Jacksonville State Wins Salute to Veterans Bowl 17-13

MONTGOMERY, Ala. Jacksonville State defeated Troy 17-13 on Tuesday night to claim victory in the Salute to Veterans Bowl at Cramton Bowl, marking the first postseason matchup between two Football Bowl Subdivision teams from Alabama.

The Gamecocks, who entered with an 8-5 record after finishing as Conference USA runners-up, staged a second-half comeback to overcome a halftime deficit. Jacksonville State scored all 10 of its second-half points, starting with a 51-yard field goal by Garrison Rippa in the third quarter to tie the score at 10-10. The decisive moment came with 5:44 remaining, when running back Andrew Pauls plunged in from 1 yard on a direct snap, giving Jacksonville State a 17-13 lead. The drive followed an interception by linebacker Ian Mitchell in Troy territory, after which the Gamecocks relied on 10 straight rushing plays to reach the end zone.

Troy, also 8-5 after winning the Sun Belt Conference West division, had led 13-7 at the break but managed only a late drive in response. Quarterback Tucker Kilcrease advanced the Trojans past midfield in the final minute, but his Hail Mary attempt to receiver DJ Epps was knocked down in the end zone as time expired....