MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama and Troy University athletic departments announced on Monday that the Alabama Department of Transportation's "Drive Safe Alabama" campaign will be the presenting sponsor for the annual "Battle For The Belt."

The Student Government Associations for the two schools worked together to create the "Belt" in 2015 to be awarded to the winner of the annual Sun Belt Conference football game between the Jaguars and Trojans.  Since its inception, the road team has claimed the prize each time after Troy earned a 38-17 victory in Mobile last October.

"The Battle for the Belt sponsorship provides ALDOT a unique opportunity to reach a large part of Alabama's population with the 'Drive Safe Alabama' campaign," said Allison Green, Alabama Department of Transportation Communication Specialist and Drive Safe Alabama Coordinator.  "We're pleased to partner with the University of South Alabama and Troy University to spread the message that everyone plays a role in improving the safety culture on Alabama roadways.  When fans think about the "Battle For The Belt" between South Alabama and Troy, we want them to also think about another belt — the seat belt that can save lives."

This fall, the "Battle For the Belt" will take place in Troy on Wednesday, Oct. 16, with the match-up scheduled to be televised nationally on ESPN2.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the South Circle, the unrestricted giving option of the University of South Alabama Athletics.  Contributions to South Circle directly support all 17 sports in addition to various support programming. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/give

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