Trojans win Battle for the Belt in Overtime Thriller

The belt has been returned to the Wiregrass after Troy downed rival South Alabama in a 31-24 overtime showdown at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday. 

It is the sixth time in the last seven years the Trojans have beaten the Jaguars. Head coach Gerad Parker avenged the loss from a year ago, earning his first win over South Alabama as a Trojan. 

“I couldn’t be happier for our guys,” Parker said. “I saw the resiliency to finish a game in overtime and continue to develop what we want to be as a program, which is a tough physical team.  

“This is how we’re going to have to win this year.” 

Quarterback Tucker Kilcrease found a new level of confidence in the pocket in the win. The junior from Brantley, Ala., fired off 203 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also put his running ability on display with 102 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown run on the team’s first possession. 

Along with Kilcrease, Tae Meadows and Jordan Lovett complimented the run game. The duo averaged over 4.5 yards per carry each. Meadows finished with 17 rushes for 79 yards and a touchdown, while Lovett closed with 39 on eight carries. 

There was plenty of offensive firepower for both teams, but the clutch moments on defense for Troy were thanks to safety Devin Lafayette, who helped keep the Jags at bay in overtime.

The senior had 19 tackles and earned Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week honors. It’s the most tackles in a game for Troy since Carlton Martial in 2022, and the fourth most by a Trojan since 1995. 

“Last year, I felt the pain of losing the belt,” Lafayette said. “To go back and win it, I can’t even explain the feeling.” 

The Trojans led going into the locker room 14-7. Kilcrease’s run, along with a 25-yard passing score to RaRa Thomas, helped to set the tone.  

South Alabama rallied in the start of the third quarter though, scoring 10 unanswered points to lead 17-14. 

 Jaguars quarterback Bishop Davenport broke free for a 56-yard run to give South Alabama the advantage. He finished the night with 104 passing yards, 72 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. 

Troy quickly returned the favor with a seven play, 75-yard drive ending in a touchdown pass to DJ Epps. The junior tallied 59 yards on five receptions. Scott Taylor Renfroe knocked in a 28-yard field goal to push Troy’s lead to seven. 

With 1:54 remaining, Jaguars receiver Kentrell Bullock caught a pass to tie the game up 24-24. Troy had an opportunity to drive down the field late, but it was a stalemate after 60 minutes. 

In overtime, Troy went on offense first. The Men of Troy made quick work, scoring in just three plays after Tae Meadows punched in the go-ahead touchdown. South Alabama made it up to the nine-yard line, but no further. The Troy defense forced the stop and secured a rivalry win. 

Trojan fans packed out The Vet to see the victory. The attendance of 28,035 is the seventh largest crowd in school history, and Troy’s most attended game since 2023. The crowd had an impact as well. The Jaguars were called for false starts on five occasions. 

“The energy of The Vet, that’s what a Troy, South Alabama, game should look like,” Coach Parker said. “I think the fan base, especially our students, certainly played a role in this one.” 

Troy now moves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in Sun Belt play. It’s the first time Troy has had a winning record during the Gerad Parker tenure. After starting last year’s season 1-7, Troy has gone 6-3 since November 2024. 

Troy now prepares for a two-game road trip with Texas State followed by ULM. The next time at home will be against Louisiana on Oct. 25. Troy and Texas State will kick off at 7 p.m. in San Marcos, Texas, this Saturday.