MOBILE, Ala. | The annual Battle for the Belt, presented by Drive Safe Alabama and the Alabama Department of Transportation, between state rivals South Alabama and Troy is set for a national audience on Thursday night with kick set for 6:30 pm on ESPNU.

This year's edition features two teams riding winning streaks heading into the game and both sit atop the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference, with the winner earning bowl eligibility with their sixth win of the 2022 season. South Alabama (5-1, 2-0 Sun Belt) remains the lone undefeated team in conference play in the division following a 41-34 victory over ULM on Saturday night, riding a three-game winning streak including a pair of those at home. Meanwhile, Troy (5-2, 3-1 Sun Belt) is second in the division just one game behind the Jags in the loss column and is riding a four-game winning streak heading into the contest.

The two teams were picked second and third, respectively, in the preseason Sun Belt Conference coaches poll.

The two teams have met 10 times prior to this week's contest with Troy holding a 7-3 advantage due to winning the last four meetings. The last time South Alabama held the belt was following a 19-8 victory in Troy back in 2018.

South Alabama comes into the contest averaging 36 points per game this season (29th in the nation), while also ranking in the top 30 in total offense and passing offense through the first six games. They also have one of the toughest defenses in the nation ranking 21st in total defense and 12th in rushing defense. The Jags are also one of the best in the nation in creating turnovers, ranking fourth nationally in turnover margin.

They will be up against a Troy defense that has held five of its last six opponents to less than 100 yards rushing and the only one it didn't (App State) was held below its current average. The Trojans have held their last five opponents to 85.5 yards per game and 2.57 yards per carry, which ranks them sixth and second nationally, respectively.

GAME INFORMATION
Kick: 6:30 pm (CT)
Site: Hancock Whitney Stadium | Mobile, Ala.
Watch: ESPNU
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SERIES
All-time record: Troy leads 7-3
Last meeting: Troy def. South Alabama, 31-24 (Nov. 6. 2021 in Troy)

GAME NOTES

• Diego Guajardo continues to lead the NCAA in field goal percentage connecting on all nine of his field goal attempts, including the game-winner as time expired against Louisiana on the road three weeks ago.
• Caullin Lacy currently ranks third in the nation in punt return touchdowns and fifth in punt returns (third in the conference) at 14.8 yards per return, while fellow receiver Jalen Wayne is just one catch from moving into a tie for third-place all-time at the school in career catches – currently sits at 125.
• Carter Bradley will wear the #5 jersey this week for the Jags and enters the game with 13 touchdown passes on the season, including four games of three touchdowns each. He set a new school record with 420 yards passing on Saturday against ULM, while hitting Lacy for a school record 12 receptions.
• Yam Banks leads the team in interceptions and currently sits 10th in the nation in that same category with three total. As a team, the Jags have forced 14 total turnovers this season.

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