Gamecocks win in OT
- Updated: September 6, 2014
Jenkins runs 13 yards for winning score after Gamecocks get big break near end of regulation
By East Alabama Sports Today
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Quarterback Eli Jenkins ran 13 yards up the middle for a touchdown on the third play of overtime Saturday to give Jacksonville State a 26-23 victory over Chattanooga in a battle of two Top 15 FCS teams.
The No. 9 Gamecocks (1-1) overcame the distraction of the midweek resignation of special teams coordinator Aashon Larkins to give head coach John Grass his first win as a collegiate head coach.
Chattanooga (0-2) entered the game No. 13 in the national FCS polls.
JSU-Chattanooga games have been known to be thrillers in recent years and this one was no exception.
The Mocs appeared to have won the game in spectacular fashion late in regulation when Tommy Hudson returned a punt 52 yards for a touchdown with 30 seconds left. But the play was negated by a block in the back and the teams eventually went into overtime.
JSU kicker Conner Rouleau missed a go-ahead 39-yard field goal attempt with 6:43 to play.
Chattanooga scored first in overtime on Henrique Ribeiro’s 29-yard field goal.
On JSU’s winning drive, DaMarcus James picked up six yards on each of the first two plays before Jenkins finished the job. James rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown in the game. Jenkins rushed for 82 yards and completed 15 of 21 passes for 122 yards.
The Gamecocks are now off until Sept. 20 when they play their home opener — and only home game in the first month of the season — against Division II West Alabama.
Former JSU players and assistant coaches Max Thurmond and Adam Ross are on the UWA staff. Scroll through the website to read East Alabama Sports Today’s story this summer on their thoughts of their return.
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