Perspective

Nix makes the simple act of catching a punt heroic amid a sea of cover men, returns it for a difference-making touchdown that could go on making more difference for Jax State.

JACKSONVILLE — NFL lore holds great tales about the “sea of hands” catch the Raiders’ Clarence Davis made against Miami in the 1974 playoffs, and Caleb Nix just gave Jax State fans a sea-of-something moment Saturday.

It seemed Georgia Southern’s whole punt team, save for the punter, surrounded him as the ball wobbled down to Nix. Forgive anyone, including Georgia Southern’s punt team, for waiting, wondering when Nix would raise his hand for the fair catch.

Forgive Jax State coach Charles Kelly if he cried out, “No no no!”

If not for football’s sake, then for Nix’s sake.

Any one of those five white jerseys within five yards of Nix, seven within 10 yards, could’ve slammed into him. Like, the nerve. The seeming death wish.

Nix lunged forward a couple of steps to complete the catch and didn’t see white jerseys, save for the punter’s clean top way down field.

Nix also saw friendly red jerseys between him and the punter as Georgia Southern’s stunned cover team ran by him.

Nix ran 75 yards for what proved to be the winning touchdown with 8:16 to play as the Gamecocks beat the Eagles for the first time ever, 31-27, after falling behind 17-0.

Much more content, including video of Nix’s return and postgame interviews, plus a link to stats awaits EA+ subscribers.