The Govs sought redemption following a shocking 37-7 loss last week at the hands of UT Martin. APSU kept pace with the Gamecocks for some time but ultimately fell short 48-32 in a shootout.
APSU entered as the underdog, but quickly showed they are not as outmatched by the top team in the Ohio Valley Conference as many thought.
The visiting Govs dominated the first quarter outscoring the Gamecocks 9-0. Sophomore quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall led the offense on a nine-play 66-yard drive which ended on a six-yard touchdown pass from Oatsvall to DJ Montgomery. Logan Birchfield’s extra-point was blocked, but later redeemed himself as he made a field goal later on in the quarter.
The Gamecocks slowly shifted momentum in their favor outscoring the Govs 14-3 in the second quarter. Jacksonville State quarterback Zerrick Cooper helped lead the charge accounting for two touchdowns on the ground.
Birchfield accounted for his second field goal of the day to trim the Gamecock lead to 14-12 at the half.
Jacksonville State and APSU each jostled for momentum in the third quarter but maintained an even pace matching each other with 14 points scored each.
Cooper accounted for the first of three second half passing touchdowns finding Josh Pearson on a 20-yard strike to take a 21-12 lead.
APSU answered back swiftly when Oatsvall found DeAngelo Wilson for a 27-yard touchdown to trim the lead to 21-19.
The battle between signal callers continued as Cooper found Jamari Hester on a 34-yard touchdown pass into double coverage.
APSU’s Oatsvall then found Montgomery on a 23-yard athletic catch in the corner of the end zone to end a three-play 28-yard drive following a Gamecock interception to set up the short field.
The Govs trailed 28-26 entering the fourth quarter of an explosive game.
The fourth quarter went in favor of JSU. The Gamecocks outscored the Govs 20-6 to put the game away and avoid the upset at home.
JSU reeled off three consecutive touchdowns as Cooper found Hester again on a 29-yard score. Zion Webb then punched the ball in from one-yard out ending a drive that took seven minutes off the clock.
Oatsvall threw his second interception of the game leading to another score for the Gamecocks to blow the game wide open at 48-26.
Oatsvall atoned for the interception as Tre Nation scored on a 75-yard connection in what was essentially garbage time with 57 seconds left.
JSU closed out the game with a late rally to secure 34 straight wins against OVC competition.
Oatsvall finished the game 12 of 30 for 245 yards accounting for four touchdowns and two interceptions. The sophomore also accounted for 59 yards on the ground.
After a three game road trip APSU returns to Clarksville to host Tennessee State at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6.
