BCSNN — Jacksonville State needed every ounce of resolve Wednesday night, and the Gamecocks found it just in time. Garrison Rippa’s 33‑yard field goal with 52 seconds remaining and Rob Billings IV’s first career interception on the final defensive snap lifted Jax State to a dramatic 27–26 victory over Kennesaw State at Fifth Third Stadium, a Conference USA showdown defined by seven lead changes and relentless swings of momentum.
The Gamecocks (4–2, 2–0 CUSA) trailed by nine late in the third quarter before storming back, powered by the towering presence of Deondre Johnson, whose 6‑foot‑8 frame and clutch playmaking turned the tide. Johnson hauled in receptions of 39, 35 and 22 yards — all in the second half — as Jacksonville State erased the deficit and seized control in the final minutes.
Rippa delivered two fourth‑quarter field goals, from 20 and 33 yards, the latter marking the fifth game‑winner of his career. His calm execution under pressure capped a night in which Jacksonville State repeatedly responded to adversity.
“This game is going to put you in tough situations,” head coach Charles Kelly said. “It’s going to create adversity, and how you handle adversity is how you move on. We do that year‑round. You just can’t do that on Saturdays — or Wednesday night — you’ve got to do it all the time.”
Kennesaw State (1–4, 0–1) opened the game with an eight‑minute, 15‑play march, converting twice on third down before Daniel Kinney knocked through a 20‑yard field goal. Jacksonville State answered immediately with a 75‑yard drive of its own, consuming the rest of the first quarter. Quarterback Caden Creel completed five passes on the possession, and Jalen Likely touched the ball seven times before Creel shoveled a one‑yard touchdown pass to Jamill Williams early in the second quarter.
The Owls reclaimed momentum moments later with a 70‑yard completion — the longest pass allowed by Jax State this season — followed by Rickie Collins’ two‑yard touchdown run. A missed PAT left Kennesaw State ahead 9–7.
Creel responded with a 38‑yard strike to tight end Luke Gilbert, setting up his own two‑yard scramble for a touchdown and a 14–9 lead. But Kennesaw State closed the half with a five‑yard touchdown pass from Collins to Javon Rodgers, sending the Owls into the break ahead 16–14 after the fifth lead change of the opening half.
Kennesaw State extended its lead to nine late in the third quarter, but Jacksonville State’s comeback began with back‑to‑back completions to Johnson — first for 22 yards, then 35 — pushing the Gamecocks deep into Owls territory. Likely finished the drive with a three‑yard touchdown run, and Rippa’s PAT cut the deficit to 16–14 with 26 seconds left in the third.
Johnson’s four‑catch, 112‑yard performance pushed him past 1,000 career receiving yards, a milestone reached in fitting fashion on a night defined by clutch plays.
The fourth quarter belonged to Jacksonville State’s defense and special teams. Henderson’s earlier interception set the tone, and Billings IV delivered the final blow, stepping in front of a pass to end Kennesaw State’s last‑ditch rally after Rippa’s go‑ahead kick.
The Gamecocks now face their shortest turnaround of the season, returning home for a nationally televised matchup against Florida International (3–2, 1–0) on Tuesday night. Kickoff at AmFirst Stadium is set for 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
