JACKSONVILLE — The rust was apparent.
The first quarter of Jacksonville State football's opener against Coastal Carolina looked just like what it was, an opening game at least for the Gamecocks . They went three-and-out to open the game before ending the quarter with a sack-fumble touchdown and an interception. On defense, a miscommunication led to a Coastal Carolina touchdown and the Gamecocks allowed 155 yards of offense.
It never got better, leading to a 55-27 season-opening beatdown. It's Jacksonville State's worst loss since suffering a 54-17 beatdown to Tulsa in 2022, ahead of the FBS transition. It's also the first season-opening loss since 2021 and the most points the Gamecocks have allowed since 2018.
Coastal Carolina scored on four of six drives at one point to take a 31-10 halftime lead.
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Logan Smothers starts at quarterback, and neither QBs shine
Logan Smothers earned the start and Tyler Huff saw action, but neither Game cock shined in the first half. At one point they were a combined 3-of-10 passing for 15 yards. Huff threw an interception during that stretch; Coastal Carolina returned a Smothers fumble 17 yards for a touchdown.
Huff finished 7 for 14 for 173 yards passing, most coming too late with two interceptions. Huff did lead three scoring drives — a field goal and two garbage-time touchdowns. Smothers went 7-of-13 passing for 61 yards and led two scoring drives. He sat out most of the fourth quarter.
Coastal dominates in the trenches
Jax State talked about getting bigger in the trenches, and the size difference was apparent on Thursday. Coastal racked up 123 rushing yards within the first 20 minutes. It meant the Gamecocks had to devote more guys to stopping the rush and pass-rushing. The Chanticleers took advantage, finding open receivers all over the field as they averaged 21 yards a completion on 6 of 12 passing in the first half.
Up next
The Gamecocks go on the road to play Louisville next Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN+).
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Jacksonville State football blown out by Coastal Carolina to open season as offense sputters
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