In a tightly contested matchup, Jacksonville State edged out WKU with a final score of 20-17. Jacksonville State outgained WKU slightly, with 296 total yards compared to WKU's 260. The Gamecocks showed a balanced attack with 100 rushing yards and 160 passing yards, whereas WKU struggled more in the run game, amassing just 70 rushing yards against Jacksonville State’s 100..
Despite Jacksonville State's slight edge in total yards, WKU managed to secure more first downs (18 to 14) and maintained a marginally better time of possession (14:46 to 13:14). The game was characterized by defensive resilience, as neither team recorded any sacks. However, WKU struggled with turnovers, giving up the ball four times compared to Jacksonville State's one turnover.
Both teams were ineffective on third downs, but WKU did convert one crucial fourth down attempt. In the red zone, both teams were efficient, scoring touchdowns on their respective opportunities. Despite a penalty-free game for both sides, WKU’s inability to overcome turnovers ultimately cost them the game, as Jacksonville State capitalized on their opportunities to secure the win.
JSU DB James Ziglor snags an INT to give the Gamecocks the victory.
Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State went punch for punch throughout this one.
A long drive ending in a field goal was matched with a long drive ending in a field goal. Western Kentucky marching the length of the field and going ahead 10-3, was matched with a long JSU drive knotting the game at 10-10.
Jacksonville State jumping an out route and going ahead 17-10 on a pick-six was matched with a quick drive and score to tie the game.
Jacksonville State and Western Kentucky even matched each other with turnovers. JSU QB Zion Turner would fumble the ball while dropping back just after WKU scored to even that game at 17-17 to give the Hilltoppers all the momentum. However, JSU DB Derek Carter, who intercepted and returned the pick six would grab his second interception of the day to keep the game tied entering the break.
In the second half, the defenses shined as the scoring all but stopped.
Jacksonville State would piece together a drive and go ahead 20-17 on a field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter but looked to be dead in the water as the Hilltoppers responded with a long drive that ate up a lot of time and looked awfully threatening. Threatening until Jacksonville State came up with their third interception and fourth forced turnover overall to give the ball back to JSU.
This time, it was DB James Ziglor stepping in front of a TJ Finley pass that allowed the Gamecocks to get a couple first downs and kneel on the ball to get out of Bowling Green, Kentucky with a hard fought victory.
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