FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — Zerrick Cooper ran for two touchdowns, threw for another and Jacksonville State defeated North Alabama 24-17 on Saturday in the absence of Gamecocks head coach John Grass.
Grass announced Thursday he had tested positive for COVID-19 and would self-isolate with assistant head coach Jimmy Ogle overseeing Gamecocks.
Cooper’s second 1-yard score of the day gave the Gamecocks (2-1) a 21-17 lead at the end of the third quarter. Passes of 23 and 40 yards to Trae Berry sparked the quick drive.
Alen Karajic extended the advantage with a 36-yard field goal with under 10 1/2 minutes left.
Cooper threw for 244 yards with Barry making five catches for 104 yards. Cooper’s 14-yard pass to Quan Charleston was his 61st career TD throw, tying Ed Lett’s school record. Cooper also ran for 46 yards.
Jakobi Byrd’s 100th career catch was an 11-yard TD reception of Rett Files’ only attempt that gave the Lions a 17-14 lead. Blake Dever threw for 202 yards.
Attendance was 4,632, below the 7,000 maximum North Alabama had set for its 14,215-seat stadium.
Both the Lions and the Gamecocks are playing four-game fall seasons.
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