Quick Read
- Jacksonville State defeated Troy 17-13 in the 2025 Salute to Veterans Bowl, marking its second FBS bowl win.
- Gamecocks overcame the absence of star running back Cam Cook, relying on defense and turnovers.
- Andrew Paul’s fourth-quarter rushing touchdown proved decisive.
- Jacksonville State snapped Troy’s 79-game streak of winning when leading after the third quarter.
- The game featured dramatic moments, including a stadium blackout and last-second defensive stands.
Salute to Veterans Bowl: A Rivalry Rekindled
On a brisk December night in Montgomery, Alabama, Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Troy Trojans renewed a storied in-state rivalry at the historic Cramton Bowl. The 64th meeting between the two programs, the Salute to Veterans Bowl, wasn’t just a game—it was a battle marked by defensive grit, unexpected twists, and the weight of history pressing down on both teams.
Jacksonville State, fresh off its transition to Division I FBS in 2023, arrived with momentum but also a glaring absence: star running back Cam Cook, Conference USA Player of the Year and the nation’s leading rusher, was ruled out just before kickoff due to injury. Cook’s season—1,584 yards, 16 touchdowns—had been the engine behind the Gamecocks’ offense, and his loss cast a shadow over Jacksonville State’s chances (USA TODAY).
Early Drama and Defensive Fireworks
The opening drive saw Jacksonville State seize the initiative. Quarterback Caden Creel orchestrated a nine-play, 71-yard march, capped by a 22-yard touchdown pass to Brock Rechsteiner. The Gamecocks’ tempo offense kept Troy off balance, setting the tone for a night where every yard would be contested (Montgomery Advertiser).
Troy responded quickly, capitalizing on a risky flea-flicker gone wrong. TJ Thompson stripped Creel, and Luis Medina pounced on the loose ball for a defensive touchdown, leveling the score. The Trojans continued to press, adding a pair of field goals through Scott Taylor Renfroe, including a 30-yarder that extended their lead to 13-7 just before halftime.
Halftime itself provided an unexpected interlude: the stadium lights went dark during Troy coach Gerad Parker’s interview, a moment later explained as routine maintenance at the venue. For a few minutes, anticipation mingled with uncertainty as fans waited for play to resume.
The Turning Point: Fourth Quarter Heroics
Jacksonville State trailed for most of the game, struggling to find rhythm without Cook. The Trojans, meanwhile, were forced to adjust as starting quarterback Goose Crowder, already nursing an injury from the Sun Belt championship, was sidelined early. Backup Tucker Kilcrease assumed control, but Jacksonville State’s defense sensed opportunity.
Midway through the third quarter, the Gamecocks began to claw back. Garrison Rippa drilled a 51-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 13-10. Then, as the fourth quarter dawned, Jacksonville State capitalized on a Kilcrease interception, turning the short field into a clock-consuming drive. Andrew Paul punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Gamecocks their first lead since the opening minutes—17-13 with just over ten minutes to play.
The Trojans refused to fold, mounting a series of drives in the waning minutes. With 3:30 left, Kilcrease attempted a deep strike, only to be intercepted by Tyrin Taylor. Still, Troy managed to force a punt and got the ball back with time for one last push. On fourth down, Kilcrease’s pass to Peyton Higgins came up a yard short, turning the ball over and placing the outcome in Jacksonville State’s hands.
Defensive Stand and Closing Moments
The Gamecocks defense held firm, breaking up a last-second Hail Mary from Kilcrease in the end zone—safety Trevor Woods was the difference-maker—preserving the hard-fought victory. Jacksonville State finished with a 9-5 record for the season, while Troy closed at 8-6 (USA TODAY, Montgomery Advertiser).
Statistics revealed the story of the night: Jacksonville State completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown; Troy’s Kilcrease threw for 116 yards but was picked off twice. Without Cam Cook, the Gamecocks relied on Andrew Paul and a committee approach to the ground game, converting key third downs and grinding out tough yards. Both teams exchanged punts and defensive stops, but it was Jacksonville State’s ability to capitalize on turnovers that ultimately made the difference.
Historic Significance and Looking Ahead
This win marks only the second bowl victory in Jacksonville State’s brief FBS history, a testament to the program’s rapid ascent and resilience. The Gamecocks snapped Troy’s remarkable 79-game streak of winning when leading after three quarters, underscoring the magnitude of the upset. For Jacksonville State, the victory not only restores pride in a rivalry but also signals a new era for the program in top-tier college football.
The atmosphere at the Cramton Bowl—marked by pregame parachutist drama, broadcast delays, and a capacity crowd—reflected the stakes and spirit of Alabama football. The Salute to Veterans Bowl, broadcast nationally on ESPN, provided a fitting stage for a contest where every play mattered and every mistake had consequences.
As both teams look to the future, Jacksonville State’s ability to win without its star back offers hope for continued success. Troy, meanwhile, faces questions about depth and resilience as it regroups after a promising but ultimately frustrating season.
Jacksonville State’s win in the Salute to Veterans Bowl is more than a stat in the record book—it’s a statement about the program’s grit and growing stature in the FBS landscape. Overcoming adversity, capitalizing on crucial moments, and rekindling an old rivalry, the Gamecocks demonstrated that their journey is just beginning, and the rest of college football is starting to take notice.