Week 6 Preview: South Alabama at Troy

Rivalry game on deck for South Alabama and Troy this week, as the Jaguars travel to Troy for the 14th annual Battle for the Belt. First played in 2012, this rivalry has been dominated by Troy for the most part, the Trojans leading the all time series nine to four. However, South Alabama snapped a six year losing streak last year, defeating the Trojans 25-9.

South Alabama

It has not been the start to the year that the Jags have hoped for, the Jaguars entering the game with a disappointing 1-4 record, yet to beat an FBS opponent. South Alabama has played tough competition with three of those losses against Tulane, Auburn, and an undefeated North Texas, but for a team that hoped to contend for a Sun Belt west division title, it has not been the start they were hoping for.

“I think these guys have worked really hard, they’ve played really hard and well at times, Auburn is no slouch, Tulane is no slouch and North Texas is 5-0. We’re gonna call it what it is, you came close, but it’s time to hit your stride, it’s time for you to get paid for what you’re working for. There’s no better opportunity than playing your rival on the road,” said Coach Major Applewhite.

In last week’s game, South Alabama traveled to Denton taking on North Texas. The Jaguars were competitive in this one, but never led after the first quarter, losing 36-22. It wasn’t much better the week prior, South Alabama opening conference play with a disappointing home loss to Coastal Carolina 38-20.

Despite these tough losses, South Alabama has still played well on offense. The Jaguars averaging 31 points per game this year and 382 yards per game on offense. The big problem for the offense though, has been turnovers. South has turned it over nine times already this year, the seventh most turnovers given up in the country.

On offense, South Alabama is led by quarterback Bishop Davenport. He had a very strong start to the season, but has not been as sharp in recent weeks. In his first three games, Davenport had six total touchdowns, an average completion rate of 75%, and only one interception. However in the last two games, Davenport’s completion rate has dropped to an average of 55%, only one touchdown and 3 interceptions.

South Alabama has ran the ball well though, averaging 190 yards per game with a committee of Kentrel Bullock, PJ Martin and Keenan Phillips. On the receiving end, it has been a great year for Devin Voisin, who leads the team in targets, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, helping him earn his way onto the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

Congratulations to Devin Voisin @Devinvoisin for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List! The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver at any position. @SouthAlabamaFB @SouthAlabama #OutstandingReceiver #NCFAA pic.twitter.com/I9Dcgoahtb

— Biletnikoff Award (@biletnikoffawrd) October 1, 2025

Defense and special teams have been the weakest spot for South Alabama this year. South Alabama giving up an average of 31.8 points per game. South Alabama has also allowed an average of 196 rushing yards per game, 12th worst in the nation. The Jags have done a decent job of defending the pass though, holding opponents to an average of just 162.4 yards per game through the air.

Injuries are also a concern for South Alabama this week. The Jags possibly missing multiple players in the secondary this week. Defensive back Ty Goodwill will not play and defensive backs Cole Blaylock and Wesley Miller are both listed as questionable.

To have a chance to win this one and keep the Belt in Mobile, South Alabama will need to make less mistakes with the ball and be able to contain the Trojan rushing attack.

Troy

Troy will enter the game coming off a bye week, the Trojans last playing on Sep. 20, pulling off a come from behind victory over Buffalo 21-17. The Trojans has an overall record of 2-2 on the year, that includes the win against Buffalo and a win against Nicholls to open the season. The two losses coming against Clemson and Memphis. This game will be Troy’s first conference game of the year.

“Certainly excited about beginning Sun Belt play at home in the Vet, a night game against our biggest rival, everyone here is excited to begin that way. Certainly a tall task, very excited to see our guys compete, as it’s been a great off week last week for us. Getting healthier and getting better at the things our football team needs to improve upon,” said coach Gerad Parker.

It has been a great season so far for the Trojans’ defense, statistically the second best defensive unit in the Sun Belt. Troy only allowing 23 points per game, holding opponents to an average of just 318 yards per game. Troy has really been most successful at stopping the run, holding opponents to just 131 yards per game.

The offense for Troy has not been so great though, the Trojans struggling to simply score points, averaging just 20.5 points per game. Overall, Troy has had a very balanced approach on offense, not super successful at running or passing. Troy averaging just 160 yards per game passing, 138 yards per game rushing.

Individually, Troy is lead on offense by running back Tae Meadows, who has provided the most production. Meadows with 337 yards rushing on the year. At quarterback Troy has had to replace starter Goose Crowder, who got off to a great start this year, but was injured in their week three game against Memphis. Tucker Kilcrease has largely filled that role, with Ui Ale taking snaps as well. In addition to the injury to Goose Crowder, the Trojans will also be missing starting wide receiver Mojo Dortch and offensive lineman Garner Langlo in this one.

For Troy to take home the Belt, look for the Trojans to lean on their run game and force South Alabama to throw the ball. Getting ahead early in this one, putting the pressure on South Alabama to move the ball effectively on offense without turning it over.