JACKSONVILLE, AL. — Jacksonville State used a few extra days between games to recover from a five-game opening stretch and turn its attention toward the details coach Charles Kelly believes will become increasingly important as the Gamecocks enter Conference USA midweek play.
Coming off a victory over Middle Tennessee, Kelly said the players received a couple of days away before returning for physical practices Wednesday and Thursday. Jacksonville State’s emphasis during the break has been on situations that have affected games this season, including red-zone execution, third downs and two-minute situations.
Kelly said the Gamecocks have been close to a different outcome in their losses but stressed that playing well for most of a game is not enough if critical situations are not handled correctly.
“You can play 58 minutes of the game really well or 59 minutes and you don’t play a situation well that puts you in a bad situation,” Kelly said.
That attention now shifts to Kennesaw State.
Kelly praised the consistency of Kennesaw State coach Jerry Mack’s team, saying the Owls have developed clear identities on offense and defense. He pointed to Kennesaw State’s offensive line, quarterbacks, running backs and receivers, while also noting the challenges presented by a multiple defensive scheme and the Owls’ personnel on special teams.
Jacksonville State will also move forward without Walker O’Connor. Kelly confirmed O’Connor will miss the remainder of the season but declined to disclose the specific injury, citing medical privacy. He said the loss will create opportunities for other players to take larger roles.
Kelly identified Miles Butler, Morgan Joseph, Aiden “A-Dot” Moore and Mikey Rosa among players who could contribute, along with younger linebackers who may be called upon as the season progresses.
“The only way you can learn how to play this game is to play,” Kelly said. “You don’t learn by watching.”
One of the offensive players who has taken advantage of increased opportunities is running back Lucas Farrington, who finished the Middle Tennessee game with more than 100 all-purpose yards.
Kelly said Farrington has been challenged by the coaching staff because of what they believe he can become as a player. Kelly pointed to Farrington’s performance during Jacksonville State’s late drive against Ohio as a moment when he saw signs of the running back taking another step in his development.
Farrington credited preparation and Jacksonville State’s running back rotation for helping him take advantage of his opportunities against Middle Tennessee.
“The biggest focus for me was coming in whenever my number’s called, just being able to execute so that my team knows what to expect every time I get in the game,” Farrington said.
Both Kelly and Farrington also credited Jacksonville State’s passing game with helping create opportunities on the ground.
Kelly said defenses must account for the deep part of the field when the Gamecocks throw efficiently, which can create more favorable numbers for the running game. He also credited the team’s conditioning, saying Jacksonville State has appeared to become more effective running the football later in games.
Farrington credited the offensive line and said the Gamecocks’ ability to threaten defenses in multiple ways makes it more difficult for opponents to concentrate on stopping the run.
On defense, J.Q. Brooks said experience has helped him become more comfortable after entering the season with little college game action. Brooks has started each of Jacksonville State’s first five games and said he was nervous during the opener against North Dakota State but has improved through practice and preparation.
With O’Connor sidelined, Brooks said Jacksonville State will rely on trust throughout the defense as younger players take on additional responsibility.
“The D-line trusts the linebackers. Linebackers trust the safeties. Safeties trust the corners,” Brooks said. “It’s a big chemistry.”
Brooks said the Gamecocks have younger players prepared to step into expanded roles.
Both Farrington and Brooks also discussed the value of waiting for their opportunities.
Farrington redshirted last season and said he learned from the players ahead of him before preparing for a larger role this year. Brooks said his own period of ineligibility gave him an opportunity to watch veteran players, learn from them and eventually apply those lessons once he was able to play. He said he now tries to provide younger teammates with the same leadership he received.
With the Middle Tennessee victory behind them, Farrington said the Gamecocks are focused on Kennesaw State and expect another challenge from the Owls.
“Kennesaw has a great team,” Farrington said. “We’re going to go there, and I believe everybody will be ready to play.”
