(BCSNN) -- Garrison Rippa drilled a 52-yard field goal as time expired to lift Jacksonville State to a 29–27 win over Sam Houston on Thursday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

The Gamecocks (3–3, 2–0 American Conference USA) drove 56 yards in the final 47 seconds, sparked by Cam Cook’s 18-yard run and two clutch completions from Caden Creel to Pearson Baldwin. Rippa’s kick marked a career long and capped a wild fourth quarter.

Cook finished with 218 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Creel added 129 passing yards and 132 on the ground. Jacksonville State led 17–14 at halftime but was outscored 13–12 in the second half.

Sam Houston (0–6, 0–3) nearly pulled off the upset behind three touchdown passes from Hunter Watson, including a go-ahead strike with 52 seconds left. The Bearkats have started 0–6 for the second time in three seasons.

Jacksonville State returns home to face Delaware on Oct. 15.