An Early Glance At Jacksonville State

South Carolina's Football program is looking for a sweep in November to become bowl-eligible, so let's take a look at their next opponent: Jacksonville State.

With a strong 7-2 record under head coach Rich Rodriguez, South Carolina's week ten opponent, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, are a force to be reckoned with. Though they enter the game around a two-touchdown underdog, State's performance this season proves that this team is not to be underestimated.

Jacksonville State's offense has been impressively consistent this season, averaging 377 total yards per game. A significant portion of these yards are earned on the ground, with the Gamecocks averaging 217 rushing yards per game. This ground success is primarily due to the efforts of running back Malik Jackson, who has accumulated 615 yards on 113 attempts. Jackson's agility and speed have played a critical factor in Jacksonville's offensive success, and it will be crucial for the Gamecocks to slow him down in their upcoming game.

Malik Jackson running the ball in week two vs East Tennessee State / Stephen Gross | The Anniston Star

On the defensive side of the ball, the Gamecocks have been holding their own as well. They give up an average of 347 yards a game, with 232 coming through the air and 115 on the ground. Linebacker Quae Drake, the team's leading tackler, has been a stalwart on the defensive end. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to read plays, make timely tackles, and disrupt the opponent's offensive schemes.

The upcoming game is a rather high-stakes game for Shane Beamer and company. Jacksonville State has shown its strength and tenacity throughout this season, and this game provides them an opportunity to prove that they are a team that rises to the occasion, regardless of the odds. However, this is the first of four remaining games that could allow South Carolina to become bowl-eligible. This isn't a game the Gamecocks can afford to overlook, and they will need to take this game just as seriously as the next three.

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