JACKSONVILLE — For the first time this season, Jacksonville State football has a winning record.
The Gamecocks are now sitting at 4-3 (3-0 Conference USA) after a 42-20 win over Middle Tennessee State on Wednesday at AmFirst Stadium. The Gamecocks allowed the Blue Raiders to score an opening-drive touchdown, followed by a field goal, but they scored on both of their first drives.
The Gamecocks offense came out of half needing just four plays to march 75 yards and get the lead to double digits.
The Gamecocks run game was the big story of the night on both sides of the ball. The offense ran for 439 yards, led by Tre Stewart’s 210. He became the first Gamecock to run for more than 200 yards since 2015. Tyler Huff added 151 yards and two scores on the ground as Andrew Paul added two touchdowns.
The defense allowed just 67 yards on the ground, by far its best total of the season. JSU allowed a total of 364 yards.
Jacksonville State football defense gets job done without turnovers
The Gamecocks defensive renaissance over the previous three wins were assisted by 13 turnovers . In the first half against Middle Tennessee, they had none but only allowed 10 points. Those points came on the first two drives before the Gamecocks settled in to allow just 59 over the Blue Raiders’ last four drives of the half.
They got it done with no sacks and while being on the field for 16:31 of the first half. There were still some issues, like a 4.8 yards-per-carry mark for the Blue Raiders, but it might’ve been the best half for the defense in a while.
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Run Huff Run, run Stewart run
The Gamecocks returned to a tried and true method for the season, letting Huff and Stewart run wild. This was just the second time the two both went over the century mark in the same game, the other coming against Kennesaw State.
The duo combined for 361 yards and three scores. They helped the Gamecocks roll up more than 500 yards in total offense.
Jacksonville State football’s next game
The Gamecocks get back on the road to face Liberty next Wednesday (6 p.m., CBS Sports Network).
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Jacksonville State football runs wild on Middle Tennessee State
