He’s for Creel
- Updated: October 28, 2026
Creel makes his mark in Jax State history as the Gamecocks down New Mexico State to clinch bowl eligibility.
Editor’s note: Complete final statistics from Jax State’s victory at New Mexico State can be found on this link.
By East Alabama Sports Today
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Caden Creel put his stamp on his time as Jax State’s starting quarterback Wednesday.
The second-year starter became the first Gamecock quarterback to rush for 200-plus yards in a game, rushing for 220 in Jax State’s 24-0 victory at New Mexico State.
The Gamecocks (6-2) clinched bowl eligibility while improving to 4-0 in Conference USA play. They also ran their winning streak to four games.
Creel’s night included a 3-yard touchdown run and an 84-yard run to set up Jalen Likely’s 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Creel also completed 11 of 17 passes for 109 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown pass to Luke Gilbert.
“Caden does it all,” Jax State coach Charles Kelly said during his postgame radio show. “I thought he was a little bit impatient early in the game, trying to make some things happen and kind of pressing a little bit. I told him, ‘Just trust your eyes. … Let the game come to you,’ and he did.”
Jax State finished with 324 rushing yards and 433 total yards. Likely led four tailbacks who carried the ball with ?9 yards on four carries, and the tailback position combined for 104 yards.
Kelly credited an improved offensive line.
“That’s probably the most improved unit on our team,”: he said.
Kicker Garrison Rippa kicked a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter, giving him 48 career field goals made. He needs one more to tie him with Gavin Hallford and Alen Karajic for first on Jax State’s career list.
Jax State-NMSU updates
SECOND QUARTER
–Caden Creel 3-yard TD run at 12:33. Garrison Rippa PAT good. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:06. JAX STATE 7, NMSU 0
THIRD QUARTER
–Rippa 49-yard field goal at 10;12. Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 3:37. JAX STATE 10, NMSU 0
–Jalen Likely 1-yard TD run at 2:31. Rippa PAT good. Drive: 2 plays, 85 yards, 0:15. JAX STATE 17, NMSU 0
FOURTH QUARTER
–Creel connects with Luke Gilbert for a 29-yard touchdown pass at 4:48. Carter Lewis PAT is good. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:08. JAX STATE 24, NMSU 0
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