South Alabama upsets Troy

TROY, Ala. — Backup running back Tra Minter had 104 total yards, South Alabama’s defense and special teams forced 4 turnovers, and the Jaguars upset Troy 19-8 on Wednesday night in the Battle for the Belt.

South Alabama took a 19-0 lead early in the fourth quarter on Gavin Patterson’s 47-yard field goal.

Troy finally scored with 6:16 remaining on Brandon Silvers’ quarterback sneak and the Trojans recovered a South Alabama fumble on fourth-and-1 near midfield. But freshman kicker Evan Legassey missed his second short field goal of the game with 3:01 left.

Dallas Davis and Cole Garvin split time at quarterback for South Alabama (2-4, 1-1 Sun Belt). Davis threw for 120 yards, including a 49-yard screen to Minter in the fourth, and one touchdown to Malik Stanley. Garvin had 56 yards passing. Xavier Johnson, who led the team with 366 yards rushing, was carted off the field in the second quarter.

There were 4 turnovers in the first half — with 3 coming in a 5-play span early in the second quarter.

Silvers threw for 263 yards with one interception for Troy (4-2, 1-1). The Trojans played for the first time since their 24-21 victory at then-No. 25 LSU on Sept. 30.