By: Bryant Kwilecki | Sports Editor
Photo by: Michael Dunn
When you think of sports rivalries in the state of Alabama, the first one that comes to mind is the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn. For the city of Mobile and the town of Troy, another rivalry means much more.
In 2012 the first-ever Battle of the Belt was played between the University of South Alabama and Troy University, with Troy winning 31-10. It has been a game played every year since then, forming another great rivalry within college football. Troy has won the last four games in a row against the Jaguars but this year the stakes have never been higher. The Jaguars hope to turn a new page and be victorious.
South Alabama is having one of its best seasons ever with a historic 5-1 start and 2-0 in conference play with their only loss coming to UCLA on the road by one point. The Jags just recently received AP votes to be ranked in the College Football Top 25. Troy is off to a 5-2 start with a 3-1 conference record, the losses coming to Ole Miss and to Appalachian State on a last-second hail-mary.
South Alabama and Troy are at the top of the Sun Belt West division. This is Troy’s first year in the west due to the conference expansion. For the first time ever, the Trojans and Jaguars will play for first place in the division. Whoever wins this game will be in a great position to make the Sun Belt Championship Game.
South Alabama’s offense led by Quarterback Carter Bradley comes into this game averaging 462.3 yards per game and 36 points per game. The offense’s success has been the difference-maker for the Jags thus far.
This game has everything you want in a rivalry game. The game being played in Mobile as well as a sold-out stadium is a huge advantage for the Jaguars as they enter the Battle of the Belt.
Be sure to come out tonight and supports the Jags at 6:30 p.m.!
Jag Media 