Monday, October 31, 2011

Jacksonville State University - Jack Crowe Press Conference Quotes - The Eastern Kentucky Game

Jacksonville State University - Jack Crowe Press Conference Quotes - The Eastern Kentucky Game

TTU FOOTBALL: Golden Eagles in the driver's seat after win over Jacksonville State

TTU FOOTBALL: Golden Eagles in the driver's seat after win over Jacksonville State: JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- It had been 10 years since the last time Tennessee Tech beat Jacksonville State on the road. In football terms, that's a long time ago. It was also a year since the Golden E...

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The Morning After

Devastating loss for the Gamecocks yesterday. Here is what the remaining schedule looks like for the 3 primary OVC contenders:

Jacksonville State:

EKU- always a tough game for the Gamecocks. The Colonels nearly defeated Kansas State in the first week of the season and then proceeded to lose to Austin Peay. Go figure.

@ SEMO- SEMO has struggled this year and lost their leading running back to injury. Nothing is ever easy for the Gamecocks though.

@ Tennessee State- JSU played really well against TSU last year. TSU has not been very good defensively this year. However, before we put it in the W column, remember that TSU defeated Tennessee Tech.

Tennessee Tech

Murray State- Murray is probably the scariest team in the league. It will be interesting to see if Tech is emotionally ready after their big win over the Gamecocks.

@EKU- Depending on the outcome of the JSU - EKU game and several other factors, this could be a de facto conference championship game.

Austin Peay- the OVC is unpredictable, but it would be difficult to imagine Tech losing to Peay.

EKU

@JSU

Tn. Tech

UTM- assuming EKU makes it by JSU and Tech, a really tough Martin team awaits them. But for a couple of heartbreaking losses earlier in the year, UTM might be playing for the conference title.

CONCLUSION: Of the 3 contenders, JSU may have the most favorable schedule. However, it controlled its own destiny this time yesterday. Now it does not.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Tech Beat Writer Picks JSU To Win

OVC NOTEBOOK: JSU-Tech matchup the week's highlight: While the conference's attention has been focused on basketball these last couple of days, it's still football season in the Ohio Valley, and there's several intriguing matchups on tap for this wee...

Thursday, October 27, 2011

A Favorable Matchup

Jacksonville State is at or near the top of the OVC standings in rushing the ball. That may bode well for the Gamecocks in a critical OVC matchup this weekend as Tenn. Tech has struggled stopping the run. Tennessee State averaged 4.3 yards per carry in their upset of the Golden Eagles two weeks ago. Prior to that, Tech surrendered 233 yards (4.5 per carry) to Martin and a whopping 320 yards (6.5 per carry) to SEMO.

Not that the opponent matters, because it is who we are anyway, but look for the Gamecocks to pound the ball this weekend.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Rashad Smith Shines at Kentucky

As the ESPN announcers recognized, JSU linebacker Rashad Smith had a huge game on Saturday. Smith had nine tackles and appears to have the speed to run down most wide receivers. If he continues to play at that level, he may be playing on the next level.

Jacksonville State's Gabriel Chambers 99 Yard Kickoff Return Against Ken...

Gamecocks leave Kentucky with injuries, concern

Gamecocks leave Kentucky with injuries, concern: JACKSONVILLE — The best things a team can get out of playing up like Jacksonville State did over the weekend — besides winning, of course — is the sense of coming out better than when it went in an...

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

6 Reasons Jacksonville State Might Beat Kentucky

Last year we called the upset with: "5 Reasons Why Jacksonville State Might Upset Ole Miss." The post was linked to several Ole Miss websites and generated a ton of hits and even more hate mail. Its now time to do it again. Here are 6 Reasons why Jacksonville State might beat Kentucky:

1) Washaun Ealey has scored more touchdowns in Commonwealth Stadium than any current member of the Wildcats. No, we didn't actually do any research to verify this, but Ealey had five touchdowns against the Wildcats last year. Has Kentucky scored 5 Touchdowns this season?.

2) Spiderman beats Joker every day of the week. One of the Gamecocks' top linebackers is Rashad "Spiderman" Smith. Kentucky's coach is "Joker" Phillips. Everyone knows that Spiderman would whup the Joker's a**.

3) The revenge factor favors the Gamecocks. Kentucky ran up the score in a 91-48 basketball victory over the Gamecocks a few years back. 91-48 is all over the Gamecocks' locker room. Elephants and fighting roosters have long memories.

4) Jacksonville State has more motivation to win.. While this game is very important to Kentucky as they are attempting to maintain their FBS football status, it is even more important to the Gamecocks. Rumors are circulating that if Jacksonville State beats Kentucky, SEC Commissioner Slive will invite JSU to fill that league's open 14th spot. It makes sense. If JSU wins, it will mark two in a row over the vaunted SEC, not to mention the Gamecocks knocking UT-Knoxville out of the NCAA softball tournament a couple of years ago. Commissioner Slive was quoted as saying: "If you can't beat them, have them join you."

5) Kentucky could not practice on Tuesday.. In a news item that has remarkably gone unreported by the mainstream media, Kentucky was forced to cancel football practice earlier this week. Unfortunately, Coach Calipari needed the football practice field for three legged races and such as he hosted a "family fun day" for members of the Wildcat basketball auxillary staff.

6) Joker Phillips has had two weeks to prepare.

Former JSU, Valley Cub star added to NFL roster

Former JSU, Valley Cub star added to NFL roster: T.J. Heath never stopped believing he’d make the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 53-man roster before the end of his rookie season and his faith was rewarded Tuesday when the team announced the Alexandria pr...

Jacksonville State University - Former Gamecock T.J. Heath Promoted to Jacksonville Jaguars Active NFL Roster

Jacksonville State University - Former Gamecock T.J. Heath Promoted to Jacksonville Jaguars Active NFL Roster

Courier - Journal: Watch Out for Danny Trevathan

Here is an excerpt of an article by Kyle Tucker from the Lexington Courier-Journal about Kentucky linebacker, Danny Trevathan:

"The University of Kentucky football team has been a disappointment in the first half of this season, stumbling to a 2-4 start, 0-3 in the Southeastern Conference. But senior linebacker Danny Trevathan remains one of the best players in the country.

He leads the SEC and ranks sixth in the FBS with 72 tackles. He also has six tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. He was named a third-team All-American in Phil Steele’s College Football midseason awards.
“He’s had a great year,” UK defensive coordinator Rick Minter said. “He’s kind of the heart and soul right now. He’s living up to the reputation that preceded him — or that I found out about when I got here. He’s a leader. He works hard. He’s a playmaker. He’s a producer. Never been disappointed in the way he brings it.”
Head coach Joker Phillips described Trevathan’s season so far as “unbelievable” and said he has become much more comfortable in a leadership role. In turn, Trevathan has rubbed off on safety Winston Guy and linebackers Ridge Wilson and Ronnie Sneed. The four of them have become arguably the best players on the team."

State-Journal.com - UK getting back on its feet?

State-Journal.com - UK getting back on its feet?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

UK not real underdog, but should it be?

Apparently, Danny Sheridan mistakenly making JSU a 9 point favorite has caused quite a ruckus in the Bluegrass State. In the same article, Joker Phillips refers to Coty Blanchard as a "crafty little guy."


UK not real underdog, but should it be?

Gamecocks Pre Kentucky Press Conference

Some interesting comments at the press conference yesterday that featured Coach Crowe, Brooks Robinson, Monte Lewis and Coty Blanchard. Note- comments are paraphrased unless otherwise noted.

On Playing Kentucky, An SEC Team:

*Coach Crowe emphasized that the Gamecocks must get off to a good start and not get down early.

*Coach Crowe said that some of Kentucky's offensive problems have been caused by inconsistency on the line of scrimmage.

*Coach Crowe: "Can we beat them? Yes, we can beat them." . . . "We have a handful of players as good or better than [Kentucky players]. We have some players that will be overmatched."

*Monte Lewis: "We have to have the mindset that we are going to go in there and get the job done."

Crowe on the improved defense:

Against Austin Peay, we were doing what we wanted to do on defense. Creating pressure with our front four and playing tight coverage. We are finally starting to see during games what we have been seeing in practice.

Crowe on the conference race:

"We have a chance to play the final four games and determine who is going to wear the ring on their finger."



Crowe on Coty Blanchard:

"Coty's best football is next week and the week after . . . He's still going thru spring training. . . . Coty is getting better every time he goes out there" Coach Crowe was also very complimentary of offensive coordinator Ronnie Letson in the manner that he has adjusted JSU's offense to compliment Coty's skills and compensate for offensive line injuries.

Crowe on Washaun Ealey:

Crowe did not bring him to the press conference because he did not want him to be the focus given his previous success against Kentucky (5 tds last year). Crowe noted that it has been a transition for Ealey coming to this level and that he left a lot of plays out on the field when he first started, but then stated: "His will and heart has become that of ours. He is a really special talent." Crowe also noted that Ealey is very analytical when it comes to the Gamecocks offense.

Crowe on Safety, Pierre Warren:

Pierre Warren is talented. He is so talented that we had to move an all conference safety [Keginald Harris] to linebacker.

Without element of surprise, Gamecocks prep for Kentucky, put matchup in perspective

Without element of surprise, Gamecocks prep
for Kentucky, put matchup in perspective
: If anyone thinks Jacksonville State is going to sneak up on Kentucky this weekend, you can forget it. That notion went out the window last year when the Gamecocks stunned Ole Miss and the entire c...

Kentucky Paper Rates the Wildcats At Every Position

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20111015/SPORTS03/310150086/1002/Kentucky-football-requires-remedial-work?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cs

Despite Loss, Tennessee Tech Still Fired Up to Play the Gamecocks

TTU FOOTBALL: Despite setback, Tech still in OVC race: COOKEVILLE -- The Tennessee Tech football team may have suffered a setback Saturday night in its 42-40 loss to Tennessee State, but the fight is only just beginning.

Locals shine on defense in JSU win

Locals shine on defense
in JSU win
: Shoutouts are in order for two of The Star’s coverage area’s finest football players in recent years. Ben Endress and Jamaal Johnson, from Clay County and Piedmont respectively, each made impact...

Gadsden Times Article on JSU's Prep. For Kentucky

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20111017/WIRE/111019813

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Post-Peay Thoughts

This game was just what the Gamecocks needed. A comfortable conference win where the Gamecocks were able to play a lot of young players. Here are a few post-game observations:

*Are the Bandits back? The Gamecocks' D seems to get more accustomed to the new system every week. Its hard to believe this was the same defense that struggled so mightily against Martin and UTC.


*Bye Bye Bye Jinx. The Gamecocks ended their struggles coming off a bye week.

*6-3- No, its not a baseball score. Peay had six turnovers. The Gamecocks had three.

*His greatest ability is his flexibility. Lequintez Reynolds is ready to go on either side of the ball. He has apparently moved back to fullback the position he originally was playing for JSU prior to moving to linebacker.

*Ealey is streaking. Washaun went for over 100 yards again. That's 3 straight (Peay, Murray, EIU).

*JSU has the biggest #27 in the Country. Defensive lineman Sean Watson,a transfer from Baylor, is now wearing #27.

*We Were Only Freshmen. What a night for some freshman for the Gamecocks:

1) Blake Burks, an offensive lineman from Hoover, played just about the whole game. He primarily played in place of Matt Jones, another offensive lineman from Hoover. According to the radio team, Jones is o.k., the coaches are just being cautious with him.

2) DaMarcus a/k/a Coot a/k/a Heavy D James, got a heavy dose of playing time tonight rushing for almost fifty yards- all in one drive.

3) Steven Coates, a quarterback from SW Dekalb in Atlanta, had a lot of snaps and completed his first pass as a Gamecock.

4) Ben Endress, a walkon linebacker from Clay County, continued his great play this season with an interception for a touchdown.

5) Jamaal Johnson, a safety from Piedmont, also had an interception for a touchdown.

Here's to you, Mr. Robinson: Brooks Robinson returned a fumble for a touchdown. He has now scored on both side of the ball for the Gamecocks. It would be interesting to know how many guys have done that in the history of JSU football.

Friday, October 14, 2011

OVC Football Previews - Week 7 - OVCSports.com—Official Web Site of the Ohio Valley Conference

Not a super exciting weekend in the OVC, but it will still be interesting to see where things stand Sunday morning.

EKU hosts SEMO. SEMO was blown out last weekend (losing their best running back in the process) and EKU destroyed EIU. It was a nice rebound for EKU after a disastrous loss to Peay. EKU is heavily favored, but if they lose they will be essentially eliminated from the conference race.

Tn. Tech hosts Tn. State. Again, Tech will be heavily favored. However, TSU destroyed SEMO last weekend 55-3 so an upset is not out of the question. If Tech loses and JSU wins, JSU would be in sole possession of first place.

UTM at South Alabama. Not a conference game, but it will be interesting to see how a very good OVC team stacks up against FBS bound USA.


OVC Football Previews - Week 7 - OVCSports.com—Official Web Site of the Ohio Valley Conference

Howard has knack for turning catches to points

Howard has knack for turning catches to points: Justin Howard hasn’t touched the football a whole lot this season, or in his four-year Jacksonville State career for that matter, but he sure knows what to do with it when he does. Tight end may b...

Thursday, October 13, 2011

G- Times Previews JSU v. Austin Peay

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20111012/NEWS/111019928?p=1&tc=pg

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Lies, Darn Lies and Statistics

With the season about 1/2 over, here is a look at how the Gamecocks shape up statistically in the conference:

Scoring Offense, Scoring Defense, Total Offense and Total Defense: The Gamecocks are 5th in all categories.

Red Zone Efficiency: The Gamecocks are second, scoring an amazing 18 of 19 times in the red zone. The good news is 14 of those are touchdowns.

Rushing Offense: The Gamecocks are 2nd.

Rushing Defense: The Gamecocks are 1st.

An old coaching axiom is great teams run, stop the run and win the turnover battle. If this is true, the Gamecocks might be on their way to a good season. These two stats go hand in hand with time of possession which the Gamecocks are ranked 1st.

Passing offense: The Gamecocks are 8th in passing offense, but here is what is interesting- they are 3rd in passing efficiency. The Gamecocks are not throwing it a lot, but when they do, they do it well.

Passing defense: The Gamecocks are 8th. This stat may be skewed by facing pass happy Murray, but JSU must improve in this area. In particular, on deep balls it appears the Gamecock defenders don't know where the ball is. The good news is the defense looks a little better every week. Coach Boone will get us there.

4th down conversions: JSU is first in the conference converting 5 of 6 4th down opportunities. Kudos to the improving offensive line.

Kickoff coverage: The Gamecocks are 1st. This may not sound like a big stat, but a few years back it seemed like opponents started every drive on the 40.

Field Goals: The Gamecocks are 1st in % at 4-4. Notably, our kickers have only missed one extra point.

Individual Statistics:

The Gamecocks are playing as a team and very few players are at the top of the individual list. Notable exceptions are Washaun Ealey who is 2nd in rushing and Spiderman Smith, who is one of the leading tacklers in the conference. Jack Jackson would probably be on that list, but he missed the first two games.

Gamecocks hoping bye week history adds fuel vs. Austin Peay

Gamecocks hoping bye week history adds fuel vs. Austin Peay: JACKSONVILLE — There was a definitive reason coach Jack Crowe invited quarterback Coty Blanchard and linebacker Clarence Jackson to share the dais at his weekly news conference Monday.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Former Gamecocks Find that Delta (State) Is Ready

Two former Gamecocks, Richard Freelon and Armani Williams, have found a home with JSU's former Gulf South Rival, Delta State. Freelon is the Statesmen's second leading rusher and averages over five yards per carry. Williams has nine tackles on the year. Its good to see these former Gamecocks doing well.

"Big Heart, Nerves of Steel and the Confidence of a Wild West Gunfighter."

The Gadsden Times brings it this morning with a great feature on punt returner/wide receiver Alan Bonner.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20111010/WIRE/111019986?p=1&tc=pg

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Gadsden Times: Gamecocks Gear Up For the Second Half

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20111008/NEWS/111009768/1061/SPORTS?p=1&tc=pg

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Congrats to Coach Stewart

Longtime Gamecock DC, Greg Stewart, is off ot a good start in the same position at La. Lafayette. The Cajuns defeated Stewart's alma mater Troy tonight to improve to 4-1.

Greg Stewart Bio - RaginCajuns.com—Official Web site of University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics

Football Recaps - Oct. 8 - OVCSports.com—Official Web Site of the Ohio Valley Conference

A wild day in the OVC.

Murray represents the conference well in a battle of teams defeated by Jacksonville State.

Martin, a hard luck case w/ two close losses, perhaps proves that upstart Peay is not for real.

EKU, who always gives the Gamecocks fits, shellaks (sp?) EIU. This is the same EKU team that lost to Peay, but that's there only conference loss.

Tennessee State who lost by about 100 to Murray clobbers SEMO.


Football Recaps - Oct. 8 - OVCSports.com—Official Web Site of the Ohio Valley Conference

Friday, October 7, 2011

Walk-on enjoying success

Walk-on enjoying success: Talk to almost any Jacksonville State football player about what they like to do in their off time and you will get a standard answer…play video games. Every now and then you also will hear that th...

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Quick Notes from Coach Crowe's OVC Teleconference

You can go to ovcsports.com and hear the whole thing, but here are some of the main points from Coach Crowe's teleconference with the media:

*Coach Crowe was complimentary of the Gamecocks' play along the line of scrimmage;

*Coach Crowe alluded to some problems the Gamecocks have had coming off of off weeks in the past. Apparently because of that, the Gamecocks plan to keep the intensity high in practice this week but the players will get an extra off day. Coach Crowe said he plans to keep working the team hard until we get good at what we are doing.

*The Gamecocks are in good shape injury wise. Washaun Ealey and AJ Davis are banged up, but both should be back for the Peay game.

*Coach Crowe was very complimentary of Ealey describing him as a "major intellect" or something to that effect. Crowe also commented that Ealey's hard running style takes a toll on his body.

*Coach Crowe said that UTM and Austin Peay were very similar and had high praise for the job Coach Cristophel has doen with the Governors. Coach Crowe didn't say this, but we think UTM will handle Peay fairly easily. Martin is a hair away from being undefeated after a very tough early schedule, narrowly losing games to Tennessee Tech and JSU.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Jacksonville State University - JSU's Clarence Jackson Named National Defensive Player of the Week

Jacksonville State University - JSU's Clarence Jackson Named National Defensive Player of the Week

TTU FOOTBALL: Tech beats Martin, now 3-0 in OVC

JSU's main competition for the league title is Tennessee Tech. Here is a story on their game against Martin.


TTU FOOTBALL: Tech beats Martin, now 3-0 in OVC: MARTIN -- Tennessee Tech's luck hasn't run out just yet. It almost did, but the Golden Eagles made the plays at just the right time, and took advantage of big UT Martin penalties on Tech's last fu...

Saturday, October 1, 2011

A Great Win At Murray

Its a great night to be a Gamecock! Here are a few observations from a cloudy OVC feed:

*So that's why you were the #1 back in Georgia! Washaun Ealey is now officially the player we thought he would be when he transferred to JSU. Good gracious, near 150 yards tonight and no personal fouls. It seems like he is buying in to the team.

*Pick your poison: If you are a defensive coordinator, it has to be tough to get ready for the Gamecocks. They pound it, run some option, hit you with some play action. If you key on Ealey, here comes Calvin and Coty. At some point, they need to let big Coot get a carry.

*Debut of the Slota Cat: The Gamecocks brought in all purpose bull in a china shop Jerry Slota three times tonight and he delivered three times. Before the end of the season, Slota needs to hit Coty with a pass.

*The Most Improved Award Goes to . . .: The Gamecock offensive line. After struggling early in the season, they are now blowing other teams off the ball. Tarik Milner, Max Holcombe and Spanky Ellis are much improved and we knew Mobley and Jones were good.

*Missing AJ: This was not a game where you wanted to be without a starting cornerback, but the Gamecocks were missing AJ Davis who tweaked an ankle in practice this week. Thankfully, JSU's other starting cornerback, Jawaan Booker was medically cleared to play earlier in the week.

*Bringing the Heat: Did the Gamecocks bring in Joe Lee Dunn as a consultant? They appeared to blitz on just about every play. While Murray certainly hit on a lot of plays, the constant pressure led to some stops by the Gamecocks. We are giddy right now, but if JSU can just eliminate the big plays they might become a dominant defense. They made Murray a one dimensional team only giving up 7 yards on the ground to an offense that included all OVC running back, Mike Harris.


*A pretty good trio: Trey Smith, Alan Bonner and James Shaw all turned in big games for the Gamecocks. The Gamecocks aren't throwing it much, but when they do this trio is producing.

*Who Are These Guys? After today's games, the teams joining JSU at the top of the conference standings are Tennessee Tech and Austin Peay. Tech beat UTM in a close one. JSU goes on the road to Peay in two weeks. UTM, Murray and EIU- all have two league losses.

Jacksonville State University - No. 13 Gamecocks Unleash Offense, Hold Off Murray State

Jacksonville State University - No. 13 Gamecocks Unleash Offense, Hold Off Murray State