JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- Jacksonville State's Griffin Thomas connected on a game-winning 37-yard field goal with no time on the clock as the host Gamecocks defeated UTC, 27-24, here Saturday night in a college football game.

UTC, who falls to 0-2, scored two touchdowns in the final 4:30 plus a two-point conversion to tie the game at 24-24 with 39 seconds remaining in regulation.

UTC redshirt freshman quarterback Jacob Huesman connected with Tray James on a 4-yard pass play at 4:30 and then hit Ron Moore on a 16-yard scoring toss with 39 seconds remaining in regulation.

Keon Williams scored the 2-point conversion to tie the game at 24-24.

Jax State (1-1) then took the following kickoff and drove to the UTC 20-yard line to set up Thomas' winning field goal.

The host Gamecocks used two field goals, a returned fumble for a score and a long run from scrimmage and a touchdown pass to win the game.

"We lost the game on defense and we didn't coach very well," said coach Russ Huesman. "No way we should give up 400 yards on defense. In all aspects of our game we have to play better."

"We have to get tougher and tackle better.  We are going to look at the film and the coaches are going to fix things."

Huesman led the Mocs in rushing (166 yards on 21 attempts) and was 18 of 30 for 181 passing yards and the two touchdowns.

"We faced adversity in the game-tying drive late in the game, but our offensive unit stayed together and did great," said Jacob Huesman.

"No matter how hard this loss hurts we have to get back to work tomorrow and then have to take something out on someone."

Nick Pollard had a 30-yard field goal in the third quarter and made two of three extra points.

Jax State was led by Marques Ivory who was 14-of-19 for 146 passing yards and one score. Damarcus James had 120 yards on 16 carries, while teammate Tromaine Pope had 100 yards rushing on 12 carries.

First Quarter Scoring: The Gamecocks led 10-0 at the end of one quarter and added a 43-yard touchdown run with 4:48 remaining in the half for a 17-0 lead before the Mocs scored late.

In the first quarter, the host Gamecocks used a 33-yard field goal by Griffin Thomas and a 75-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Pierre Warren for the 10-0 lead.

Jax State had a touchdown run called back on a holding call on its first drive and then settled for the field goal.

Second Quarter Scoring: In the second quarter, fullback DaMarcus James scampered 43 yards up the middle at 4:48 before halftime.

UtC quarterback Jacob Huesman then led the Mocs on a 12-play 53-yard scoring drive capped by his one-yard run with one second before intermission. Nick Pollard converted the extra point. 

First Half Quote: "We are moving the ball up and down the field, but missed a field goal and had the fumble returned for a touchdown," said UTC coach Russ Huesman before leaving the field to the locker room. "I am disappointed in our defense. We can't tackle ... we stink."

Game Opening Drive: The visiting Mocs took the game's opening kickoff and moved to the Jax State 13 but Nick Pollard's 30-yard field goal attempt was no good.

Jax State then moved 80 yards and  Thomas kicked a 33-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead at 5:35.

On the next Mocs possession, quarterback Jacob Huesman fumbled and Pierre Warren returned it 75 yards for the touchdown and the 10-0 lead.

Third Quarter Scoring: The Mocs sandwiched a 30-yard field goal by Nick Pollard and a 4-yard scoring pass to Tray James from Jacob Huesman around a 30-yard scoring pass from Coty Blanchard to DaMarcus James for the 24-16 advantage entering the third quarter.

"This is a tough loss, but we got great kids and we will re-group and come back," said coach Huesman.

Jax State 27, UTC 24

UTC   0 - 7 -- 10 - 7 -- 24

Jax State 10 - 7 - 7 -3 -- 27

 

Final Stats:

Rushng: UTC, 241-216

Passing: Jax State, 194-184

3rd Down Conversions: UTC (7-18)  Jax State (3-9)

Red Zone: UTC (4-5)  Jax State (2-2)

Turnovers: UTC (1) Jax State (1)

 

First Half Stats:

Rushng: UTC, 187-117

Passing: Jax State 64-24

3rd Down Conversions: UTC (4-10)  Jax State (2-5)

Red Zone: UTC (1-2)  Jax State (1-1)

Turnovers: UTC (1) Jax State (0)

UTC 0 7 -- 7

Jax State 10 - 7 -- 17 

 

contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net