MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Battle for the Belt brought fans out on a Tuesday night to Hancock Whitney Stadium. Before the big matchup between the Jags and Troy - it was all about the tailgate.
The game was sold out. Jag Nation pre-gaming with dancing and grilling.
"Lee: What's the crowd favorite? - Everybody pretty much loves the chicken - a lot of people loves the Conecuh sausage - it's a southern thing. Something for everybody," said a young man grilling.
It's a huge rivalry - the Jags looking for victory over Troy for the first time since 2017.
School spirit is at an all-time high. A group of students have been body painting themselves all season - taking game day to the next level.
"We want to change the culture. We want everyone to show up to the game and enjoy it... we want South Alabama - no more leaving at half time... fall in love with the Jags. Jag Nation it's on the rise," said one guy.
South Alabama hospitality at every tent.
"We are cooking up some burgers. We are going to get some hotdogs going... get some wings going. Lee: It certainly - smells good. - Thank you - y'all are more welcome to get some," said one guy grilling at the ROTC tailgate.
Representing in their red, white, and blue - and cowgirl boots - we ran into a trio of ladies who were ready to stomp the Trojans.
"Lee: Ladies - Tuesday night we are out here at Hancock Whitney Stadium - looking for a win. - Ladies: Yes... Go Jags!!! - The Jags are going to win - we are not looking for a win - the Jags gonna win!"
There was also a mean game of cornhole underway at Sorority Commons.
"All of campus really comes together for this type of battle. Lee: Any predictions on the score? - If I had to predict I'd say Jags by 90 - but in a realistic sense - I'd probably say 32 -- 18. I'm really hoping South takes it home tonight," said Andy Biehl, Phi Kappa Sigma.
Proudly parading through the streets - the Jaguar Marching Band never sounded so good.
"Their spirit - it's football... it brings everybody together. They've got great spirit! They're amazing," said one fan.
"Go Jags - we are going to put the whooping on Troy! Lee: It's been a while. - It has - but we don't want to talk about that - because this is a new season for the Jags," said one woman.