Jacksonville State almost pulled off college football’s biggest upset so far this season (and in recent memory) when the Gamecocks nearly took down Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday afternoon in Week 2. The unranked JSU Gamecocks entered the contest as 47.5 point underdogs against the No. 6 ranked Tigers and outplayed the SEC powerhouse for most of the game, leading until 0:39 in the fourth quarter, when the Tigers tied it up with a clutch touchdown pass.
Ultimately, the ‘Cocks fell to Auburn 27-20 in overtime, but not before giving those “War Eagle” screamers the scare of their lives. Led by quarterback Eli Jenkins, JSU managed to best Auburn in total yardage (438 to 401), time of possession (35:25 to 24:35) and had three takeaways to the Tigers’ one. But a late-game surge by Auburn compounded with some bonehead plays on the Gamecocks’ side doomed the potentially historic upset.
So, who the hell is Jacksonville State anyway, you ask? Well, the public university in Jacksonville, Alabama has around 7,500 undergrads, compared to Auburn’s 20,000-plus. The Gamecocks went 10-2 under head coach John Grass last season, winning the FCS’ Ohio Valley Conference outright.
This wouldn’t have been the first big upset in the history of the university’s football program, which produced former NFL cornerback Eric Davis. The Gamecocks took down Ole Miss back in 2010, but have an overall record of 1-5 versus SEC opponents. Although not the first, it would have absolutely been the biggest win in program history.
Alas, it was not meant to be. But, on the bright side, you now know who they are, and you should not take them lightly.
