Behind Enemy Lines: Jacksonville State
As the Blue Raiders prepare for their next matchup, we’re diving deep into the recent turnaround of Jacksonville State football. On the latest episode of the Blue Raider Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Caleb Williams, co-host of the 700 Pelham Road Podcast, the representative for Jacksonville State on the Conference USA Roundtable.
Early Season Turnaround
The Gamecocks began their season with three consecutive losses, but they’ve since turned things around, winning three straight games with impressive performances. After a disappointing start, the team has found its groove, resembling the offensive juggernaut fans had come to expect under Rich Rodriguez. After starting NC State transfer Logan Smothers in a Week 1 blowout loss to Coastal Carolina, Senior Tyler Huff started Week 2 at Louisville. Despite losing his first 2 starts, it wasn’t until Week 4 against a then 1-2 Southern Miss team they caught fire.
Tyler Huff and the Run-Pass-Option
Rich Rodriguez is known for his innovative zone read that he ran at NAIA Glenville State before taking it to Tulane in the late 90s and the rest is history. The Furman transfer QB Huff displays the running ability needed to execute the zone read at a high success rate. He is second in CUSA in rushing yards, first among quarterbacks. Secondly, Rodriguez has adapted the Zone Read to a Run-Pass-Option (or RPO), to add another horizontal threat and keep fewer defenders in the box. This takes a level of quick decision-making and throwing finesse that Huff has shown he can excel at. The Gamecocks have the third best passing efficiency in CUSA behind Huff’s 66% completion percentage and 9 yards per pass attempt.
Rushing Attack, Offensive Line Injuries
The duality of the RPO is giving the ball to your running back and Tre Edwards is the guy when Jax State needs the yards, especially in red zone situations. With a league leading, 7th in the country, 11 total touchdowns. Edwards will be a scoring threat. Unfortunately, or fortunately from the Blue Raiders’ perspective, the O-line is banged up despite the bye week. Starting center Brock Robey is out for the season, but All-American Guard Clay Webb is probable to return this week after being limited in practice all week
Defensive Outlook
Defensively, Jacksonville State has faced challenges, allowing over 30 points per game early in the season. However, improvement is on the horizon, particularly in the red zone. With a 67% red zone scoring defense in their last 3 games is good enough for 12th in the country in that span. It should be noted the level of opponents the Gamecocks have been exposed to in that time frame - Southern Miss, Kennesaw State, and New Mexico State. Their past three opponents have a combined record of 3-17, none known for their offensive prowess.
Betting Line (2-5 ATS, 3-4 Totals)
I’ll put it simply, I don’t know what I’m talking about. There is no trend for MTSU other than they don't cover the spread, and which version of the defense decides to show up? The line has trickled down to -19.5 for Jacksonville State indicating money is going towards the Blue Raiders, but Jacksonville State has been on a tear and I don’t see that changing this week, give me the Gamecocks. The total, again, depends on what version of the Blue Raider defense we’re gonna see. Jacksonville State has hit the over in 5 of their 6 games and the 63.5 seems low for their offense, and lack of defensive consistency for the Blue Raiders.