Jacksonville State football defense dominates as Rich Rodriquez squad beats Eastern Michigan

JACKSONVILLE − Jacksonville State football was simply the better team on the field in a 21-0 win over Eastern Michigan Saturday at Burgess Snow Field.

That's a good sign for the Gamecocks, who are making the transition from the FCS to the FBS this season. It's the first Gamecock shutout since 2018.

The Gamecocks missed a field goal on their opening possession, but Logan Smothers led back-to-back touchdown drives, one through the air and one on the ground. After those drives, the game became a punt fest with seven straight drives ending in punts or turnovers on downs. The Gamecocks ended the streak with a touchdown by J'Wan Evans.

Logan Smothers starts, makes statement

Smothers made his second start of the season and took full advantage, showing what he can do on the ground with a 41-yard touchdown run, and through the air with his ability to push the ball downfield. It's the second part that makes Smothers a viable candidate to be the starter as the Gamecocks have struggled with downfield passing at times this season.

COASTAL LOSS: Jacksonville State football drops first game of season to Coastal Carolina

Defensive line shows up in first half

Having four sacks and eight tackles for loss in a game is a good day for a defensive line unit; the Gamecocks defense had that in the first half alone. Both of the sacks came in key situations that help end Eagle drives. The eight tackles for loss led to 36 lost yards while the sacks led to 24 lost yards for the Eagles. The defense has become a strength of this team, and it starts with a strong defensive line and front seven. Chris Hardie had 1.5 sacks in the first half alone.

The defense finished with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Run game will be just fine

The Gamecocks could be without Ron Wiggins for the foreseeable future and are still trying to bring back last year's lead back Anwar Lewis. Malik Jackson shouldered the load with 127 rushing yards and was buoyed by Smothers' 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Three other backs combined for 45 yards and a touchdown.

The Gamecocks could use Lewis to return to full strength soon but have shown the ability to weather and succeed in the run game.

Up next

The Gamecocks return to CUSA play against Sam Houston State on Thursday. Sam Houston State is the other FCS to FBS transition team this season.

Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports and Jacksonville State athletics for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Jacksonville State football defense dominates in win over Eastern Michigan