TAKEAWAYS: JSU Gamecocks prevent FIU second-half comeback

MIAMI, FL - The FIU Panthers still aspire to make it to a bowl game in 2023. They began the hardest four-game stretch of the season as they took on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Unfortunately, just like we saw against the UTEP Miners a couple weeks ago, the Panthers went down 21-0 in the first quarter and were unable to make the comeback.

Gamecocks' run game as good as expected

The first half of action for the Gamecocks went as expected. They picked up a total of 176 rushing yards, which included 81 yards and a touchdown by Zion Webb and 41 yards and a touchdown by Ron Wiggins.

Webb did throw seven completions for 93 yards and a touchdown, but the run game is where the Gamecocks found the most success, as usual. Webb's sole passing touchdown was to tight end Sean Brown. Webb would conclude the night throwing for 105 yards and a touchdown with nine completions.

In the second half of action, the Panthers were able to limit the run game just a bit as the Gamecocks ended up running for 83 yards, but on the night, they ran for a total of 259 rushing yards and threw for 105 passing yards.

32 yards of total offense for the Panthers

The Panthers offense has struggled throughout most of the season, but in the first half against the Gamecocks, the Panthers had a total of 32 yards. The Panthers' biggest play of the first half was a 17-yard rush by Shomari Lawrence.

Aside from that, quarterback Keyone Jenkins was two-for-eight with 18 passing yards and no touchdowns. The Panthers' only score in the first half was a 50-yard field goal by Chase Gabriel.

A Second Half Spark

On the Panthers first drive of the second half, a new quarterback was in for the Panthers: Grayson James. This marks his first appearance since playing garbage time minutes against the Liberty Flames.

On the first drive, the Panthers would fumble the ball, but the second drive was highlighted by a 60 yard pass to Kris Mitchell to put the Panthers in the red zone. A couple runs plays later, the Panthers scored on the world famous tush push.

James would lead the Panthers down the field for another touchdown. What stood out on that scoring drive were the decisions made by the Panthers quarterback. On a couple of plays, James not only had time to make passes, but when under pressure inside the pocket, he was able to extend plays and keep the drive going.

James' one passing touchdown was thrown to Kris Mitchell who made a one-handed-snag for what looks to be the catch of the year for FIU.