Two conference runner-ups face off during the Salute to Veterans Bowl, as Sunbelt runner-up Troy takes on Conference USA runner-up Jacksonville State at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, on Tuesday. Both are seeking to end the 2025 season with redemption after failing to win a conference title, but the question now is, which team will be better equipped to win?
Troy vs Jacksonville State Key Matchups
Goose Crowder vs. Gavin Wimsatt (Quarterback)
Goose Crowder has dealt with health issues all season, but has still managed to somehow lead Troy to the Sunbelt championship game, showing that he can lead the Trojans to victory. Meanwhile, Gavin Wimsatt is a very athletic quarterback who can be quite versatile, making this matchup an interesting one.
Jordan Lovett vs. Cam Cook (Running Back)
A red-shirt sophomore, Jordan Lovett had a breakout season this year with 317 rushing yards on 81 carries and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Cam Cook is perhaps one of the best running backs in all of college football, amassing 1,659 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns this season.
Troy vs Jacksonville State Odds
DraftKings Sportsbook has now released the odds and has revealed that the Trojans are the -2.5 favorites to win the Salute to Veterans Bowl 2025 with an over/under of 46.5 points. The moneyline is -130 for Troy, while it is +110 for Jacksonville State.
Troy vs Jacksonville State Opt-Outs And Injuries
- RB Tae Meadows: Opted Out, To Enter Transfer Portal
- OL Eli Russ: Injured, Out
- OT Elijah Prather: Injured, Out
- OT Garner Langlo: Injured, Out
- DJ Jackson Jr: Opted Out, To Enter Transfer Portal
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- OG Adrian Gumm: Injured, Out
- DL Jawaun Campbell: Injured, Out
- CB Tyrin Taylor: Injured, Out
- WR Aghogho Eyafe: Injured, Questionable
- RB Lucas Farrington: Injured, Questionable
- WR Nabi Hoy: Injured, Questionable
- RB Jalen Likely: Injured, Questionable
- WR Brock Rechsteiner: Injured, Questionable
Troy vs Jacksonville State Prediction
As the odds have shown, Troy may be the favorites here, but not that much. This means that this can be anybody’s ballgame, and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks have a chance to win and not really be that much of an underdog. That being said, Troy has its starting quarterback back in action, while Jacksonville State has a monster of a running back, which means this should be an interesting matchup.
As for the winner of the Salute to Veterans Bowl, this one should go to the Trojans.
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