ETSU football kicked off their new campaign on Sept. 2 as they traveled to Jacksonville, Alabama, to take on FBS newcomers Jacksonville State. In the two teams’ first meeting since 2018, the Gamecocks won with a score of 49-3.
ETSU hopped on the scoreboard early as Tyler Riddell (Tampa, Fla.) passed for 47 on the Bucs’ second offensive drive, leading to an Ewan Johnson (Knoxville, Tenn.) field goal. On the next possession, ETSU’s defense was able to force a three and out, causing Jacksonville State to punt.
The Gamecocks did not remain scoreless for long, as they got the first touchdown with less than five minutes left in the first quarter. A 23-yard passing play from quarterback Logan Smothers was enough to propel the Gamecocks onto the board.
On the ensuing possession, Riddell was under pressure in the backfield and threw an interception, giving Jacksonville State the ball back on the ETSU 10-yard line. The Gamecocks made the most out of their turnover as they scored on a 10-yard run by Ron Wiggins, handing them a 14-3 lead after winning the kick.
ETSU’s defense kept Jacksonville State out of the end zone on their first offensive possession of the second quarter after 11 plays. Smothers was sacked for a loss of seven by a couple of Buccaneer defenders. This forced a punt from Jacksonville State as ETSU took over on their own 11-yard line.
Midway through the second quarter, Jacksonville State put together a nine-play, 61-yard drive, resulting in their third touchdown. Smothers sneaked into the end zone on a short 2-yard rush, capping off a run-heavy possession.
To start the third quarter, the Gamecocks scored the first possession on a 42-yard run from Malik Jackson, boosting them to a 28-3 lead. On ETSU’s first offensive possession of the third quarter, quarterback Baron May (New Philadelphia, Ohio) was sacked by linebacker Curley Young Jr., which resulted in a fumble recovery for the Gamecock defense. Jacksonville State capitalized on another ETSU turnover to up the score 35-3.
May fumbled once more on the next ETSU possession after taking an 11-yard sack. The result was the same as the previous possession, as the Gamecocks used their field position to their advantage and scored on seven plays for 32 yards.
In the closing minutes of the third quarter, May’s pass was intercepted and returned for 18 yards. This set up the last scoring drive on both sides and produced a final score of 49-3.
Looking into the future, ETSU looks to take a win as they play Carson-Newman inside William B. Greene Jr. Stadium for the home opener. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m
