As the Jacksonville State Gamecocks prepare to take on the Kennesaw State Owls in a critical Week 5 matchup, the anticipation for this Friday night clash is building. Both teams are set to meet at Fifth Third Stadium, with Jacksonville State (1-3) aiming to gain momentum in their Conference USA campaign, while Kennesaw State (0-4) hopes to secure its first win of the season. Head Coach Rich Rodriguez and his team will look to carry the energy from their recent victory against Southern Miss into this conference opener.
Gamecocks Gearing Up for a Strong Conference Start
Jacksonville State comes into this game with a season record of 1-3 but has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in their dominating 44-7 win over Southern Miss in Week 4. The Gamecocks are no strangers to bouncing back after tough losses, and their track record under Coach Rodriguez proves they thrive in crucial moments. Rodriguez, in his third season with the Gamecocks, boasts a career record of 182-128-2 and has led Jacksonville State through a historic transition to the FBS level.
The Gamecocks have been particularly strong coming off a bye week, holding a 4-0 record in such situations under Rodriguez in the last two years. This resilience is exactly what the team needs heading into their first C-USA game of the season.
Key Players to Watch
For Jacksonville State, quarterback Tyler Huff will once again be the centerpiece of their offense. Huff has been reliable, with a solid completion rate of 65.7%, ranking him among the top passers in C-USA. Alongside Huff, the Gamecocks’ rushing attack, featuring running backs Tre Stewart and Anwar Lewis, will look to maintain their dominance on the ground. Stewart, a veteran back with over 3,000 career rushing yards, continues to be a major threat for opposing defenses.
On the defensive side, linebacker Laletia Hale and safety Fred Perry have been standouts, leading a unit that has been effective at creating turnovers. The Gamecocks have already recorded five interceptions this season, ranking among the top in the nation.
Kennesaw State: Searching for Success
Kennesaw State, under the leadership of head coach Brian Bohannon, has struggled this season with an 0-4 record. However, the Owls’ history against Jacksonville State suggests this will be no easy contest for the Gamecocks. Kennesaw State leads the all-time series 3-1, with their last victory coming in 2021 in a dominant 31-6 performance.
This year, Kennesaw State has faced challenges on both sides of the ball, particularly in scoring offense, where they are averaging only 12.3 points per game. For the Owls to have a chance, they will need standout performances from players like quarterback Xavier Shepherd and linebacker Garrett Burke, who will be crucial in containing Jacksonville State’s explosive offense.
Matchups to Watch
1. Jacksonville State’s Ground Game vs. Kennesaw State’s Defense
The Gamecocks’ rushing attack, which averaged 273 yards in their win against Southern Miss, will face a Kennesaw State defense that has allowed an average of 198 rushing yards per game. Tre Stewart and Anwar Lewis will look to exploit these gaps, as they have proven capable of breaking off big plays on the ground.
2. Tyler Huff vs. Kennesaw State’s Secondary
Huff’s efficiency in the passing game will be tested by a Kennesaw State secondary that has shown vulnerabilities this season, allowing an average of 256 passing yards per game. With receivers like Michael Pettway and P.J. Wells in his arsenal, Huff has the potential to spread the ball around and keep the Owls’ defense on their heels.
3. Jacksonville State’s Defensive Front vs. Kennesaw State’s Offensive Line
Kennesaw State’s offensive line has struggled to protect their quarterback, and Jacksonville State’s pass rush, led by defensive end J-Rock Swain, will look to take advantage. Swain has been a disruptive force this season, leading the team in tackles for loss. The Gamecocks will need to maintain pressure on Kennesaw State’s quarterback to prevent any offensive rhythm from developing.
The Stakes: Conference USA Glory
For Jacksonville State, this game marks the beginning of their Conference USA journey in 2024, and a win would set the tone for the rest of the season. The Gamecocks are still finding their identity at the FBS level but have shown they can compete with the best. With a packed C-USA schedule ahead, including matchups against teams like Liberty and Sam Houston, securing a victory here is crucial for building momentum.
On the other hand, Kennesaw State is looking for any spark to turn their season around. A win against a team like Jacksonville State could provide the confidence boost the Owls need to salvage their season. With both teams having much to prove, this contest promises to be a hard-fought battle from start to finish.
Prediction: Gamecocks on the Rise
Despite Kennesaw State’s historical edge in the series, Jacksonville State enters this game as the clear favorite. With a balanced offensive attack, a defense that excels at creating turnovers, and the leadership of a veteran coach in Rich Rodriguez, the Gamecocks are poised to take control of this matchup. Expect Jacksonville State to capitalize on Kennesaw State’s weaknesses and come away with a convincing victory.
Prediction: Jacksonville State 38, Kennesaw State 14.
