Troy Edges South Alabama in Overtime Thriller, 31–24

TROY, AL. - October 4, 2025 - In a game that lived up to the intensity of the "Battle for the Belt" rivalry, the Troy Trojans outlasted the South Alabama Jaguars 31–24 in overtime at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The win marked a pivotal Sun Belt Conference victory for Troy, who improved to 4–2 on the season and 2–0 in conference play.

Running back Tae Meadows sealed the win with a 3-yard touchdown run in overtime, capping a gritty performance by the Trojans, who overcame a late-game surge by South Alabama to secure the belt and bragging rights for another year.

First Half: Balanced Start

Both teams traded scores early, with Troy quarterback Tucker Kilcrease leading a methodical opening drive that ended in a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Marcus Rogers. South Alabama responded with a 7-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bishop Davenport, tying the game at 7–7.

Troy regained the lead in the second quarter with a 9-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 1-yard plunge from Kilcrease. The Trojans entered halftime with a 14–7 advantage, having controlled the tempo and limited South Alabama's explosive plays.

Second Half: Momentum Swings

South Alabama came out aggressive in the third quarter. Davenport connected with wide receiver Kentrel Bullock for a 15-yard touchdown pass, and kicker Will McClain added a 42-yard field goal to tie the game at 17–17.

Troy responded with a 10-play drive that ended in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Kilcrease to wide receiver Chris Lewis, putting the Trojans back on top 24–17.

But South Alabama wasn't done. With under two minutes remaining, Davenport broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 24–24 and sending it into overtime.

Overtime: Troy Closes the Door

In overtime, Troy won the toss and elected to play defense first. The Trojans held South Alabama to a missed field goal attempt after a sack by linebacker Jayden McDonald pushed the Jaguars out of scoring range.

Troy then took over and leaned on its ground game. After two runs by Meadows and a keeper by Kilcrease, Meadows powered into the end zone from three yards out, ending the game and igniting celebrations across Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Coach Sumrall: "This Is What Rivalry Football Is All About"

Troy Head Coach Jon Sumrall praised his team's resilience and execution under pressure.

"We knew it was going to be a four-quarter fight, and it turned into five," Sumrall said. "This is what rivalry football is all about - grit, heart, and finding a way to win when everything's on the line."

Sumrall credited Kilcrease's leadership and the defense's clutch performance in overtime.

"Tucker made big plays all night, and our defense stepped up when it mattered most. That sack in overtime was a game-changer," he added.

Statistical Leaders

• Troy QB Tucker Kilcrease: 203 passing yards, 2 TDs; 102 rushing yards, 1 TD

• RB Tae Meadows: 87 rushing yards, 1 TD

• WR Chris Lewis: 5 receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD

• South Alabama QB Bishop Davenport: 212 passing yards, 2 TDs; 89 rushing yards, 1 TD

• WR Kentrel Bullock: 6 receptions, 64 yards, 1 TD

Troy outgained South Alabama 412 to 398 in total yards and won the turnover battle 1–0. The Trojans also held a slight edge in time of possession and converted 7 of 13 third downs.

Looking Ahead

Troy will look to build on the momentum as they prepare for a road test against Georgia State next week. South Alabama, now 3–3 overall and 1–2 in conference play, will regroup before hosting Louisiana-Monroe.

"This one hurts," said South Alabama Head Coach Kane Wommack. "We had chances, but credit to Troy - they made the plays when it counted."