A lot of people say that being able to run & stop the run are the two biggest keys to winning football games. That would explain why Youngstown State & Jacksonville State are where they are, since they're both among the best teams in the nation at both rushing offense & rushing defense. As a result, this contest will likely come down to who can do the most through the air. Unfortunately for the Penguins, their passing game is practically nonexistent. JSU isn't great there, either, but at least they've shown some sort of vertical threat (largely thanks to Josh Barge). That, combined with the home field, should be enough to send the Gamecocks to the quarterfinals.
Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:
- Quarterbacks -- Jacksonville St.
Running Backs - Youngstown St.
Receivers/TEs - Jacksonville St.
Offensive Line - Youngstown St.
Defensive Line - Youngstown St.
Linebackers --- Jacksonville St.
Secondary ---- Jacksonville St.
Kicking ------ Youngstown St.
Punting ------ Youngstown St.
Return Teams - (push)
Kickoffs ------ Jacksonville St.
- Youngstown St. 13-24 Jacksonville St.
