Next Game:
at Western Kentucky
11/30/2024 | 3 p.m.
Nov. 30 (Sat) / 3 p.m.
at Western Kentucky
JACKSONVILLE – An impressive eighth consecutive victory on Saturday secured Jax State their inaugural appearance in the Conference USA Championship Game. Roughly 75 minutes after overcoming Sam Houston, the dynamic Gamecocks received the announcement that they will be the home team for the Friday, Dec. 6 Conference USA title clash, set to take place at Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium.
Quarterback Tyler Huff delivered a standout performance, rushing for a career-high 177 yards and three touchdowns, leading Jax State (8-3, 7-0 in CUSA) to a decisive 21-11 triumph over the Bearkats. The victory was further fortified by Liberty’s 38-21 win against Western Kentucky, solidifying the Gamecocks’ opportunity to host the CUSA Championship Game in two weeks, with their challenger still to be determined.
“Our players have accomplished something truly remarkable over the last eight games,” expressed Jax State head coach Rich Rodriguez. “I take immense pride in our players and our coaching staff.”
“Winning against a strong opponent is always rewarding. Achieving bowl game eligibility in our maiden year is quite an accomplishment – to advance to a championship game in our second year is an incredible feat for everyone within our program.”
Huff, who was honored during the pregame Senior Day ceremony, spearheaded a meticulous 14-play, 75-yard opening drive that put the Gamecocks ahead.
Jax State relied heavily on their ground game during the drive, executing 13 out of 14 plays on the ground, culminating in a three-yard touchdown run to the right. Garrison Rippa successfully converted the extra point, establishing a 7-0 lead with 9:45 left in the first quarter.
The Bearkats narrowed the gap to 7-3 at the 9:12 mark in the second quarter, as Christian Pavon booted a 34-yard field goal following a nine-play offensive effort that stalled at the Gamecocks’ 17-yard line.
Huff extended the Gamecocks’ advantage to 14-3 at halftime, sprinting 38 yards up the middle for his second touchdown of the day, marking his third-longest touchdown run of the season. Rippa added the extra point, pushing the Gamecocks further ahead with 5:14 remaining in the first half.
Jax State outperformed the Bearkats in yardage, accumulating 221 yards compared to Sam Houston’s 116 during the first half.
Sam Houston commenced the second half with an impressive 12-play scoring drive, consuming more than six and a half minutes of the game clock. SHSU quarterback Hunter Watson capped the drive with a 21-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion that whittled the deficit to 14-11.
In the fourth quarter, Huff’s seven-yard dash into the end zone increased the Gamecocks’ lead to 10. This marked his second three-touchdown game of the season, solidifying his position as a critical contributor.
Jax State’s defense executed a crucial stop late in the third quarter after the Bearkats recovered a misplayed punt deep in Gamecocks territory. Fortunately for Jax State, the Bearkats failed to capitalize as Pavon missed a 37-yard field goal attempt with 2:38 left in the third.
Fred Perry, a key player who currently ranks as the second-leading tackler in CUSA, recorded eight tackles, including two tackles for loss. In a solid defensive effort, five Gamecocks also contributed with seven tackles each in the victory.
Kickoff for next Saturday’s CUSA matchup against Western Kentucky at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky., is slated for 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
Jax State Postgame Notes – Sam Houston
November 23, 2024 • Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium • Jacksonville, Ala.
- Jax State recognized 24 senior football players prior to Saturday’s game. A total of 32 Jax State players have their undergraduate degrees.
- Head coach Rich Rodriguez is now 6-2 in November games as the Gamecocks’ head coach.
- Rodriguez improved to 189-128-2 in 27 seasons and ranks seventh on the career wins list.
- Huff now owns the three highest rushing performances by a Jax State quarterback since moving to Division I in 1995.
- The Gamecocks have outscored opponents 333-164 during the current eight-game win streak.
- Jax State is bowl-eligible in each of its first two FBS seasons, becoming the first team to reach bowl games in its first two FBS seasons since Marshall in 1997-98.
Jacksonville State Head Coach
Rich Rodriguez
November 23, 2024
The Sam Houston Game
Opening Statement:
“I think the importance of more than anything is that our guys, for the last eight games have achieved something really remarkable. And I’m really proud of them. They’ve demonstrated resilience and determination throughout this stretch. They started off facing challenges, but emerging victorious in this manner demonstrates immense growth.”
On Reaching the Conference USA Championship Game in the Second Year of FBS Play
“We have fostered a commendable culture here. The support from this community, coupled with a remarkable school environment, has propelled us forward. Despite the challenges, our philosophy of hard work and accountability has permeated the team ethos. This transformation is significant, especially with the influx of new players this year.”
On Tyler Huff’s Rushing
“Tyler has consistently sought the opportunity to seize control of the game. His ability to make pivotal plays when they matter most has been invaluable. His performance sets a standard for future quarterbacks in our program, evidencing his leadership and commitment.”
What strategies does Coach Rodriguez credit for Tyler Huff’s impressive performance and the team’s overall success leading to the CUSA Championship Game?
### Interview with Jax State Head Coach Rich Rodriguez
**Interviewer:** Coach Rodriguez, congratulations on the victory against Sam Houston! That was quite a performance from your team, especially from Tyler Huff. Can you share your thoughts on his game and what his three-touchdown performance means for the team?
**Rich Rodriguez:** Thank you! Tyler’s performance was exceptional, and it’s a testament to the hard work he’s put in this season. Rushing for a career-high 177 yards and finding the end zone three times is no easy feat, especially against a tough opponent like Sam Houston. His ability to lead our offense really set the tone for the game, and I couldn’t be prouder of him and the whole team.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that your team is on an impressive run with eight straight victories now. How does it feel to have secured your spot in the CUSA Championship Game so early in the season?
**Rich Rodriguez:** It feels amazing, to be honest. Our players have accomplished something truly remarkable over the last eight games, and it’s a big achievement for our program to compete for the championship so early in our journey. I take immense pride in my staff and the efforts of the players. They’ve worked tirelessly, and it’s starting to pay off.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of hard work, your team executed a 14-play, 75-yard opening drive against the Bearkats. How important was that drive, and how do you feel about your team’s ground game overall?
**Rich Rodriguez:** That opening drive was crucial. It established our rhythm and set the pace for the game. Relying heavily on our ground game was a strategic choice, and the offensive line really stepped up, executing their blocks effectively. When we can control the clock and move the chains, it gives us a significant advantage.
**Interviewer:** Looking forward, your next matchup is against Western Kentucky. What are your thoughts on preparing for this game and the challenges you might face?
**Rich Rodriguez:** Western Kentucky is always a formidable opponent, and we expect a tough challenge ahead. We’ll need to get back to work this week, focus on our game plan, and make necessary adjustments. Each week is a new opportunity, and we have to approach it with the same intensity and focus that has brought us this success.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, you have the opportunity to host the CUSA Championship Game next month. What does that mean for you and the team as you head into this critical part of the season?
**Rich Rodriguez:** Hosting the championship game is a significant honor for our program and speaks volumes about what we have accomplished this year. It’s a chance for our players to showcase their hard work and dedication in front of our home crowd, which is incredibly motivating. We’re excited about it, and we hope to put on a great show for our fans.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Coach! Best of luck against Western Kentucky and in the upcoming championship game.
**Rich Rodriguez:** Thank you! I appreciate the support. We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.