Football prepares for pivotal rivalry matchup

Troy returns from its bye week ready for the most anticipated matchup of the season against rival South Alabama this Saturday in the 14th edition of the ‘Battle for the Belt.’ 

It checks all the boxes for an exciting matchup: Sun Belt Conference opener, rivalry game and a hopeful revenge matchup for the Trojans. Last year, they fell to the Jaguars in Mobile 25-8. It was the first time since 2018 that South Alabama had won the rivalry, and Troy leads the all-time series 9-4. 

Like Trojans’ head coach Gerad Parker, Major Applewhite enters his second year at the helm in Mobile, Alabama. It’s been a struggle for the Jaguars so far. Losing their last four games, the team is 1-4 and is still yet to beat an FBS opponent. 

South Alabama was able to beat Troy last season with the arm and legs of Gio Lopez. With Lopez now at North Carolina, junior Bishop Davenport hopes to bring that same attack.

After a hot start to the year, Davenport has seen tough times, throwing four interceptions in the last three games and being held to less than 200 passing yards in those losses. 

Joining Davenport in the backfield is running back Kentrel Bullock. The senior struggled against Troy a year ago with just 38 yards on 15 carries. This season, he has five touchdowns and is averaging just under five yards per carry. 

Defensively, the Jaguars have a senior and a freshman leading the way. The former is safety Christopher Wallace, who leads the team in tackles with 35 and has a forced fumble and recovery to his name. That’s one of the six turnovers South Alabama has forced as a team this season. 

Freshman linebacker Caleb Dozier has been a standout for the defense despite his youth. He has 29 tackles, including a 10-tackle performance against Tulane in week two. 

Troy’s offense continues to be a question for fans. Tucker Kilcrease is now entering his second start of the season. Despite significant struggles for three quarters against Buffalo, the 21-point final quarter provided a level of hope about the offensive efficiency. Junior quarterback Uie Ale was also seen in the win over the Bulls and could have a partial role this week. 

Running back Tae Meadows has averaged 4.8 yards per carry or more in three of the first four games. With quarterback play still in question, he will be a key piece in moving the team downfield and creating more opportunities to open up the playbook. 

For Troy, it will come down to the offense being able to find a balanced attack, instead of leaning entirely on the pass. Starting off strong is crucial. Troy was outscored 28-7 in the first half of its last two games. 

Troy looks to bring the belt back home this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Troy Sports Media Network.