Opponent Preview: Jacksonville State
After starting the season 0-2 for the first time since 2017, the Eagles will play their home opener against Jacksonville State on September 13, 2025 at Paulson Stadium. The Gamecocks, a member of Conference USA, enter the matchup with a 1-1 record after a 17-10 loss to the UCF Knights and a 34-24 win over the Liberty Flames.
Jacksonville State’s defense gave up 534 yards against the Flames but were able to force two turnovers and come out on top. The top defensive player for the Gamecocks last week against Liberty was a familiar name for the Georgia Southern fans: LB Isaac Walker. Before leaving the Eagles program midseason in 2024 and transferring to Jacksonville State, he played in 38 games and had 59 tackles including 10 sacks, 14.5 TFL, and an interception in his career. Given the circumstances of his departure from Statesboro, he will likely be on a mission to make a statement on Saturday.
Offensively, Jacksonville State runs the ball A LOT. Over the first two weeks of the season, the Gamecocks have run the ball 87 times while attempting just 42 passes. Their number one running back is junior Cam Cook who has 46 carries for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season. The Georgia Southern defense has given up 330 yards per game on the ground, so this is a matchup nightmare for the Eagles. The defense should be crammed into the box selling out to stop the run and if QB Gavin Wimsatt finds success, so be it. So far, he is just 21/41 for 191 yards with 0 touchdowns and 1 interception.
The special teams unit is led by RS sophomore kicker Garrison Rippa who has made 3/4 field goal attempts this season including a 50-yarder. His lone miss was a blocked field goal. The majority of the punts this season have been handled by RS senior Cade Backe who has averaged 40.29 yard per punt on 7 attempts this season. He has been able to pin the opponent inside the 20-yard line twice through two games. In the return game, the Gamecocks after attempted Just two kickoff returns and have not found much success but they typically send former Georgia RB Andrew Paul and WR Gabe Glover back as the return men.
The keys to this game for Georgia Southern are to win the turnover margin and slow down the Jacksonville State run game. The defense should be stacked in the box and sold out to stop the run with how much Jacksonville State runs the ball.
Players to Watch for Jacksonville State
LB/DE Isaac Walker
Transferred to Jacksonville State from Georgia Southern after the 2024 season
Had 5 tackles including a sack and 2 TFL and a forced fumble against Liberty in Week Two
RB Cam Cook
Transferred to Jacksonville State from TCU after the 2024 season
Had 460 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns for the Horned Frogs in 2024
Had 29 carries for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns against Liberty in Week Two
S Trevor Woods
Transferred to Jacksonville State from Colorado after the 2024 season
Leads the Gamecocks with 13 tackles through two games
