Jax State holds off UTEP 17-14 in program’s FBS debut

Jax State holds off UTEP 17-14 in program’s FBS debut

For one game at least, the FBS level suits Jacksonville State just fine.

The Gamecocks held off UTEP 17-14 on a broiling “Week Zero” Saturday at Burgess-Snow Stadium in Jacksonville, with Jeremiah Harris’ leaping interception with 1:14 left securing the victory. The game was not only JSU’s first at college football highest level, but marked its debut as a member of Conference USA.

Malik Jackson and Ron Wiggins both ran for touchdowns for Jax State (1-0, 1-0 CUSA), which rushed for 208 yards in the game. The Gamecocks’ defense also came away with three turnovers, and held the Miners (0-1, 0-1) to 3-for-12 on third down.

Jax State hosts East Tennessee State in non-conference action at 1 p.m. next Saturday.

This post will be updated.