The Troy Trojans captured the Battle of the Belt for the first time since 2013, as they escaped the South Alabama by a score of 28-21 in Mobile.
The intense conference and in-state rivalry went down to the final seconds before junior running back Jordan Chunn scored on a one-yard TD run with 1:20 left in the game.
The Trojans (6-1, 4-0 Sun Belt) are the first Sun Belt team to become bowl eligible this season.
The two teams have only met five times, with Troy now leading the series 3-2.
The Jaguars (3-4, 0-4 Sun Belt) struck first, as a Trojan fumble and a low snap on a punt led to 14 first quarter points for South Alabama.
The Jaguar offense capitalized after starting both drives on Troy’s side of the 50 yard line. Junior running back Xavier Johnson punched in both scores from one and five yards out, respectively.
The fast pace of the game did not slow up as junior quarterback Brandon Silvers found junior receiver Tevaris McCormick for an 80 yards score.
The score stood the same until the Trojans pieced together a 50-yard drive, allowing senior kicker Ryan Kay to send a 47 yard-kick through the uprights. Kay’s kick tied his career long and made the score 14-10.
The two teams exchanged scores in the final two minutes of the half. South Alabama struck first, marching 75 yards until sophomore quarterback Dallas Davis found senior tight end Gerald Everett for a 19-yard score through the air.
On the ensuing drive, the Trojans drove 66 yards to the 10 yard line, but couldn’t find the end zone after going three-and-out. Kay came back with a 28 yard kick to close the first half scoring.
During the scoreless third quarter, both offenses had trouble finding success, as each defense came up with big stops.
With the final quarter of play ticking away, Troy’s offense began to rally a comeback. Chunn led the eight play, 83-yard drive that tied the game. Chunn punched in the touchdown from two yards out, but it was the trick play two-point conversion that tied the game, 21-21, with 11:12 remaining.
After the defense picked up a crucial stop with two minutes remaining, the offense came out looking for a game winning score.
Silvers then found sophomore receiver Sidney Davis for a 42-yard completion to the one yard line. Chunn did the rest, as walking in from one yard out to take the lead and seal the victory.
Chunn highlighted the Trojan offense with his 143 yards and two scores on 23 carries. Silvers went 28-42 passing for 395 yards, one score and no interceptions.
The Trojans return home on Saturday, Nov. 5, to host UMass at Vetterans Memorial Stadium. Kickoff time is TBA.
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