Liberty hits the road for the first time this season, taking on Jax State on Saturday, September 6 from Jacksonville, Alabama. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 noon ET and will be televised on CBS Sports Network. It will be a CUSA clash between the prior two league champions.

After two strong debut seasons in the FBS and Conference USA, head coach Rich Rodriguez has moved on to West Virginia. Former co-defensive Coordinator at Auburn under Hugh Freeze, Charles Kelly has taken over in Jacksonville for the defending CUSA Champs. In his debut, Kelly and the Gamecocks tested UCF before falling, 17-10.

Under Kelly and new offensive coordinator Clint Trickett, it is a much more balanced offensive attack for the Gamecocks from Rich Rod’s high tempo rushing attack. Former Rutgers/Kentucky quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has taken over behind center. He was inconsistent in the passing game against the Knights, completing just 15 of 29 passes for 139 yards and interception. Wimsatt is athletic and mobile and can throw on the run. He has a big arm but is still gaining consistency and improving his decision making. He ran the ball 13 times in Week 1 for 28 yards. The Flames must contain the edges and force him to make plays from the pocket. He spread the ball around in Orlando last week with seven different targets recording at least one catch.

TCU transfer Cam Cook comes to JSU after leading the Horned Frogs in rushing last season with 460 yards on 119 carries and nine touchdowns. The former four-star recruit out of high school had 75 yards on 17 carries in the opener.

The Gamecocks did hold UCF to just 17 points in the opener despite giving up over 400 yards of offense, with 314 coming through the air. Colorado transfer Trevor Woods led the team with 8 tackles while Chase Alexander added two TFLs, a sack, and a forced fumble.

Previous Meeting

  • October 30, 2024: Jax State 31, Liberty 21
  • Series: Jax State leads, 5-1

Key Players to Watch

  • Gavin Wimsatt (QB)
  • Cam Cook (RB)
  • Thaxton Gallagher (LB)
  • Chase Alexander (DB)
  • Trevor Woods (DB)

Jax State Recent/Upcoming Schedule & Results

  • August 28: UCF 17, Jax State 10
  • September 6: vs Liberty
  • September 13: @ Georgia Southern
  • September 20: vs Murray State