It was the lowest of lows for Jacksonville State in Week 3.
The Gamecocks had just lost in double overtime to Eastern Michigan after missing a 30-yard field goal and were sitting at 0-3 overall.
Now, eight weeks later, the Gamecocks are 6-3 and 5-3 in Conference USA play. They’re at the high point of their season thus far. They especially have to be feeling pretty fortunate to escape last week with a victory over Louisiana Tech.
The Gamecocks needed a Hail Mary from Tyler Huff to Cam Vaughn to connect at the end of regulation to tie the game at 37 and had an opportunity to win on the extra point. The kick missed, however, which sent the game to overtime. Jax State scored first in OT and stopped the Bulldogs on the ensuing possession.
With last week’s win, the Gamecocks are now the college football betting odds favorite to win CUSA at +110. Western Kentucky is +130, and Sam Houston is +1000. WKU and Jax State are both 5-0 in league play.
Not only did the Gamecocks survive against LA Tech to stay atop the conference standings, but they also improved their win streak to six games and secured bowl-eligibility. Earning a spot in the CUSA Championship is far from reach, though.
Following this week’s meeting with FIU, the Gamecocks still have to play SHSU and WKU. They will host the Bearkats before visiting the Hilltoppers in the regular season finale.
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A win in the next two weeks could solidify a trip to the conference title game, and Jax State and WKU could very well be meeting in back-to-back weeks — at the end of the regular season and Dec. 6 for the CUSA crown.
Two — and especially three — losses will disrupt those possibilities for the Gamecocks, however.
Jax State’s offense has exploded during its win streak and is averaging 46.3 points per game in those wins. It’s averaging 39.2 PPG on the season.
It’s a different way of winning than what we saw last year from the Gamecocks, who finished a surprising 9-4 in their first year as an FBS member. Last year, the Gamecocks’ defense was the biggest reason behind their nine wins.
While it was anticipated that Logan Smothers — who was last year’s starting quarterback — would be the guy under center for the Gamecocks this season, Huff took over as the starter in Week 2 and hasn’t looked back.
The Furman transfer and 2023 Southern Conference Player of the Year has been a key part of Jax State’s success with his dual-threat ability. He’s passed for 1,701 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions this season. He ranks third in the conference with 91.8 rushing yards per game and has nine rushing TDs, which ranks second.
Huff and running back Tre Stewart may be the best 1-2 punch in CUSA. Stewart is leading the league with 120 rushing YPG, which also ranks 10th in the country. He has a league-leading 17 TDs, which is sixth-most in the nation.
Jax State has worn down teams with its run game all season, but when it needed Huff to make a play with his arm the most, he came through.
They’ll likely need to rely on his arm more often down the stretch if the Gamecocks hope to win a CUSA title.
Jax State-FIU Football Prediction
I predict the Gamecocks will win but FIU will cover the 14-point spread.
FIU is coming off a bye week and should be rested and prepared for Jax State’s offensive attack. The Panthers have also played their quality opponents well and are 5-1 against the spread as an underdog this season.
