KENNESAW, Ga. – The Gamecocks make the short trip to Kennesaw State on Friday for a conference clash with the Owls. The 6 p.m. game at Fifth Third Stadium serves as the Conference USA opener for both teams. 

 

When: Friday, October 4 | 6:00 PM CT

Where: Fifth Third Stadium | Kennesaw, Ga.

Live Stats: StatBroadcast 

TV: CBS Sports Network (Dave Ryan, Logan Ryan)

Radio: Listen to all the action on the Gamecock Sports Network as "The Voice" Mike Parris returns behind the mic for his 42nd season calling play-by-play action of Gamecock Football. He'll be alongside longtime analyst Ray Hammett. Anchor stations for the Gamecock Sports Network include 91.9 WLJS (Jacksonville), WVOK 97.9 (Anniston/Oxford), WKXX 102.9 (Attalla), 95.5 WRBZ (Wetumpka) and 95.3 WCRL (Oneonta).

 

Jax State Notes | Kennesaw State Notes | CUSA Notes

 

Jacksonville State recorded six plays of 20 or more yards on Sept. 21 against Southern Miss, the most in any game so far this season. Jax State had four carries of more than 20 yards, highlighted by a 32-yard rushing touchdown by Tre Stewart while Tyler Huff and Brock Rechsteiner connected for an 85-yard passing touchdown. Jax State also had rushes of 28, 25 and 23 yards while also adding a 48 yard reception. 

 

Jacksonville State capitalized on Golden Eagle mistakes the last time out, forcing six turnovers. The Gamecocks intercepted four passes and recovered a pair of fumbles to record the most turnovers forced for Jax State since Oct. 11, 2024 against No. 25 Tennessee State (6). Jax State is just one of four teams in the country to record four or more interceptions in a game this season. 

 

Jax State quarterback Tyler Huff is averaging 5.6 yards per carry through the first four games of 2024, a mark that ranks him second in Conference USA. Huff has 269 rushing yards on 48 carries this season with two touchdowns on the ground. The senior has also completed 68% of his passes for 880 yards and five touchdowns through the air. 

 

Jax State head coach Rich Rodriguez enters week four in seventh place among active FBS head coaches in career wins. In his 27th season as a head coach, Rodriguez has a 182-128-2 career record. Rodriguez made head coaching stops at Salem, Glenville State, West Virginia, Michigan and Arizona prior to landing at Jax State ahead of the 2022 season. 

 

The Gamecocks and the Owls boast the second shortest travel difference between schools in Conference USA. The 85 mile trip across the Alabama-Georgia state line trails just the 40 mile trip between UTEP and New Mexico State as the shortest distance in the conference.

 

Jax State and Kennesaw State have met just four times in program history, with the Owls leading a historically close series 3-1. Kennesaw State won the first three meetings while Jax State boasts a 35-28 overtime win in the most recent meeting between the two schools (2022). 

 

Two of the four matchups between Jax State and Kennesaw State have resulted in overtime, including a five-overtime venture in 2018. Jax State defeated Kennesaw 35-28 in overtime in a 2022 ASUN contest. 

 

The first five opponents of the season for Jacksonville State all feature mascots of the bird variety. After opening up the season with the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina, Jax State then faced the Louisville Cardinals, Eastern Michigan Eagles and Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Jax State closes out the stretch against the Kennesaw State Owls.

 

Jax State has just a few days rest following the meeting with Kennesaw State, facing a quick turnaround before a Wednesday meeting with New Mexico State in Jacksonville, Ala. For up to date information regarding tickets, schedule information and more, stay tuned to JaxStateSports.com.