CFB Bowl Preview 2025: IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
Troy Trojans vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks
By Rory Daniels
Bowl season is in full swing, and we will be previewing every bowl game this year. This year’s IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl will be contested between the Troy Trojans and Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Let’s take a look at the key matchups.
Where and When
Location: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama.
Date: Tuesday 16th December 2025.
Time: 9pm ET, 2am GMT.
Story So Far...
Under second-year head coach Gerard Parker, Troy has made solid progress. They won the Sun Belt West Division and ended the season with an 8-5 record. That was a turnaround from Parker’s first season, when he went 4-8. The Trojans couldn’t overcome James Madison on conference championship weekend, so they will hope their final flourish comes in the bowl game. It was the defense that excelled for Troy, particularly their passing defense and when defending the redzone, where they ranked 16th nationally. It made up for a sluggish offense, a surprise given Parker’s history as Notre Dame offensive coordinator.
Jacksonville State haven’t missed a beat since stepping up from FCS to FBS. Under the guidance of Rich Rodriguez, they had two 9-win seasons, including a Conference USA Championship in 2024. That led Rodriguez to move on (well, back) to West Virginia. Still, new head coach Charles Kelly enjoyed continued success with a 7-1 conference record, narrowly losing out to Kennesaw State in the Conference Championship. The Gamecocks leaned heavily on their run game, and they will hope to establish that here against a strong Trojan defence. This will be Jacksonville State’s third consecutive bowl appearance. They currently have one loss and one win.
The Quarterbacks
What better way for these two in-state rivals to finish the year than in Montgomery, both fielding Alabama natives at quarterback? For the Gamecocks, their offense is dependent on a strong running game, and that includes QB Caden Creel. The sophomore didn’t get a shot at the starting job until after the bye in week 6. He assumed the role against Sam Houston and never returned it. He ran for 1,121 yards and seven touchdowns this year, showing what a dynamic threat he is. This Troy defense will likely sell out to the run to try to slow down Creel and co.
The Trojans will be relying on backup QB Tucker Kilcrease. However, he has plenty of on-field experience this year, given that starter Goose Crowder has suffered an injury-plagued season. Kilcrease first took over in week 3 against Memphis and enjoyed a standout game vs Texas State in week 7. He earned national recognition by completing 30 out of 39 passes for 415 yards and five touchdowns. After that, his form tailed off, and Crowder came back in, only to suffer an ankle injury in the Sun Belt Championship game. Kilcrease will be hoping to recapture his earlier-season form in this one.
Who to Watch
Jacksonville State
Cam Cook, Running Back – Cook is clearly the star of this Jacksonville State offense. He was a four-star recruit out of Round Rock, Texas, who started life at TCU. After two quiet years, he made the move to the Gamecocks, and it paid off big. Cook averaged 5.6 yards per carry and led the nation, racking up 1,650 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns. Between him and Creel, the Trojans will undoubtedly have their hands full as the Gamecocks pound the rock.
Troy
Jordan Stringer, Linebacker – Trojans linebacker Stringer earned a spot in the First Team All-Sun Belt team. He led the team in tackles and will be vital in shutting down the Jacksonville State rushing attack. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Stringer, who had a missed tackle % of 18.4. The veteran middle linebacker will need to have his head on a swivel in this one, as both Creel and Cook will be looking to pile up the rushing yards.
Prediction
Troy starts this one as a 2.5-point favourite; however, I think the Gamecocks can edge it. The fact that the Trojans will be depending on a backup QB, plus the explosive nature of Jacksonville State’s rushing offense means I fancy the Gamecocks. Cam Cook is an exceptional talent, and I expect him to show that once again here.
Troy 20 – 31 Jacksonville State
Rory-Joe Daniels
COLLEGE FOOTBALL ANALYST
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.