has gone Over this number in nine of his last 12 games and should feast against a subpar rush defense, while Creel has found the end zone four times in his last four games and similarly stands to benefit from the matchup.
Troy vs Jacksonville State SGP
- Jacksonville State +2.5
- Over 46.5
- Cam Cook Over 107.5 rushing yards
- Caden Creel anytime touchdown
Our deep-ball SGP: Cookin' Up
Jacksonville State didn’t face many prolific offenses, but the secondary proved vulnerable against Kennesaw State (362 passing yards), Delaware (422), Liberty (335), and UCF (314). RaRa Thomas is an SEC talent who previously played at Mississippi State and Georgia, and he’s averaging 83.3 receiving yards across his last three games.
Troy vs Jacksonville State SGP
- Jacksonville State +2.5
- Over 46.5
- Cam Cook Over 107.5 rushing yards
- Caden Creel anytime touchdown
- RaRa Thomas Over 43.5 receiving yards
Troy vs Jacksonville State odds
- Spread: Troy -2.5 | Jacksonville State +2.5
- Moneyline: Troy -140 | Jacksonville State +120
- Over/Under: Over 46.5 | Under 46.5
Troy vs Jacksonville State trend to know
Jacksonville State is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games as an underdog of at least 2.5 points. Find more college football betting trends for Troy vs Jacksonville State.
How to watch Troy vs Jacksonville State
| Location | Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL |
| Date | Tuesday, December 16, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Troy vs Jacksonville State latest injuries
Troy vs Jacksonville State weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
