Jax State, Troy renewing historic rivalry in Salute to Veterans Bowl
Reading time: 3 minutes
It was a disappointing weekend for both Jax State and Troy as the two teams fell in their respective conference championship games Friday night.
But the season isn’t over yet. And there will be no lack of motivation for either side as bowl season arrives.
The Battle for the Ol’ School Bell rivalry is set to be renewed later this month in Montgomery as the Gamecocks and Trojans will square off in the 2025 Salute to Veterans Bowl. Here’s what you need to know:
- 🏆 What: Salute to Veterans Bowl
- 🏈 Who: Jax State Gamecocks vs. Troy Trojans
- 🕗 When: 8PM | Tuesday, Dec. 16
- 🏟️ Where: Cramton Bowl | Montgomery, AL
- 📺 Watch: ESPN
- 🎟️ Tickets
Keep reading for more information on the matchup + read up on the history of the forgotten in-state rivalry.
Salute to Veterans Bowl
This will be the 12th year of the Cramton Bowl hosting a bowl game. It was known as the Camelia Bowl from 2014-23 before being named the Salute to Veterans Bowl last year.
Only two previous editions have featured a team from the state with South Alabama playing in 2014 and in 2024.
Troy will mark the 11th appearance by a Sun Belt team, with the conference currently holding a 6-4 record in the game. Jax State is the fourth Conference USA team in the bowl game with just one previous team winning.
The bowl game has not reported an attendance of over 20,000 since 2017 when he surpassed that mark in each of the first four years. Last year, the official attendance was 12,021.
The Battle for the Ol’ School Bell
For newer college football fans, this rivalry is one you probably aren’t familiar with. But for those who have been around the state for a while, you might remember Jax State and Troy having one of the best Division II and FCS rivalries in the country.
The Battle for the Ol’ School Bell was first played in 1924 with 63 total matchups on the field. Jax State currently leads the all-time series 33-28-2.
“We are excited to continue our season and look forward to competing one more time in our home state. This is an exciting matchup for our fans and look forward to a great crowd in Montgomery.”
Charles Kelly, Jax State head coach
But when both teams went through transition periods from Division II to FCS then again from FCS to FBS, the rivalry took a backseat. They have not squared off since Troy State (yes, they used to be known as Troy State) won in 2001.
Now that both teams are playing at the top level of college football, the rivalry can renew. Troy still holds a 7-game winning streak in the series.
“We are excited to reward our team, staff and fans for a successful season with our 11th FBS bowl appearance and our sixth in the last 10 years. This matchup gives our team a meaningful homefield advantage in a bowl that carries deep significance for the Troy Family as we honor the late Johnny Williams and our veterans.”
Kyle George, Troy AD
Want more news like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our FREE newsletter.
