Jacksonville State dominates Southern Miss 44-7 in decisive matchup

On Saturday, Jacksonville State faced Southern Miss in a decisive matchup in Jacksonville, Alabama. The Gamecocks took control early in the game when Antonio Carter intercepted Southern Miss quarterback Tate Rodemaker on the first drive, leading to a touchdown by Tre Stewart just three plays later. The Golden Eagles struggled offensively, with Rodemaker throwing another interception shortly after, which set up a touchdown run by Anwar Lewis, giving Jacksonville State a 14-0 lead. Southern Miss managed to score their only touchdown when backup quarterback John White ran it in from the 2-yard line, narrowing the gap to 14-7. However, Jacksonville State quickly responded with a strong offensive drive, culminating in a touchdown run by Tyler Huff, extending their lead to 21-7 before halftime. The Gamecocks' defense continued to dominate, forcing turnovers and limiting Southern Miss's scoring opportunities. In the second half, Jacksonville State's offense exploded for 23 points, showcasing their ability to control the game on both sides of the ball. Tre Stewart had a standout performance, rushing for 96 yards and two touchdowns, while Tyler Huff contributed significantly with 236 passing yards and a touchdown, along with his own rushing touchdown. The Gamecocks' defense also shined, with interceptions from Jabari Mack and Ky’won McCray against the Eagles' backup quarterback. This victory marked a significant moment for Jacksonville State, improving their record to 1-3. The comprehensive win demonstrated their potential and set a positive tone for the remainder of the season, while Southern Miss faced challenges in their offensive execution and quarterback play.