The "Ol' School Bell" rivalry is back after more than two decades of dormancy, and Alabama football fans couldn't be more excited. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Troy Trojans will renew their historic in-state rivalry Tuesday night at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, marking the first meeting between these programs since 2001.
Jacksonville State vs Troy Betting Picks for Tuesday
Both teams enter this matchup looking for redemption after falling short in their respective conference championship games. Jacksonville State finished as Conference USA runners-up, while Troy claimed the same distinction in the Sun Belt. This bowl game presents both programs with a perfect opportunity to end their seasons on a high note while settling old scores in Alabama's state capital.
The contrast in offensive philosophies makes this matchup particularly intriguing. Jacksonville State brings a punishing ground attack that averages 28.4 points and 419.2 yards per game, built around a rushing offense that churns out 258.0 yards per contest. Troy counters with a more balanced approach, averaging 24.2 points per game behind a passing attack that generates 215.4 yards through the air compared to just 98.8 on the ground.
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Troy vs Jacksonville State Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Troy (-115) | Jacksonville State (-104)
- Spread: Troy -1.5 (-102) | Jacksonville State +1.5 (-118)
- Total: Over/Under 49.5 (O -108 / U -112)
Betting odds courtesy of consensus odds.
The betting market expects an absolute nail-biter, with Troy installed as slight 1.5-point favorites despite the near pick-em moneyline odds. The total of 49.5 points reflects the clash between Jacksonville State's powerful rushing attack and Troy's aerial capabilities.
Game Information:
- Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Kickoff: 9:00 PM EST
- Location: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama
Statistical Showdown: Ground vs Air
The numbers tell a compelling story about two teams with completely different offensive identities. Jacksonville State's ground-and-pound approach has been devastatingly effective, accumulating 3,354 rushing yards while, contributing to their formidable ground game. The Gamecocks complement their rushing attack with 2,095 total passing yards, but that formula has produced 28.4 points per game.
Troy's aerial circus presents a stark contrast, generating 2,800 total passing yards compared to their modest 1,284 total rushing yards. The Trojans' 314.2 total yards per game trails Jacksonville State's robust 419.2-yard average, highlighting the Gamecocks' offensive efficiency.
The key battle will unfold in the trenches, where Jacksonville State's rushing attack faces a Troy defense that has shown vulnerability against the run. The Trojans were gashed for 318 rushing yards in their most recent outing against James Madison, a concerning trend against a team that lives and dies by the ground game.
Troy's best path to victory lies in their pass rush, which has recorded 31.0 sacks this season. If the Trojans can pressure Jacksonville State's quarterback and force obvious passing situations, they can neutralize the Gamecocks' primary weapon.
Both teams excel in the red zone, with Troy converting an outstanding 86.5% of their trips inside the 20-yard line, while Jacksonville State isn't far behind at 84.5%. This efficiency suggests whichever team controls field position will likely find the end zone.
Coming off their respective losses, Troy quarterback T. Kilcrease will look to bounce back from a performance that included a costly fumble returned for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jacksonville State's rushing attack got contributions from both C. Cook and C. Creel in their narrow championship game defeat.
Best Bet and Prediction: Back the Gamecocks
While Troy brings home-state pride and a formidable pass rush to this matchup, the statistical evidence points toward Jacksonville State as the smarter play to cover the small spread.
The deciding factor comes down to two crucial areas: offensive efficiency and ball security. Jacksonville State's rushing attack has accumulated an impressive 3,354 total rushing yards, and they'll face a Troy defense that just surrendered 318 rushing yards to James Madison. When a team's strength directly attacks an opponent's weakness, that's typically where value lies.
Even more compelling is the turnover differential. Jacksonville State boasts a stellar +8 turnover margin this season, demonstrating their ability to consistently win the possession battle. Troy sits at an even zero in that category. In a game projected to be decided by a field goal, a single turnover could easily determine the outcome.
The Gamecocks' combination of offensive productivity (419.2 yards per game vs Troy's 314.2) and superior ball security makes them the logical choice in what should be a thrilling renewal of this historic Alabama rivalry.
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Best Bet: Jacksonville State +1.5