Jacksonville State delivered another dramatic Conference USA victory Tuesday night, defeating FIU 27-24 at AmFirst Stadium on a late field goal from Garrison Rippa.
The Gamecocks improved to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play, extending their winning streak to four games and strengthening their position near the top of the CUSA standings. FIU fell to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play after letting a competitive game slip away in the final minute.
Creel Leads Jacksonville State’s Offense
Quarterback Caden Creel helped Jacksonville State establish early control, throwing for 214 yards and two touchdowns.
Creel connected with Luke Gilbert for a 38-yard touchdown before finding Deondre Johnson on a 36-yard scoring pass. Those explosive plays helped the Gamecocks build a 17-7 first-quarter advantage.
FIU responded with a strong passing performance of its own. Quarterback JJ Kohl connected with Maguire Anderson for a 50-yard touchdown, then found Anderson again for a 30-yard score. The second touchdown helped the Panthers tie the game at 17 before halftime.
Anderson finished with eight receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns, giving FIU a reliable offensive weapon throughout the contest.
FIU Fights Back
The Panthers continued to battle after the break, refusing to let Jacksonville State pull away.
Justus Savage scored his first collegiate touchdown on a four-yard run in the third quarter, giving the Gamecocks a 24-17 lead. FIU answered when Devonte Lyons rushed for an eight-yard touchdown, tying the game at 24.
Both teams had opportunities to take control, but neither could create separation during the closing stages.
FIU kicker Robert Czeremcha missed a 38-yard field goal as the first half expired, a missed opportunity that became more significant as the game reached its conclusion.
Rippa Delivers the Winning Kick
With the game tied at 24 entering the fourth quarter, Jacksonville State put together the drive it needed.
The Gamecocks marched 82 yards on 13 plays, steadily moving into scoring position while using valuable time off the clock.
Rippa then connected on a 26 yard field goal with just 44 seconds remaining, giving Jacksonville State a 27-24 lead.
FIU had one final chance, but Czeremcha’s 49-yard field-goal attempt as time expired missed, sealing the Gamecocks’ victory.
Jacksonville State Keeps Rolling
The win continued Jacksonville State’s strong run under head coach Charles Kelly, with the Gamecocks remaining unbeaten in conference play.
For FIU, the narrow defeat was a frustrating setback after a competitive performance on the road.
Jacksonville State now turns its attention toward its next matchup against New Mexico State, while FIU prepares to host Middle Tennessee.
In a game decided by the smallest of margins, Rippa’s late kick proved to be the difference.
