Jacksonville State Falls Short At South Carolina

South Carolina scored the decisive ten points in the fourth quarter en route to a 38-28 win

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Jacksonville State's impressive first season in FBS took them into SEC country on Saturday. While they kept it close for the entire afternoon, some late mistakes and a monster day for South Carolina's Xavier Legette kept them from earning their eighth win of the season.

Jacksonville State drop just their third game of the season, falling to 7-3.

Here's what stood out from the CUSA's Gamecock's battle against the SEC's Gamecocks.

No Answer For Legette

The biggest offensive catalyst, for either side, was South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette. The senior wideout caught nine passes for 217 yards with two touchdown catches. It amounted to a season-best game for the Mullins, SC native. 

South Carolina finished this game with 488 total offensive yards. The only opponent who has finished with more yards against Jacksonville State this season has been Middle Tennessee State, who totaled 563 yards.

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Jax State's Rushing Offense Keeps Working

Jacksonville State's CUSA-best rushing offense continued their fantastic season on Saturday, despite the loss. JSU averaged 3.9 yards per carry on their way to 225 yards on the ground.

In total, the JSU offense racked up 421 yards against South Carolina. It was Rich Rodriguez and company's second-highest total of the season.

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Four Turnovers Prove Costly

Jacksonville State turned the ball over four times throughout the day. This proved to be their highest total so far in 2023. JSU threw two interceptions back-to-back in the final two and a half minutes of the game, one of which was returned for a pick six.