© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
HOW TO WATCH & PREVIEW: Jacksonville State Gamecocks @ FIU Panthers
Date: Wednesday, October 25
Time: 7:00 PM EST
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: 1140 WQBA - AJ Ricketts (play-by-play), Corey Brooks (analyst)
Location: FIU Football Stadium - Miami, FL
Betting Line: Jacksonville State -4.5
FIU Panthers
This season, the Panthers rank sixth in CUSA in rushing defense, having allowed 1,489 rushing yards, 186.13 per game. They will have their work cut out for them against a talented Jacksonville State offense.
"They just play really physical, play really downhill, have a good scheme," said FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre. "They run a three safeties scheme a lot, but then they shift down into a more of a safety with one of those guys dropping down."
The duo of Shomari Lawrence and Kejon Owens has stood out the last two weeks. Against the UTEP Miners, both running backs combined for a total of 152 rushing yards with a touchdown from Kejon Owens and this past week against the Sam Houston State Bearkats, both running backs scored a touchdown and combined for a total of 113 rushing yards.
"They're both really good running backs," said MacIntyre when speaking to the media. "They keep getting better and better and better. They keep improving and pushing themselves and getting a good feel of playing and understanding our different runs that we're doing."
On the injury front, safety CJ Christian, who didn't play in the win over Sam Houston State is on track to play against the Gamecocks. Christian is out of concussion protocol as well.
What stands out about the Gamecocks offense is the quick tempo. The Panthers have been preparing for that extensively.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
In their first season at the FBS level, the Gamecocks have had a great start at 6-2 overall and 4-1 in CUSA. However, the Gamecocks will not be in a bowl game or the conference championship game due to the two-year ban imposed by FCS transition rules.
The Gamecocks have played two quarterbacks this season with sixth-year quarterback Zion Webb and junior transfer Logan Smothers. Webb has thrown for 638 passing yards two touchdowns, with three interceptions this season. Smothers has also thrown for 103 yards and five touchdown's on the season.
Where the Gamecocks offense succeeds the most is on the ground. Webb already has reached 406 rushing yards, Smothers is right behind him with 305 and the team's leading rusher has been running back Malik Jackson. Jackson is up to 586 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Although Jackson has been one of the top performers for the Gamecocks this season, he was out in the win against Western Kentucky, and his status is uncertain against the Panthers.
When Jacksonville State does throw the ball, the top target has been redshirt senior Perry Carter. Carter has racked up 20 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns on the season. At just 5'10" and 175 pounds, he is one of the quicker players on the JSU offense.
The Gamecocks' scoring defense ranks at the top of Conference USA. FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins has thrown seven interceptions this season, so any mistake on his end can cost them a couple point to say the least.
Defensively, Quae Drake will be the name to look out for. Ranking ninth in Conference USA with 56 total tackles, the 6'1", 225-pound linebacker will make an early and consistent impact throughout the game.
