IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: Troy Trojans vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Pick & Prediction for 12/16

College Football Preview

The 2025 postseason will see the Troy Trojans and Jacksonville State Gamecocks meet at the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl. The game will take place at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. Fans can watch it live on ESPN on Tuesday, December 16, at 9:00 PM.

Both teams come into this game with identical 8-5 records. The Trojans finished their regular season with a 6-3 record in the Sun Belt Conference. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks ended their Conference USA run with a 7-2 record. Both teams will aim to finish their seasons on a high note with a postseason victory.

Troy Team Preview

The Troy Trojans had a mixed season with both wins and losses. They lost to James Madison Dukes 31-14 and Old Dominion Monarchs 33-0. However, they secured victories against Southern Miss Golden Eagles 28-18 and Georgia State Panthers 31-19.

Quarterback Tucker Kilcrease played in 11 games and passed for 1,421 yards with 9 touchdowns. Another key player, Tae Meadows, contributed with 695 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns across 12 games. RaRa Thomas led the receivers with 577 yards and 5 touchdowns in 12 games.

In team stats, the Trojans scored 316 points this season, ranking 65th. On defense, they allowed 318 points, placing them 112th. They recorded 32 sacks and 11 interceptions, showing strength in these areas.

IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: Troy vs Jacksonville State Game Day Info

  • Sport: NCAA Football
  • Teams: Troy Trojans vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
  • Venue: Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, AL
  • Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM
  • Betting Odds: Troy -175, Jacksonville State +145

Jacksonville State Team Preview

Jacksonville State Gamecocks have shown strong offensive numbers this season. They have rushed for 3,387 yards, ranking first in the country. However, their passing game ranks lower at 111th with 2,092 yards.

The Gamecocks have faced tough games recently. They won against Western Kentucky 37-34 at home. However, they lost to Kennesaw State 19-15 in their latest game, also at home.

The team faces some injury challenges. Key players like Tyler Bride and Tyrin Taylor are questionable. Jeremiah Orr and Aidan Thompson are out for the rest of the season.

BTB Betting Pick

The spread for the game is Troy -3.5, and I recommend taking Jacksonville State to cover. Jacksonville State has scored 377 points this season, ranking 36th, while Troy has allowed 318 points, ranking 112th. This suggests Jacksonville State can keep the game close, with a projected score of Jacksonville State 24, Troy 21.

The total for the game is set at 46.5, and I recommend taking the over. Jacksonville State’s offense has been strong, with 3,387 rushing yards, ranking 1st. Troy’s defense has allowed a high number of points, indicating a higher-scoring game. The projected total is 45, slightly under the line, but Jacksonville State’s offensive strength suggests more points.