All articles tagged with #jacksonville state
Brock Rechsteiner, son of WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner, has been suspended for the first six games of the NFL season after signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent; he played college football at Jacksonville State from 2021–2025 and the reason for the suspension hasn’t been disclosed.
West Virginia has rehired Rich Rodriguez as head coach, 17 years after his controversial departure. Rodriguez, who recently led Jacksonville State to a Conference USA title, returns to his home state to replace Neal Brown. Known for his innovative spread-option offense, Rodriguez previously turned West Virginia into a national contender. His career since leaving West Virginia included stints at Michigan and Arizona, with mixed success and some controversy. The reunion aims to revive West Virginia's football fortunes in the Big 12.
The Conference USA Championship game between Jacksonville State and Western Kentucky saw disappointing fan attendance at AmFirst Stadium, despite being a significant matchup for both teams. Jacksonville State is competing in its first FBS conference title game, while Western Kentucky aims to secure its third Conference USA title. The stadium, which has undergone several renovations, had many empty sections during the game.
Fresno State easily defeated New Mexico State 37-10 in the New Mexico Bowl, snapping their three-game losing streak. Appalachian State won a wet and fumble-filled Cure Bowl against Miami (Ohio) with a score of 13-9. Jacksonville State secured a 34-31 overtime victory against Louisiana in the New Orleans Bowl, despite giving up three defensive touchdowns. Ohio dominated Georgia Southern with a 41-21 win in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, finishing the season with back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history.
Appalachian State defeated Miami (Ohio) 13-9 in a rain-soaked Cure Bowl that saw a total of 13 fumbles. Despite the sloppy conditions, App State was able to recover eight of the fumbles, including the crucial one that ended Miami's chances of a comeback. In another bowl game, Jacksonville State overcame three defensive touchdowns by Louisiana to win 34-31 in overtime. Ohio also secured a victory in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, defeating Georgia Southern 41-21 and achieving back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history.
James Madison and Jacksonville State, both transitioning from the FCS to FBS level, will participate in their first-ever bowl games due to a shortage of eligible teams. James Madison, with an 11-1 record, initially considered legal action against the NCAA to become bowl eligible but decided against it. Jacksonville State finished its first FBS season with an 8-4 record. One more team is needed to fill all the bowl games, and Minnesota has the highest APR score among the 5-7 teams.
James Madison and Jacksonville State, despite being officially ineligible for the postseason due to NCAA rules, have qualified for bowl games as there aren't enough six-win teams to fill all the spots. Both teams had applied for waivers but were denied, costing James Madison a spot in the Sun Belt title game. With the addition of these two teams, there are now 81 bowl-eligible teams, leaving one spot for a 5-7 team. Minnesota, with the best Academic Progress Rate among 5-7 teams, is in line for a bowl game, while Navy must beat Army to reach six wins and be eligible for a bowl.
South Carolina and head coach Shane Beamer are facing criticism on social media as the team struggles against Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks, who were projected to have a successful season, are tied with Jacksonville State in the second quarter. Fans and observers have expressed frustration with the team's defense, lack of energy, and coaching decisions. If South Carolina loses, it would be another setback in a season marked by a decline from previous years.