2022 Jacksonville State Gamecocks Outlook:
Since 2013, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks have gone 84-33, won six conference titles, appeared in seven FCS playoffs, and faced off against North Dakota State in the National Championship game. A program already rich in tradition, recent success has certainly heightened expectations. 2021 was a trying year on numerous levels. Nonetheless, expectations for the program remained extremely high. Undoubtedly, no one foresaw the first losing season in almost two decades. Especially considering the bevy of talent on the roster and the team’s quarterfinal appearance the year prior. The highest of highs (Florida State victory) clashed with the lowest of lows (First losing season since 2002). For that reason, along with the resignation of Head Coach John Grass, 2021 may have been the most bittersweet in recent memory.
The offseason was eventful, to say the least, for the Gamecock faithful. Jacksonville State AD Greg Seitz announced that in 2023, all university sports would be transitioning to the ConferenceUSA. This was massive news for the football program. Transitioning from FCS powerhouse to FBS challenger in a conference as solid as the CUSA is no small undertaking. In addition, the ushering out of the John Grass regime, which took the program to never before seen heights, to welcoming in the Rich Rodriguez era, the man tasked with taking the program to even higher heights, took place. Rodriguez is one of the more recognizable names in all of football. With a track record as long as his, Gamecock faithful should be as excited as ever for the future.
The 2022 slate is a familiar one. Rivals such as Eastern Kentucky, Kennesaw State, Murray State, North Alabama & Austin Peay make up almost half the schedule. FBS Tulsa serves as the lone challenge from said subdivision. Automatically ineligible for the playoffs, the regular season holds even more value than in previous years. The 2022 schedule is not nearly what you’d call an easy one, but it is a manageable one. I fully expect the Gamecocks to not only be competitive, but dangerous.
SEASON PREDICTION: 8-3.
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