Jacksonville, AL – Due to Jax State’s swift triumph at the top of FBS game, the jolly victory three years ago became an often-fearful victory in Florida International
By Joe Medley
Who can forget the that fall of 2020? Zion Webb came off the bench for hurt Zerrick Cooper and played quarterback Jax State to a program-puffing victory at Florida International?
The Gamecocks adding to their list in Football Bowl Subdivision opponents beaten was a boast in 2020. They had beaten top-of-the-line FBSers like Ole Miss in 2010. They’d win against Florida State in 2021, however, winning against the odds against an FBS program, even a bad one, was still a tough way even when Jax State remained in the 65-scholarship program.
Jax State went to back FIU on Wednesday seven wins into its debut year in the role of an FBS program. But don’t expect to hear any giddy praise following the Gamecocks’ win by 41-16.
Any less would have been disappointing as well as the Gamecocks have rapidly morphed to the bittersweetness that comes with having these wins analyzed.
They weren’t dominating in all four quarters. And a controversial play helped fourth quarter Jax State reclaim first-quarter Jax State.
Do we think it is to be a bit sexy for a team that has swiftly and surprisingly established itself as an unquestionably solid No. 2 team in Conference USA?
It was, in a way but Jax State has earned that. So, let’s kvetch.
It began with the Gamecocks looking like they were heading towards an affair that looked as its second quarter Middle Tennessee State. Running forward Ron Wiggins back from injury They scored on the fly with a 21-0 lead during the opening quarter.
It took a little over a year for FIU to reach positive yardage. This is how dominating Jax State looked.
Then FIU took the next two quarters. Jax State didn’t see the end zone until the fourth quarter.
Grayson James took over as FIU’s quarterback in the 2nd half, and hit a big ball, which is the only thing that has always caused Jax State fans angst this season. Jax State’s corner-dwelling islands are prone to letting players get in the way of their receivers. This was evident in the game against UTEP, Middle Tennessee and Liberty.
There were many circumstances that led to points or big plays. Gamecock corners were not hesitant in their attempts and, to their credit and they were able to wrest the ball out of incorrect hands before terrifying moments turned into complete catchers.
But those moments of angst with a ball suspended in the air while the Jax State corner plays catch-up are something that has happened.
It was on display Wednesday through James throwing a 60-yard bomb at Kris Mitchell. Kekoura Tarnue was able to get Mitchell on the floor, and it was the play was a catalyst for the first FIU touchdown.
One touchdown led to 27-9. It then became 27-16. The Jax State’s final game prior to Halloween turned out to be a bit frightening. The most frightening moment came the moment Sterling Galban muffed a punt that would have offered FIU the chance to win the game with a single score.
Replays of the incident showed no contact, but officials were able to see Galban’s sudden turn backwards in the same way that an FIU player sprinted past the player. A ball Galban was clearly not able to judge and slid off on a chilly evening that was sometimes rainy turned into an interception during kick-catch, and officials spotted Jax State at midfield.
Webb’s 30-yard run led to Wiggins for his second touchdown and that smudge in the collective throats Jax State fans jumped down FIU coach Mike McIntyre’s throat. There was no way to alter the decision that clearly reaffirmed the of the momentum to remember that Jax State was once its most beloved ally.
A second touchdown was added, and the score was similar to an outcome Jax State fans expected when their newly-formed FBS success story came back to Miami to face an all-win CUSA team.
A 19-10 brag score from 2020 grew to an expectation-satisfying, 41-16 spread in three years, and Jax State’s performance came with just enough angst in the middle. Fans of the Gamecocks could indulge in the sort of hand-wringing that is associated with high expectations.
Dare we say that they spent two quarters yelling like other fans in the state who yell at the aid whenever the dominance tapping briefly releases foam?
Congratulations, Jax State. Today is when defeating an FBS team such as FIU stopped being bragging.
Game updates
FIRST QARTER
ZION Webb’s 13-yard goalkeeper and Alen Karajic’s kickoff makes Jax State up 7-0 at 9:17. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:23. JAX STATE 7, FIU 0
Jacksonville grad Ron Wiggins in the game playing his first time following an injury sustained earlier this season. He’s in the final zone with an apparent running TD of 22 yards. Karajic’s kickoff is good at 6:23. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 1:22. JAX STATE 14, FIU 0
Webb scored a 9-yard touchdown passing towards the TE Sean Brown, capping a drive that lasted 9 plays 60 yards, and 4:20. Karajic’s kick was real and the play appears to be running at 1:14. JAX STATE 21, FIU 0
SECOND QARTER
Chasse Gabriel puts FIU on the scoreboard with a an attempt of 50 yards at 7:13. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:17. JAX STATE 21, FIU 3
Karajic scores a 28-yard field goal with 5 seconds remaining in the second halftime. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 1:23. Webb with a 29-yard jog and a huge pass completion to Quinton Lane to put Jax State inside the FIU 15. JAX STATE 24, FIU 3
THIRD Quarter
A J-Rock Swain fumble recover puts Jax State at FIU’s 20 which sets up Karajic’s 38-yard field-goal at 12:23. JAX STATE 27, FIU 3
-FIU”s Grayson James hits a 60-yard bomb for Kris Mitchell to Jax State’s 12. It sets up James with a 1-yard tush to score an TD. Shomari Lawrence was stopped on his conversion try at 9:32. JAX STATE 27, FIU 9
James to Mitchell 8 yards and a single-handed catch in the end zone to score the touchdown. Gabriel’s penalty is good. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 5:31. JAX STATE 27, FIU 16.
Fourth Quarter
After a poor penalty for kick-catch interference, which bails off Sterling Galban on a muffed punt, Webb breaks a 30-yard run to FIU’s 19, setting the stage for Wiggins his 16-yard TD run at 12:04. Karajic’s kickoff is successful. JAX STATE 34, FIU 16
Swain He chases James from the pocket, and is seen to slip and fumble. Jax State’s Quae Drake recovers. The play is currently being reviewed. It appears to be an attempt to pass. It was ruled to be incomplete.
Webb scores uninjured for 3 yards of TD run. Karajic’s kick is successful. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:18. JAX STATE 41, FIU 16
Final: JAX STATE WINS 41-16, IMPROVES 7-2 5-1 CUSA.
