The FCS to FBS transition isn’t always easy. But Rich Rodriguez and Jacksonville State are making it look that way.
Forty-one yards stood between Jacksonville State and undoubtedly its biggest victory since officially joining the FBS ranks this summer. Snap, good. Hold, good. Alen Karajic planted his foot, booted the ball, and then he ate it. The 6’5” junior kicker slipped and lost his balance, causing him to watch his all-important kick while sitting down on the grass at Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium. But when Karajic lifted himself off the ground, it was time for celebration. His 41-yard attempt snuck through the goalpost, providing Jacksonville State with a 20-17 upset win over preseason CUSA favorite Western Kentucky.