Troy vs. Jacksonville State Opt-Out Tracker, Transfers, Injuries, Starting Lineups, Best Bet for Veterans Bowl
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks will face the Troy Trojans as sharp field-goal favorites in the Salute to Veterans Bowl on Tuesday, December 16th. Who will be in the starting lineup or sitting out in this Jacksonville State vs. Troy opt-out tracker for the Salute to Veterans Bowl? Peter Alexis breaks it all down.
Peter Alexis - December 16, 2025, 6:15 PM EST
6 Minute ReadTroy vs. Louisiana State: Who Is Opting-Out, Injured for Salute to Veterans Bowl on December 16th
The Salute to Veterans Bowl features a renewed rivalry between Troy and Jacksonville State, with both teams entering at 8-5 after painful conference championship losses. Troy was overwhelmed by playoff bound James Madison in the Sun Belt Championship, while Jacksonville State suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Kennesaw State after leading most of the Conference USA title game before a late miracle drive flipped the result. This matchup takes place Tuesday night in Montgomery, Alabama, with Jacksonville State now favored by 3 after a sharp line move.
The market has spoken loudly over the last 24 hours. The line opened Troy -1.5 but has swung all the way to Jacksonville State -3, driven by heavy sharp action. According to Oddschecker+ betting splits, 62% of bets and a massive 79% of the money are backing the Gamecocks, signaling strong confidence in Jacksonville State as the more complete team entering bowl season.
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Troy vs. Louisiana State Date, Time, and Where to Watch Bucked Up LA Bowl
- Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Troy vs. Louisiana State Odds
Salute to Veterans Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Jacksonville State -3 (-110) | Troy +3 (-110) |
Jacksonville State ML (-150) | Troy ML (+130) |
Over 48.5 Total Points | Under 48.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Troy vs. Jacksonville State Odds
Troy vs. Louisiana State Opt-Outs Tracker & Injuries
Troy Opt-Outs
- CB Kaleno Levine
Troy Transfer Portal
- Starting RB Tae Meadows (will not play)
- Starting OG Patrick Bowling (will not play)
- DE DJ Jackson (350 snaps; will not play)
Troy Injuries
- LT Elijah Prather (last played in Week 7)
- RT Garner Langlo (last played in Week 3)
- OL Eli Russ (knee injury; Patrick Screws will start in his place)
- QB Goose Crowder Probable after Injury in Sun Belt Championship
Jacksonville State Transfer Portal
- RT Reggie Jackson (will not play)
Jacksonville State Injuries
- LG Adrian Gumm (missed finale)
- CB Tyrin Taylor (missed finale)
- DT Jawaun Campbell (last played in Week 11)
Troy vs. Jacksonville State Odds Breakdown - Salute to Veterans Bowl
The late line movement makes sense once the roster situations are examined closely. Troy has been hit hard by opt-outs, transfers, and injuries, particularly along the offensive line and in the backfield. Starting running back Tae Meadows will not play, along with starting guard Patrick Bowling and defensive end DJ Jackson, who logged over 350 snaps this season. Left tackle Elijah Prather and right tackle Garner Langlo have not played since early November, and another offensive lineman, Eli Russ, is sidelined with a knee injury. While quarterback Goose Crowder is expected to play after practicing in full, he exited the Sun Belt Championship on crutches, and the protection in front of him is badly depleted.
Jacksonville State enters in far better shape overall. While they will be without right tackle Reggie Jackson due to the transfer portal and have a few defensive injuries, the core of their offense remains intact. That is critical given how this team is built. The Gamecocks rely heavily on a dominant rushing attack that ranks 4th nationally at over 250 rushing yards per game. That strength lines up perfectly against a Troy defense facing attrition and an offense that ranks 132nd nationally in rushing production.
This game also carries deeper historical weight. These programs were longtime Division II rivals in the annual “Battle for the Ol’ School Bell,” a series that dates back decades. Troy moved up to the FBS more than 30 years ago, and the teams have not met since 2001. Troy won the last seven matchups, but Jacksonville State still holds the overall series edge at 32-29-2. Older fans on both sides will be energized by the revival of this rivalry under the bowl lights.
From a matchup standpoint, Jacksonville State’s ability to control the game on the ground should be decisive. Neither offense is explosive, but the Gamecocks score slightly more per game and are far more consistent in sustaining drives. With Troy missing multiple starters up front and entering with a banged up quarterback, it becomes difficult to see them keeping pace physically for four quarters. Both defenses grade out as middle of the pack, which places even more emphasis on ball control and rushing efficiency, areas where Jacksonville State holds a clear edge.
Troy vs. Jacksonville State Best Bet
- Pick: Jacksonville State -3 (-110) Check out these best odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
This is a spot where following the sharp money makes sense. Jacksonville State is healthier, more complete, and built to exploit Troy’s biggest weaknesses. With 79% of the money backing the Gamecocks and a significant roster advantage in the trenches, Jacksonville State -3 is the right side in the Salute to Veterans Bowl.
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