Gamecocks ‘Whup Troy’ to reclaim Ol’ School Bell at IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl

MONTGOMERY – The Ol’ School Bell is returning to its rightful owner for the first time since 1990 after Jax State rallied Tuesday night to knock off Troy 17-13 at Cramton Bowl in the 21^st annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.

Playing for the first time without Cam Cook, the nation’s leading rusher, the Gamecocks (9-5) came through with two clutch interceptions in the second half to upend their in-state rival before a crowd of 15,721 in the renewal of the Battle of the Ol’ School Bell series after a 24-year hiatus.

“It was a great way to bring back an old rivalry,” said Jax State Head Coach Charles Kelly, who led the Gamecocks to a 9-5 record in his first season. “Bill Burgess would be proud.

“We did what we had to do to win the game. It’s a great honor to be able to play in 14 games. There’s not many football players that are able to do that. Our players never quit and I’m just glad that they respect this game the way they do.”

Quarterback Caden Creel was selected by the media as the game’s Most Valuable Player after completing 14-of-20 passes for 173 yards with one touchdown.

Cook, a third-team All-American, was limited in practice all week due to an injury. He finishes the season with 1,659 yards, the second-highest total in school history. Cook remains the top rusher among all FBS backs, with a 99-yard edge over Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy, whose team faces Virginia in the Taxslayer Gator Bowl.

Jax State struck for a 7-0 lead on its opening series after forcing Troy (8-6) to punt to start the game.

Creel completed passes to Deondre Johnson, Dylan Gentry and Michael Pettway as the Gamecocks drove deep into Trojans territory. Creel then connected with Brock Rechsteiner for a 22-yard touchdown and Garrison Rippa added the extra point with 9:41 remaining in the first quarter.

Not much went right for Jax State in the first half after that as the Trojans capitalized on two busted trick plays for their first 10 points.

Troy nose tackle Luis Medina recovered a fumbled flea-flicker attempt in the end zone at the 1:39 mark to tie the game at 7-7.  Then a botched fake punt set up the Trojans’ go-ahead score, a 38-yard field goal early in the second, and Troy went to the locker room at halftime leading 13-7 after tacking on a 30-yard field goal.

Jax State’s offense managed only 46 total yards after going 71 yards on its initial drive.

“… I’m proud of this team, our program and our staff for doubling our win total from last season,” said Troy Head Coach Gerad Parker. “The work is far from over, and there is still work to be done heading into next year.

“I give Jacksonville State a lot of credit for the win. We played well enough on defense, had a good attack, and the defense kept us in it down the stretch.”

Rippa nailed a 51-yard field goal midway through the third quarter, cutting the Gamecocks’ deficit to 13-10. The kick marked his 37th career field goal, moving him into sole possession of third place on the all-time list, trailing only Gavin Hallford (49) and Alen Karajic (48).

“It was an electric game. Such a great ballgame. It was awesome,” said junior safety Caleb Nix. “And I can say that Jax State has never lost to Troy in my lifetime.”

Interceptions by Jax State defenders Ian Mitchell and Tyrin Taylor shifted the momentum after halftime. Troy was held scoreless over the final two quarters and finished with just 217 total yards.

What proved to be the game-winning drive came early in the fourth quarter as the Gamecocks went 47 yards in 11 plays after Mitchell’s interception. Andrew Paul took a direct snap and scored on a one-yard plunge at the 10:06 mark as Jax State took its only lead of the game.

Johnson snagged six passes for 101 yards – his fourth game with 100-plus receiving yards in the last seven.

Troy finished with five sacks, a defensive touchdown and held Jacksonville State to 273 total yards, its lowest output of the season. The Trojans also limited the Gamecocks to 100 rushing yards after Jacksonville State entered the game averaging 258 yards per contest on the ground.