2015 Record: 13-2 (8-0 OVC) FCS Championship Game
Key Losses: RB Troymaine Pope (2015 Third Team All-American), DL Chris Landrum (2015 Third Team All-American), CB Jermaine Hough (2015 Third Team All-American)
Key Returnees: QB Eli Jenkins (2015 First Team All-American, FCS ADA 2015 QB of the Year), WR Josh Barge (2015 First Team All-OVC), C Casey Dunn (2015 Second Team All-American)
John Grass, the 2015 AFCA Coach of the Year, is entering his third year with the Gamecocks. Over the past two years Grass has amassed a record 23-4, led his Gamecocks to the FCS Championship game, led JSU to their first #1 ranking in school history, saw the highest average home game attendance in school history, and went undefeated in OVC play for back to back seasons. This year doesn’t look to disappoint either, but the road to return to Frisco won’t be an easy one for the Gamecocks.
The Gamecocks lose 15 starters but thankfully for the Gamecocks JSU will benefit from a deep roster and a deeper recruiting class. The Gamecocks’ recruiting list includes former 5-star Auburn running back Roc Thomas, who ran for 2,211 yards, 32 TDs, and averaged 9.8 YPC his senior year in high school. Who was the high school coach that allowed Roc to thrive in this fashion? None other than John Grass. The Gamecocks reload on offense, returning All-American quarterback Eli Jenkins, 4 starting offensive linemen, JSU’s All-time leading receiver Josh Barge, and bringing in Mr. Football Alabama 2013 Roc Thomas.
The 2016 edition of the Gamecock offense may actually be more potent than last year. 4 returning starting offensive linemen will help protect Eli Jenkins. Behind Jenkins in the backfield will be either Roc Thomas or Josh Clemons. Grass looks to use the two running backs as a key part of his offense as they both have very different running styles. Roc is an elusive back with an ability to make people miss and great hands which makes him a threat not only in the run game, but also in the passing game. Whereas Clemons is a bruiser of a back who likes nothing more than to put a defender on the ground. Whenever Jenkins isn’t handing the ball off he’s passing it to either preseason All-American receiver Josh Barge or 6’ 4” Anthony Johnson. Whenever Jenkins isn’t handing the ball off or passing it up for one of his receivers he’s running it himself. Versatility will be the cornerstone of the Gamecock offense. Part of what makes Grass’s offensive scheme so potent is the ability to attack defenses in so many different ways.
The Gamecocks defense also looks to reload after losing two All-Americans in pass rusher Chris Landrum (now with the San Diego Chargers) and CB Jermaine Hough. On the defensive line the Gamecocks return All-OVC DE Darius Jackson and DT Desmond Owino who split time with All-OVC DT Devaunte Sigler (now with the Pittsburgh Steelers). The secondary is where the Gamecocks have done a lot of work. Starting CB Jaylen Hill returns for his senior year and JSU has brought in Wazzou 3-star corner Pat Porter and SEC All-Freshman Al Harris Jr to help rebuild the secondary. Though the Gamecocks lost most of their starters on the defensive side of the ball they benefit from the depth they have from players coming back that spent significant minutes in games last year. Look for guys like EJ Moss to be among the new faces making plays for the defense this season.
Schedule and Predictions: 10-1 (7-0 OVC)
W 9/1 vs. North Alabama
L 9/10 @ LSU
W 9/17 vs. Coastal Carolina
W 9/24 @ Liberty
W 10/8 vs. Tennessee Tech
W 10/15 vs. Austin Peay
W 10/22 @ Eastern Kentucky
W 10/29 vs. Eastern Illinois
W 11/5 @ Southeast Missouri State
W 11/12 @ Murray State
W 11/19 UT-Martin
Look for the Gamecocks to run the table once again in the OVC. They will find success through a reloaded roster and a great coaching staff led by John Grass. Their out-of-conference schedule includes a home game against Coastal Carolina and a trip to Liberty. I gave the nod to the Gamecocks over Coastal, not because homerism, but because of the home field advantage the Gamecocks have built over the past two years. Just ask KC Keeler about the atmosphere in Burgess-Snow when it’s boasting a near capacity crowd. Expect the Gamecocks to finish the regular season strong and seek a first-round bye for the playoffs.