UTM will be playing Jacksonville State University (JSU) on 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Graham Stadium to wrap up its 67th annual homecoming week.
The Gamecocks are currently ranked No. 18 nationally and ranked No. 5 in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). They have gained some momentum after their 14-12 victory over the Murray State Racers last week.
The Skyhawks are currently No. 1 in the OVC with a 4-1 conference record. However, they are reeling from a defeat last week to Southeast Missouri Redhawks, who capitalized off of multiple interceptions late in the game to beat the Skyhawks 17-10.
Saturday’s game will mark the sixth homecoming matchup between the Skyhawks and Gamecocks, with the previous homecoming meetings being in 1984, 1986, 1990, 2004 and 2013.
The Skyhawks have been able to secure eight of the last 13 homecoming games under head coach Jason Simpson, who has 85 career victories overall.
JSU’s head coach, John Grass, has also developed a winning reputation within his football program, leading his team to a 58-16 record over his past six seasons with JSU.
The Gamecocks will be bringing stand-out players to this match up on both ends of the field with senior wide receiver Josh Pearson, who has 723 yards on 43 receptions and sophomore quarterback junior Zerrick Cooper, who has amassed 21 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. With JSU’s current record of 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the OVC, the Skyhawks can expect to their work cut out for them as they face off against last season’s OVC winner for this year’s homecoming game.
Tickets for the game can be bought upon entrance at Graham Stadium on game day and the game will also be available on ESPN+. For more information, visit https://utmsports.com/.
