By Packy Moore
JACKSONVILLE STATE GAME NOTES
https://jaxstatesports.com/documents/2024/10/8/Game06_NMState-final.pdf
NEW MEXICO STATE GAME NOTES
https://jaxstatesports.com/documents/2024/10/8/GN6_-_Jax_State.pdf
CONFERENCE USA GAME NOTES
https://jaxstatesports.com/documents/2024/10/8/100724_Week_7_FB_Release.pdf
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Jacksonville State looks to remain undefeated in conference play on Wednesday night, welcoming New Mexico State to AmFirst Stadium at 6:30 p.m.. The Gamecocks opened up the conference slate last week with a 63-24 win over Kennesaw State.
Jax State (2-3, 1-0 CUSA) vs New Mexico State (1-4, 0-2 CUSA)
When: Wednesday, October 9 | 6:30 PM CT
Where: Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium | Jacksonville, Ala.
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Tickets: Click Here
White Out: Fans are encouraged to join the Ajax State Football team and wear white to Wednesday night’s game against New Mexico State.
Weekly Press Conference: Click Here
TV: ESPN 2 (Clay Matvick, Steve Addazio)
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 | New Mexico State Notes | CUSA Notes
Series History
Jax State and New Mexico State have met just once prior to Wednesday’s meeting, with the lone contest coming last season. The Aggies defeated the Gamecocks in last year’s regular season finale courtesy of a field goal as time expired, 20-17.
Runnin’ Wild
Jacksonville State recorded eight rushing touchdowns on Friday at Kennesaw State, the third most in a game in Conference USA history. The eight touchdown mark also matches a 71-0 victory over Mississippi Valley State in 2018 for the most in program history. The Gamecocks also surpassed the 300-rushing yard mark for the first time this season, running for 384 yards on the way to a 63-24 win over the Owls.
Weekday Action
During the 2023 season, Jacksonville State posted a 4-1 record during “Weekday CUSA.” Jacksonville State is entering its second season as members of Conference USA and posted an overall 6-2 record in CUSA last year. Jax State is 1-0 in conference play to open up the 2024 campaign.
Huffing and Puffing
Following his stellar performance against Kennesaw State, Jax State quarterback Tyler Huff was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. Huff recorded the fifth-most rushing yards in a game by a quarterback in CUSA history, posting 176 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns. Huff also added 193 yards on 16-of-25 passing. Huff has been able to get the job done through the air and on the ground so far this season and is the only FBS quarterback ranked in the top 25 in both yards per completion and yards per rush. The graduate student leads Jacksonville State with 445 yards rushing this season on 7.1 yards per carry, while also throwing for 1073 yards on 78 attempts for 13.76 yards per completion.
Poyser Power
On the defensive side of the ball, safety Zechariah Poyser stood out to help the Gamecocks pick up a second weekly honor. Poyser recorded two interceptions, both of which led to a Jacksonville State touchdown drive, and added a tackle for a loss. The redshirt freshman ranks third in the country with three interceptions through five games.
Turnover Party
Jax State ranks seventh in the FBS in takeaways gained so far this season with 12. The Gamecocks have recovered four fumbles and have intercepted eight passes through just five games. Jacksonville State leads CUSA in interceptions and is one fumble recovery shy of tying for the conference lead.
At the Top of the FBS
Jax State head coach Rich Rodriguez enters the NMSU game in seventh place among active FBS head coaches in career wins. In his 27th season as a head coach, Rodriguez has a 183-128-2 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.
Up Next
The Gamecocks enjoy a bye week before returning to AmFirst Stadium on Oct. 23 for another Wednesday night contest against Middle Tennessee. For up to date information regarding tickets, schedule information and more, stay tuned to JaxStateSports.com.
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