MOBILE, Ala. — Troy rallied from a 14-point deficit with 18 unanswered points and beat South Alabama 28-21 to win the Battle for the Belt, taking the rivalry trophy back to Troy for the next year.
The Trojans scored the go-ahead touchdown on a five-play, 80-yard drive that took 53 seconds in the fourth quarter, and South Alabama’s final possession ended when a fumble was recovered by Troy as time expired.
South Alabama fell to 3-4 overall and 0-4 in the Sun Belt Conference. Troy improved to 6-1 and 4-0 in league play. A large group of Troy fans made the trip to watch the game.
Jaguars Jump Out Early
The game opened with a long run by Troy running back Jordan Chunn on the first play from scrimmage. Chunn appeared headed for a 79-yard touchdown, but he was ruled to have stepped out of bounds near midfield.
Later on the drive, a Troy receiver made a catch in the middle of the field, was surrounded by South Alabama defenders and had the ball stripped away. The Jaguars took advantage, and Xavier Johnson scored on a short touchdown run.
South Alabama’s defense then forced Troy to punt from deep in its own territory. The snap was low, the Jaguars recovered, and Johnson scored on another short run to make it 14-0.
Troy answered with its first big play of the game, an 80-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brandon Silvers to Tevaris McCormick that cut the lead to 14-7.
Johnson, Williams Injured
South Alabama lost two starters to injuries during the game. Starting left guard Curtis Williams left in the first quarter with a knee injury.
Johnson was later hit by a Troy player on a play that had been whistled dead at the snap. Johnson, who had been running toward the right flat and slowed after the whistle, was struck by a Troy defender who lowered his head. No flag was thrown on the field. After head coach Joey Jones crossed to the far side of the field to check on Johnson and speak with officials, the play was reviewed for targeting, and officials ruled it was not targeting. Johnson left the game with an injury and did not return.
After Williams and Johnson left the game, Troy outscored South Alabama 21-7.
Despite his early exit, Johnson finished as the Jaguars’ leading rusher with 58 yards on six carries.
Late Turnovers Decide It
With the game tied in the fourth quarter, South Alabama’s Randy Allen recovered a Troy fumble to give the Jaguars a chance to take the lead, but the offense went three-and-out.
Troy then drove 80 yards in five plays and 53 seconds to go ahead 28-21.
On South Alabama’s final drive, quarterback Dallas Davis was sacked on the first play, and the Jaguars used their second timeout with 1:06 remaining. After an incomplete pass, South Alabama used its final timeout with 1:00 left.
Facing third-and-18 from his own 13, Davis was flushed from the pocket and scrambled 17 yards. After a review of the spot, South Alabama was awarded a first down. Dami Ayoola followed with a 10-yard run for another first down before Davis was sacked again.
Davis then completed a 35-yard pass to Kutchera, who was fighting toward the end zone when the ball came loose. Troy recovered the fumble with no time remaining.
By the Numbers
- Troy outgained South Alabama 585-340 in total offense.
- The Trojans ran for 190 yards to South Alabama’s 145, and passed for 395 yards to the Jaguars’ 195.
- Davis completed 11 of 20 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown and was sacked six times.
- Tyreis Thomas ran for 41 yards on 10 carries, and Ayoola added 34 yards on eight carries.
- Kutchera led South Alabama receivers with 92 yards on three catches. Tyrone Williams caught four passes for 50 yards, and Gerald Everett had three catches for 49 yards and the Jaguars’ only receiving touchdown.
- Brandon McKee punted seven times for a 49.3-yard average, with a long of 74 yards, and pinned Troy inside the 20 three times. Corliss Waitman punted twice for a 42-yard average.
- Time of possession was nearly even, with Troy holding the ball for 30:56.
Troy Leaders
Chunn ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Silvers completed 28 of 42 passes for 395 yards and a touchdown.
McCormick led all receivers with 127 yards on four catches, including the touchdown. Emanuel Thomas caught seven passes for 74 yards, and John Johnson had six catches for 72 yards.
Up Next
South Alabama has a few extra days to prepare before hosting Georgia State for homecoming on Oct. 29 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
