Overview
- The in-state foes met for the first time since 2001 in the 64th installment of the series at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl, televised nationally on ESPN.
- Both teams entered at 8-5 after conference title defeats, with Jacksonville State falling to Kennesaw State and Troy losing to James Madison.
- Jacksonville State leaned on its run-first identity built around Conference USA Player of the Year and national rushing leader Cam Cook.
- Troy was without leading rusher Tae Meadows and coped with multiple offensive line injuries as well as uncertainty at quarterback following the Sun Belt title game.
- The result marks Jacksonville State’s second straight bowl victory in its young FBS tenure and further strengthens its all-time series lead.