Jacksonville State football rallies to beat Kennesaw State in overtime in ASUN opener
Jacksonville State football came back to beat Kennesaw State 35-28 in overtime to pick up its first win over the Owls on Saturday at Burgess-Snow Field in Jacksonville.
Sterling Galban scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Jacksonville State forced a fumble on Kennesaw State's possession to seal the game.
The Gamecocks (5-1, 1-0 ASUN) scored their only first-half touchdown on an Amon Scarborough blocked punt return. The Owls (1-3, 0-1) scored 14 unanswered points in the second quarter while the Gamecocks offense struggled to get going.
The Gamecocks scored on a Keishoen Jarrett 46-yard reception from Zion Webb and Jacksonville State converted a 2-point conversion. Kennesaw State tied the game after Jacksonville State fumbled a punt inside the 10-yard-line.
Jacksonville State was led by Webb, who went 11 for 22 passing for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Sean Brown led with 72 receiving yards on four catches.
Late comeback leads to overtime
The Gamecocks outscored the Owls 18-0 during the third quarter after being down 11 points at halftime. They started the second half with a field goal before adding a touchdown and 2-point conversion. The Gamecocks offense outgained the Owls 173-17, including holding the Owls to zero passing yards.
The Owls were able to tie the game but missed a 45-yard field goal with 19 seconds left to send it to overtime.
What to Know:Three things to know for Jacksonville State football ASUN opener vs Kennesaw
Last Game:Jacksonville State football dominates Nicholls State behind Zion Webb's four touchdowns
Early mistakes don’t harm the Gamecocks
Jacksonville State fumbled on two of its first four plays, giving up two possessions against a team that tends to limit them. The Gamecocks defense was then flagged for roughing the passer, which set up the Owls inside the 30-yard line on the first play. The Owls got a touchdown out of it, but the Gamecocks were able to limit the mistakes from there.
Run defense struggles early, shines late
The Gamecocks have had some experience dealing with the option offense this season. They succeed early but the Owls were able to exploit a weakness in the JSU defense during the first half. The Owls ran for 138 yards in the first half and added 101 after intermission.
The Gamecocks had let options offenses rack up 200 rushing yards twice this season but held strong in the second half.
Up Next
Jacksonville State will travel to North Alabama in two weeks. The game will kickoff at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Jacksonville State football rallies to beat Kennesaw State in overtime
