MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — In Jacksonville State’s first season in the FBS, head coach Rich Rodriguez is just getting it done. At 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the program’s debut season in Conference USA, Rodriguez has already exceeded expectations at Jacksonville State.
Last night, the Gamecocks stormed back from a 10-point deficit with less than five minutes to play to down Western Kentucky 20-17 on a field goal as time expired. “I’m teasing Mrs. Rita,” Rodriguez said in the post-game presser. “We always watch games, and she said, ‘Don’t ever leave it to a kicker and put that pressure on him. Try to score a touchdown.’ I was thinking that actually.”
In his second season at Jacksonville State, Rodriguez is now 15-4 and his name is starting to get mentioned for major head coaching positions that are available, such as the Michigan State position that is now vacant.
Although Rich Rodriguez has had his share trials and tribulations, and carries some baggage, at 60 years old, he’s proving that he still has the passion and expertise to win big in college football.
Do we need to start talking about Rich Rodriguez being back in the Power 5?
All he's done is take an FCS school straight to 6-2 in its 1st 8 games in the FBS. pic.twitter.com/jKI7o7dorQ
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) October 18, 2023
SEND US HOME ALEN KARAJIC ‼️@AlenKarajic
📺| ESPNU#HardEdge | #EarnSuccess pic.twitter.com/Q3cFgHs5tV
— Jax State Football (@JaxStateFB) October 18, 2023
