College Football 25 🏈 : Florida International Panthers at Jacksonville State

welcome to Jacksonville Alabama a hidden gym a few miles from the border of Georgia and home to the Gamecock of Jacksonville State where these fans are fired up for this showdown about the play out on Burg snowfield today these two squads square off in a Conference USA Showdown as we'll see the Florida International Panther taking on the Jacksonville State Gamecock 48 sports college football ree Davis with you alongside David Pollock and Jesse Palmer and guys can't wait to get this started the Gamecock will kick it away to start on the move from inside is five nice job executing all of the assignments as they put a stop to that return at the 22 so fiu's offense will have the first possession of the game and here comes this quarterback when he takes the field he brings a certain Swagger and Charisma out out there that the entire not only the entire team the entire Stadium seems to feed off of you can feel it it's different it's special uh guys like this don't come around very often but he makes the whole team better but the belief is strong because he continues to make plays and be there for his team every time they need it they'll snap it on first down from the 35 they'll ride the hot hand still on his feet at the 45 and perhaps a touchdown saving tackle as they gets him down at the 37 defense is going to have their hands full trying to stop this guy they better rally to the football and get multiple hats cuz he is not easy to bring down here's this offense with a fresh set of downs On The Run it's Lawrence he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple and a great job by the linebacker you could tell St crowd the line of scrimmage get up there in the line of scrimmage see it diagnose it get in the back field get the running back on the ground for the tackle for the loss fired that thing out in a heartbeat but it's incomplete incomplete now facing a third and long looking to throw it's Jenkins going down field for the big play and they wanted it all on third down but now dealing with fourth down FIU will line up the punt first punt of the day and he'd love to lock them up close to their goal line no return coming he'll call for the fair catch the Gamecocks offense has its first opportunity of the day as we take a look at our impact players for this game David what do you look for to make an impact from your leaders your leaders not only have to lead the football team but they got to step up and make plays on the field keep everybody calm these guys typically do a really good job of it yeah David and they also generally set the tone for their respective football teams regardless of which side of the ball they play on the teammates look towards them to step up in big games like this motion trying to get the defense to show its hand got it behind the line it's Lewis the defense wouldn't let him loose and even though it's in completion they lost yardage third and 10 still backed up inside their own this drive hasn't really gotten started run the gun wants to pass grabed over the middle it's cuber and he's not going to get there the defense Stands Tall and makes the Stop and the Gamecock will line up to PL it away slips through the line really good job by the coverage team to make the Stop and that's where they'll put it in play the for and National offens is back on the field that last Drive fizzled out Jesse they had to punt it yeah they did and David they're just going to have to do a better job this time around erasing the mental mistakes and just trying to solve the defensive riddle understanding what they're trying to do to you and attack that got six on first down now a lot of options on second and four and he's brought down after a nice game man who says you can't run up the middle anymore right everybody thinks I got to make big plays I got to go way out to the left way out to the right way out in space nope right down the middle nice blocking how about the running back you could tell the speed the wheels does a great job getting down the field making a huge rushing play halfway there on first down it's second and five now he's looking to throw it showing the arm strength to the left throw to the sideline and it's complete and they've got a big play and this defense is going to have their hands because they're going to need to be comfortable with guys one-on-one on islands in the perimeter of the field and they're just going to have to make better plays than what we saw right there they knew this offense was going to try to be aggressive got to need better effort in the back end for this defense moving forward and the Panthers are rolling down the field a first down run on the doorstep forges ahead for one to the 8 yd line and these defensive tackles just eat people they swallow human beings when you get near him they're so big so strong those guys those running backs come and they just need a mid they put one mid on a running back and he usually falls to the ground just because of their sheer mass and strength pulls it in the end zone touchdown Panthers and this quarterback really does a great job of seeing the defense and seeing what kind of coverage they're in and I think when this offense goes empty and they spread the defense out it just makes it so much more simple for the QB to see what the defense is doing pre- snap and then post Snap you could tell he's playing in a great Rhythm right now because he's seeing the field and these empty sets are really helping him out he'll try to tack on one more the exra point and the extra point makes it seven nothing so that scoring Drive took only six plays and they finish things off with an 8- yd toss for the score about to kick it off after punching it in for the touchdown he'll bring it out it's right not nearly as much as he' hoped when he brought it out of the end zone he'll be stopped at the 15 guys we'll see what Jacksonville State can get going on home boy three and out last time David they'd like to be more productive this time around yeah in the last Drive nothing really clicked no rhythm got off the field really really quickly they need to put something together here yeah David bad execution on that last drive so they got got to take a collective breath and start playing like a unit on this dve and the pass is in complete thanks to a big hit not many receivers like to get hit they just don't okay they're free madonas that's what they are that's who they are nice job by the defender you could tell he was catching the football he was going to put a hit on him to make sure he had to think about something later and you can see the ball pop out and fall to the ground on a big third down love discipline by the defense there you got everybody with their eyes on the quarterback rallying to the football showing good speed on D nice tackle love the team defense he make the Stop and that it's exactly what you want out of your punt cover unit FIU gets it back and the Panthers will send the offense back onto the field that last Drive really productive David wound up with a touchdown they'll try to do it again yeah so I don't expect this offense to change too much Reese they had a great Drive they got got the touchdown everything working I would expect him to keep pushing this ball downhill and just imagine if they could put another touchdown on the board right here they could capture so much momentum in this game with back-to-back TVs give to the running back still running at the 40 they make the stop but not before he wraps up this first period with a huge gain that's the end of the quarter and FIU is on top we've played one before we move on let's have a look at the [Applause] stats they'll break the seal on this quarter here on first down used the play fake now to throw going for it all intercepted bringing it back and they capitalize not only on the pick but on the great return to improve this field position that's why his quarterbacks cannot Telegraph the pass you cannot stare down your receivers because these Defenders they're watching it and that Defender knew exactly where the QB was going with that football and that's why he picked it [Music] [Applause] [Music] off Jacksonville State has it back and the game Cox will go to work last time David it was one two three kick the last drive that three and out sometimes that put your defense in a bad spot and you got to get a drive together here so you don't wear the defense out I just think David too predictable that last Drive they got to do something here to get this defense on their heels the Gamecock racing to the line in the hurry up they're going to test that run defense to the right here brought down at the 39 after a pick up of 10 it'll be a first down here's this offense with a fresh set of downs first for the to the ground he's got it again you'll take this every time five yards on the first down play on second down will they go back to the ground game looking for a crease it's Lewis squeezes out a couple of yards down to the 32 will they keep it on the ground again here on third down they'll try to bully their way for the first they tried to go Smashmouth on Third and short and it did not work against this defense they're happy enough to try to take the points as the field goal unit heads [Applause] out never a doubt for this big footed guy 49 yd field goal is [Music] good so after putting three on the board the kickoff team is out there ready to boot it away he'll start the return inside his five just never had a chance to shake loose and he'll be brought down at the 24 guys FIU ready to go back to work on offense boy they hope this next Drive is more productive after throwing a pick last time Jesse Yeah and the coach has did a good job on the sideline there just talking to the Young quarterback and making sure he's able to turn the page calm him down to go out and refocus this drive day yeah and some people do that better than others but you got to show some trust in them maybe get the ground game going and help around him a little bit with the system going for the big play and they dialed up a shot play but they couldn't make the connection the quarterback has got to just settle down and take a breath through a bad pick last Drive almost through another one on that last play he's got to regain his Focus just sort of a Rel left the this run getting everything that was available to him and they'll Mark him down at the 40 now staring at a third and short from the 40 looking downfield it's Jenkins looking left and it's intercepted a turnover from the defense and he's wrapped up after a solid return on the pick this is obviously not a great start for this quarterback here two interceptions already in this game he's got to do a much better better job with his decision Mak the give to the back Pet's away from the defense and he brought one tackle on the way to a solid pick up there 6yd pickup on first down leaves him with second and four off the boot leg and rolling out got it in the middle it's brown excellent job working through the air there finding a hole in that defense and picking up a first down and the game headed quickly to the line comes out throwing on first down how about that play to get a hand in there and force the incompletion after the incompletion looking at second [Music] down out of the gun the inside K he's all the way down to the three showed it all on that run the gamec flying down the field barges ahead he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple you want to bring in your tight ends you want to bring in more beef for that offensive line I'm going to bring in more beef nice job by the defense understanding the situation Red Zone field shrinks I need more bigger Personnel on the field some big guys that can stop the run played the Run well great job by the defense understanding the situation we reached the 2-minute warning and we have ourselves a ball game and they have a chance to take the lead here before the half after getting absolutely nowhere on second down they'll try it again on Third and goal he is going nowhere stop at the line of scrimmage and for the second time tonight they'll Trot out the field goal kicker splits the uprights good [Applause] [Music] they'll kick it away after putting up a field goal on that last Drive from inside the 10 yd line he'll bring it back just never had a chance to shake loose and he'll be brought down at the 24 the Florida International offense is back on the field mistakes are going to happen as they did on that last drive now how will they respond Jesse and this is the kind of guy who's going to take full accountability that was my bad that's on me I'm about to lead this offense now down the field to score some points dang Palmer I wish I would have played with you I didn't play with many quarterbacks that were just like yeah my bad hey guys I got this sorry about that it was more you should have ran a better route fires to the wide out caught over the middle it's Washington and they'll do more than move the chains they'll move that thing more than 30 yds down the field before he's finally stopped love to see the fearlessness of a quarterback to work the middle of the field and he's got so much confidence in his own arm talent to be able to get that football there before the defense can break it up this offense just gets a bolt of energy when they get a play like that now they're in the Red Zone first and 10 from the 20 off the deflection missed a great chance to force the turnover instead it'll be second down couldn't make the connection last time let's see if they throw it again looking to throw it's Jenkins unloads to the Wi out got his man works his way to the four yd line and they'll have it first and goal this defense has become a first down machine and that is so demoralizing for the defense especially for those star players that are playing tons of snaps they're not subbing out as much by the fourth quarter they are going to be gassed the Panthers will try to punch it in on first and goal fires into the end zone and it's caught touchdown Panther and I just love the execution by this offense late in the half man you want to take the lead you want to get that momentum on your side and they do it they finish it with the passing game and I tell you what heat that passing game up you can keep this lead keep the momentum and keep putting up [Music] numbers they'll try to add another to their lead and the pat makes it 146 a very efficient five play scoring drive and they CA the drive with a four yd touchdown pass he'll bring it back from inside to spot not a lot of space to be found good Hustle by the coverage team and they stop him at the 21 guys we'll see what Jacksonville State can get going on own and to settle for the Chip Shot field goal last time Jesse they'd love for this one to pay off bigger yeah it just comes down to execution too did a nice job out in the field stalled a little bit once they got down to the goal line so they just need to be a little bit more crisp here yeah and listen I I think the first part was the most important part you got to put the drive together first to get down there now when we the expressway is wide open and the tackle was made but not before that completion gets him 30 plus well after that last play you can see how electrifying this guy is and how special he is after he makes the catch if I'm on offense I'm trying to find a lot of ways to get him touches in this game time dwindling away as they try to put points on the board right before the half throws toward the end zone and good coverage there to knock it away and deny the score great play by the defensive back showing you his variety of his ability to turn the hips his speed running down field turning his head to locate the football and then swatting it away you just can't do it better no good that one could have helped out a bit there guys but still an eight-point game 14 Jacksonville State one more play before the teams head to the locker rooms they'll ride the running back and leave it with him and he's able to get some positive yardage before he's brought down and that'll bring us to halftime first half in the books time now to join Kevin Connors in our halftime update guys who's had a better seat there in Jacksonville for an entertaining first half than you and we have to start this halftime breakdown by addressing the play of this Elite wide receiver this is clearly a young man who once he's finished playing on Saturdays he's going to be playing on Sundays the kid has different gears he has a knack for finding gaps in the defense and I can't remember a college player with that kind of catch radius and with that let's head back to the guys at JSU Stadium all right Kevin about ready to start the second half here we're ready to get it started here in the second half looks like he's going to try to return it nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 Jacksonville State has it back in the game Cox will go to work if they're going to get on top in this game they're going to have to find a way to get the running game going in the second half agree so it can create some more balance some more unpredictability I feel like this defense has got a good beat on what they're doing especially if they don't mix it up a little bit so I do look for a little second half running the football pal right this group and I think the thing Dave is they just got to be more physical I don't think this is a scheme question about trying different run plays I think it's up to the Big Fellas up front they've just got to make the decision that they're going to be tougher here in the second half so that they can win this game and a decent gain there before the defense makes the Stop and the game Cox will hustle to the line [Applause] and they make the tackle but he has plenty for the first down the Gamecocks come to the line with a new set of downs well that's two very good decisions on that play by the quarterback right number one not to hand it off that was the right look to throw and do and the second good decision was his guy with and the ball's loose in the back field Scoops it up still alive ball well the offense is able to avoid disaster right there problem is they fumbled it but thankfully they were able to jump back on and not have a turnover here comes the option that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there if they can convert here that type of play can really give you a shot of momentum on Third and long he's going to have to throw for it he's got an open man touchdown Jacksonville State he broke away from the defense and they couldn't catch it one of the reasons this offense is so exciting to watch they've got guys that are dangerous after the catch if this quarterback gets through his progression David he HS you in stride these guys will take it to the house man it's your job to do the rest right you hit me in stride where I don't have to stop running I don't have to break down it makes it so easy the connection between quarterback wide receiver you can tell this is a good one and that's why they got six on that play they want to see if they can score the deuce wide receiver now comes in motion touch pass on the Jet Sweep he's not going to get there as this defense stops the two-point conversion attempt and they hang on to this slim lead lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown drive here he comes from inside his own five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 if IU gets it back and the Panthers will send the offense back onto the field they'll start this drive from the 18 yd line on the move it's Lawrence knocked down after picking up five out to the 24 when you're a defense it is STO the run first that is your first responsibility it makes the whole game easy and right now they got it going on the ground the defense is going to have to change something up these little tiny Dink and dunk Dink and dunk you keep doing this they'll go all the way down the field you might want to get a little bit more aggressive third fairly manageable distance here on third down from the 27 they'll run the option and they did not let him get to that first down line it'll bring up a call here as a defensive guy now you're always zoomed in on a quarterback I mean these guys they're whether they're throwing the football or running it at least they have the football in their hands every time you know where they're going to be you focusing the defense locked and loaded understand what they were trying to accomplish doing a good job getting to the quarterback and then make those physical Hits Count finish those finish those tackles with aggressive hits make that quarterback fil you for a whole length of a game lost to throw on first down off the play fake and he bats it away it falls incomplete offensive players know where the ball is going defensive players don't great job by the DB adjusting to the football seeing it playing the wide receiver and making sure he can't catch the they dialed up a shot play but they couldn't hook up and that's just a play that you have got to make if you're going to win this game you're not going to get a lot of chances like that you might not get another receiver that open for the rest of the season dropping back it's Jenkins throws to the wide out working the middle good job running that route to get past the sticks because he got nothing after the catch and you don't see that often when you running a screen and your feet ing the running back and setting it up but you go elsewhere it's nice job by the offense nice job by the quarterback in particular seeing the defense saying I can make a play somewhere else and he goes and does it leaves it with the back he breaks a tackle nice pick up there gets him the first down and sets him up at the 45 yd line this defense really is on their heels they've been on the field now for a long time on this drive and they're just getting pushed around at the point of attack up front like we saw saw in that last play now a first down from the 45 yd line used the play fake now to throw shoots it to the left nice defensive play to get a hand in there and knock it away well I know that one fell in complete but what a day this guy has had thrown the football multiple touchdowns and he's done a really nice job with his decision making hasn't thrown any picks which has really helped keep this offense on schedule and he runs through one tackle and picks up a few and I love this because you got second and really really long and what's the idea of the offensive coordinator get third and manag nice job getting a run not only a positive run shoot you almost got the first down now you're set up for good success on third down defense has to be frustrated the offense keeps matriculating and matriculating and matriculating the ball down the field to the ground to try to pick up the first and a really nice run and pickup there before the defense avoided disaster and stop the really big play and they say a quarterback's best friend is a good run game and a good running back I think he agrees over 150 yards on the day I don't even think I need a quarterback the way he's been running the football all game long FIU comes out with a fresh set of downs off the play fake on first down to throw and he's picked off again is nice Vision hasn't been up to speed his third interception and a big return after the int sets up the offense with this possession I tell you what I don't know if I'm going to try him much more goodness gracious you can tell he's ready for what he's seen second interception I would not throw near that guy anymore you might want to try the other side of the [Music] field guys we'll see what Jacksonville State can get going on they took it down the field for a touchdown the last time they had it and now an opportunity to take the lead in this football game so they got to be feeling good they did their part score your defense does your part Jesse this offense keep that momentum I would say stay aggressive here and just keep doing what you were doing on that last drive right well whatever was working for you just go pass on the way it's picked off they bring him down but that great defensive play might be overt let's see what the call is the officials throw the flag but the offense won't need it they'll decline that and keep the big play looking for a productive play on first down the give out of the gun shakes off the defender just a Savvy veteran productive run from this junior they're in the Red Zone first and 10 from the 20 might as well give it to him again they pull him down at the 17 after a pick up of three tackle is at the 17 yd second down got three on first down it's second and seven to the air it's Jenkins looking to the end zone and it's knocked away and incomplete denying a big play on the final snap of the third quarter fourth quarter is coming up that's the end of the quarter and FIU is on top they've built the cushion they've got a nice lead now the task is finish the deal as you take a look at the third quarter steps not only is the scoreboard on their side but so too is time as we open the fourth back on the field after the break and we'll start the quarter here on third down they'll go to the air get it out on the screen they play that screen nicely he tried to find his way to the marker but it'll be fourth down this is one of those unique situations in a game as a head coach you're trying to feel the momentum and what's your confidence in your quarterback because you've got fourth you're in field goal range but you've got the weapons to get one more completion and ice this thing so do you kick the field goal or do you go for it there offense not only has a chance to extend the lead but they can also drain that clock unleashes to the end zone can't make the grab as he was looking for his man right at the goal line all right QB I got to trust you man you already threw one pick now that one probably should have picked you got to give me a reason to feel confident I can drop back and let you throw the football again touchdown Florida International and they made it to the house where they found that six points waiting on him number this is like a baseball pitcher that can't miss he is just pounding pounding pounding the strike zone man it just gets in the zone right when you can't miss you you've seen quarterbacks get like that no matter what they do they're on fire they're hitting the receivers and listen that's also on the defense the defense has to do a better job making him feel uncomfortable changing what they're doing in coverage so he's a little bit confused you can't just let him pick you apart ling up for the Pat and the extra point is good good and the lead is nine here in the fourth they didn't have to cover a ton of ground moving at 33 yds and they CA things off with a nyd touchdown pass he'll take the return try to get better field position didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 Jacksonville State has it back in the game Cox will go to work after that last pick David they really need to take care of the ball this time no doubt and Palmer I want to know what Spurrier said to you on the sideline after a pick do that again and you'll be right here beside me for the rest of the game you got to go out you got to call your plays and I hope this coaching staff isn't going to be afraid to throw at this drive and that's going to fall to the ground incomplete that was a physical match up there third down coming they line up and it is a long way to the sticks from [Applause] here complete downfield and the defense makes the immediate tackle but he has enough for the first down and the Gamecocks come to the line with a fresh set of downs First Direct snap couldn't find a lane a pick up of one to the 31 didn't get much on first down it's second and [Music] nine looking to throw it's Turner fires to the wide out it's caught downfield and he's knocked down immediately but not before he moves the chain the Gamecock look to keep this drive humming to the air on first down he'll take a deep shot here he's got it on the left slippery slide find his way and ran away from the crowd into the end zone touchdown Jacksonville State that big score makes the end of this game very interesting No Doubt the offense got what they needed more work to do but you had to get this part accomplished [Music] [Applause] first ready to try the point after and the Pat will draw them one point closer so that scoring Drive took only six plays and the scoring play coming on a 56 yard touchdown pass from inside the 10 here he comes he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 guys FIU ready to go back to work on offense looking for a gap it's Lawrence and he's able to shed one tackle and pick up pretty good yardage man it's so nice to have a guy that you can depend on like this this offense is built around him for a reason just a a good running back you can see gets north south doesn't dance picks up positive yards breaks tops he's just a really good player and that's why this offense runs through just about had another one picked off they have been way too Reckless with the football throwing it away three times already that one could really put this drive into high gear as they have a first down at the 37 well I think this running back has proved in this game here tonight that he can be counted on and reli on right in a big moment right here late in the game when they need to run the ball to ice this thing he's able to deliver makes the grab boy did he look as if he was going to go gets it down to the 37 I think most offenses around the country in a situation like this with the lead late would be trying to run the football right or throw it short and try to bleed the clock but this offense man it's still pedal to the metal they're looking for chunk play opportunities they've got at the 37 it's first and 10 they keep it on the ground clock is their friend and he's able to shed one tackle and gets a pretty good pickup that's got to be demoralizing if you're the defense you're trailing you need to get the ball back you got to get off the field but you can't stop the run when they're going between the tackles this defense is going to have to get a lot more physical especially in the middle we have arrived at the two-minute warning a onep possession game as this offense tries to hold on they'll line up for a second down play Keep It on the Ground able to pick his way forward for a decent game before the defense gets him down defense uses a timeout quickly trying to get that ball back and preserve time for their offense third and short from the 28th let's see if this is four down territory or if they just pick up the first here they get him down but it's past the sticks and it's a first down for FIU timeout called there by the defense desperate to get the ball back and save as much time as possible down to the 26 yd line and a first down from the gun the running back has it one step WRA two-step squeeze this junor knows how to get him on the ground quick timeout called by the defense stopping the clock to save as much time as possible for their offense at this point the defense has little choice but to sell out to stop the run on second and seven on the ground it's Owens and he doesn't find much Running Room a short gain on the play and that's exactly what you would expect from this offense listen when you're in that one to 2minute range and you got the football and you got a lead it's Smashmouth it's keep that clock running its ground game so interesting throws toward the end zone and he's got it for the touchdown and that one just might do it and man that was a nice job by the tight end finding the soft spot in the defense in The End Zone on that TD [Music] ling up to add another and the extra point is good and the lead is nine here in the fourth they go 83 yds on the drive and the scoring play comes on a touchdown pass from 22 yds out and he's coming out of the end zone he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 guys we'll see what Jacksonville State can get going on own now they need to put something together to answer that last score there's a lot of pressure too on this offense to have to execute at a high level they've got to score points D but they can't go too fast cuz their defense right now is tired and I think that's the difficulty being a play call like I have to balance all of those things my defense is a little bit tired I can't put on the field but I got to be aggressive because this is a back and forth type game so a lot to process and think about he's brought down solid pickup but a little bit short of the first down looking downfield it's Turner wide open downfield and he's brought down after a huge completion trying to get everybody set with the clock still running and they'll spike the ball to try to save as much time as they can and here comes the offense on second down he's looking to throw pressure coming only a couple there and now staring at third and eight and the Gamecocks are in the hurry up on Third and long he has to throw for it oh they really could have used that catch there physical pass defense it brings up a fourth down so here we are on fourth down and this field goal kicker is going to face all the pressure in the world thought he had it and couldn't get it through the upright he missed it after the Miss field goal it is still a nine-point game and you wonder if mechanically something is off with this kicker that's now his second missed field goal the day and guys we've got almost perfect conditions to kick the football I'm not sure what's going on running out the clock seems to be a mere formality here as they are ready to snap it in Victory formation and the quarterback takes the snap and kneels down winning those individual sixc battles every Play Time After Time After Time After Time and that leads to a victory here and I love when teams go out and play like it's sudden death like if they lose the game game their entire season is over this game wasn't for the national championship but wouldn't you wouldn't know that watching this winning team David tremendous effort and tremendous execution I love competitive people I love competitive coaches I love competitive teams that they know that their job is to go out and get a w no matter how no matter where you play you want to play in the parking lot we'll go meet you great job of this team being ready getting the W that's going to do it for us from here for Jesse Palmer David Pollock I'm reys Davis and this has been another presentation of EA Sports college football