JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State football had an opportunity in front of them on Friday and it took full advantage.
The Gamecocks (9-4) hosted the Conference USA title game and came out victorious 52-12 over Western Kentucky. It was a first half of beauty from the Gamecocks, which saw Tyler Huff throw for two touchdowns while Tre Stewart ran for the second two touchdowns as they took a 22-point lead into the half.
Not much changed in the second half, Huff scored on a short scamper, and went over the 300-total yard mark on the Gamecocks second drive of the half. Stewart scored again and had more than 250 yards of offense.
Tyler Huff starts for Jacksonville State football
A week after injuring his ankle, Tyler Huff earned the start for the Gamecocks. He immediately showed how healthy he was, taking a read-option play 14 yards for a first down before breaking free two plays later for a 48-yard run.
He shined and had one of his best games of the year, going 11 of 15 for 176 yards and two touchdowns. he added 151 yards and a score on the ground.
Gamecocks defense found its lost form
The Gamecocks defense got back to its dominant self, shutting down a passing attack that torched it for 301 yards six days ago. In the first half, Caden Veltkamp went 10 of 20 for 56 yards, and almost had an interception right before halftime. The ground game didn’t get better for the Hilltoppers, as they ran for 69 yards in the first half.
Most of the success came on third down, where they held them to a 2 of 7 rate in the first half, making it impossible to extend drives.
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Gamecocks get back to winning recipe
There’s a simple recipe for the Gamecocks to win, let Huff and Stewart run wild and get a strong day out of the defense, including a turnover or two while hanging out in the opponents backfield. Well, Huff and Stewart combined for more than 325 yards and four touchdowns on the ground — so that’s a double check mark. The defense forced two fumbles and had two sacks as part of a five tackle for loss day, so consider those boxes checked for the defense.
Jacksonville State football next game
The Gamecocks will await their bowl destination. With the final CFP rankings coming out Sunday, the bowls will be finalized on the same day.