Jacksonville, Alabama – The AmFirst Stadium bore witness to a thrilling showdown on September 21, 2024, as Jacksonville State (JSU) delivered an electrifying performance against Southern Miss, clinching a commanding 44-7 victory. The Gamecocks, led by a ferocious ground attack and an impenetrable defense, left no doubt about their dominance, turning what could have been a close game into a lopsided affair.
First Quarter Blitz: Setting the Tone Early
The game started with Jacksonville State firing on all cylinders. The first quarter was a masterclass in execution, as JSU raced to a 14-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. The Gamecocks’ offense was led by the dynamic duo of running back Tre Stewart and quarterback Tyler Huff, who both found the end zone with decisive runs.
Stewart opened the scoring with a scintillating 32-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed and vision. Just a few minutes later, Anwar Lewis capped off a 9-play, 59-yard drive with a 7-yard rush to double the lead. Southern Miss was left reeling, struggling to find any rhythm as JSU’s defense stifled their every move.
Second Quarter Struggle: Southern Miss Fights Back
Southern Miss managed to momentarily stop the bleeding in the second quarter. A hard-fought 10-play, 43-yard drive ended with quarterback John White punching in a 2-yard touchdown run, narrowing the score to 14-7. However, JSU quickly extinguished any hopes of a Southern Miss comeback.
Tyler Huff, who had been effective both on the ground and through the air, orchestrated another impressive drive. Huff connected with wide receiver Cam Vaughn for a series of short passes, setting up Lewis for another rushing touchdown, this time a 6-yard scamper. The Gamecocks extended their lead to 21-7 by halftime, reasserting their dominance and leaving Southern Miss with a mountain to climb.
Third Quarter Onslaught: Huff and Stewart Shine
If Southern Miss had any hopes of a second-half resurgence, they were dashed within moments of the third quarter. On the first drive of the half, Huff unleashed a perfectly thrown pass to Brock Rechsteiner, who sprinted 85 yards to the end zone, leaving Southern Miss defenders in the dust. The Gamecocks’ lead swelled to 27-7, and they were far from done.
JSU’s relentless pressure on both sides of the ball was too much for Southern Miss to handle. After a quick turnover, Lewis once again found the end zone, this time from just 2 yards out, pushing the lead to 34-7. Garrison Rippa added a 43-yard field goal to make it 37-7, and by the time Tre Stewart dashed into the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown, the scoreboard read an imposing 44-7.
Defensive Dominance: Four Interceptions Seal the Deal
While the offense put up gaudy numbers, it was JSU’s defense that truly shone. Southern Miss quarterbacks John White and Tate Rodemaker were under constant duress, with the Gamecocks forcing four interceptions. Antonio Carter II, Ky’won McCray, Geimere Latimer, and Jabari Mack each snagged a pick, halting any potential momentum Southern Miss tried to muster.
JSU’s defense was a brick wall, holding Southern Miss to just 132 passing yards and 114 rushing yards. The Gamecocks also sacked the Southern Miss quarterbacks twice, ensuring they never got comfortable in the pocket. The performance was a testament to the depth and talent of JSU’s defensive unit, which seemed to be everywhere at once, making life miserable for the Golden Eagles.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Jacksonville State
The 44-7 victory was more than just a win for Jacksonville State; it was a statement. The Gamecocks showcased their ability to dominate in all phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. With five rushing touchdowns, a highlight-reel passing score, and a defense that seemed to have no weaknesses, JSU proved they are a force to be reckoned with.
For Southern Miss, it was a tough pill to swallow. The Golden Eagles struggled to gain any traction against a superior opponent, and the loss leaves them with much to ponder as they look to regroup for their next outing.
Jacksonville State, on the other hand, will be riding high, their confidence bolstered by this comprehensive victory. If the Gamecocks can maintain this level of play, they will be a formidable opponent for any team they face this season.
Graphic Overview: Jacksonville State vs. Southern Miss
- Final Score: JSU 44, USM 7
- Key Players:
- JSU: Tre Stewart (16 carries, 96 yards, 2 TDs), Tyler Huff (14-16, 236 yards, 1 TD), Anwar Lewis (13 carries, 65 yards, 2 TDs)
- USM: John White (12-23, 132 yards, 4 INTs), Kenyon Clay (10 carries, 49 yards)
- Turnovers:
- JSU: 0
- USM: 4 (4 interceptions)
- Total Yards:
- JSU: 509 yards (273 rushing, 236 passing)
- USM: 246 yards (114 rushing, 132 passing)
Jacksonville State’s dominant performance sets the stage for what could be an exciting and successful season ahead. The Gamecocks will look to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign.
