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Jacksonville State Gamecocks football, Conference USA, Rich Rodriguez, American football
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Football: A Renaissance Under Rich Rodriguez
A Resurgence in Jacksonville
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks football program has experienced a resurgence under the leadership of head coach Rich Rodriguez. After a dismal 3-8 record in 2018, the Gamecocks have posted back-to-back 9-3 seasons in 2019 and 2021, and are poised for another successful campaign in 2023.
Rodriguez, who previously coached at West Virginia, Michigan, and Arizona, has brought his high-octane offensive philosophy to Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks have ranked among the top offenses in the Football Championship Series (FCS) in recent years, averaging over 40 points per game.
Rodriguez's Impact
Rodriguez has made a significant impact on the Jacksonville State program in several ways:
- Offensive Success: The Gamecocks have consistently ranked among the top offenses in the FCS under Rodriguez's leadership, averaging over 40 points per game.
- Player Development: Rodriguez has a proven track record of developing talented players, as evidenced by the success of former Gamecocks such as Zerrick Cooper and Josh Pearson.
- Community Engagement: Rodriguez has made a concerted effort to engage with the Jacksonville State community, attending local events and supporting student-athletes.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite their recent success, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks face challenges and expectations in the upcoming season:
- Conference Competition: The Gamecocks compete in Conference USA, which is one of the toughest FCS conferences in the nation.
- Key Departures: Jacksonville State lost several key players from last year's team, including quarterback Zerrick Cooper and wide receiver Josh Pearson.
- High Expectations: The Gamecocks are ranked No. 10 in the preseason FCS Coaches Poll, and there will be high expectations for them to compete for a national championship.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks football program is poised for another successful season under the leadership of head coach Rich Rodriguez. With a high-powered offense and a commitment to player development, the Gamecocks are a threat to win the FCS national championship.
The Gamecocks will open their season on September 1st against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. The game will be played at JSU Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama.