3 takeaways from Jacksonville State’s rout of Eastern Kentucky

SportsJacksonville State quarterback Caden Creel runs for a gain against Eastern Kentucky.Jax State AthleticsBy Thomas Ashworth | tashworth@al.comJacksonville State bounced back from its season-opening loss with a lopsided victory in its home opener.The Gamecocks rolled past FCS Eastern Kentucky on Saturday with a dominant 49-7 victory at AmFirst Stadium, giving Jax State its first victory of the season.Jax State (1-1) will face off against Ohio in a non-conference road game next Saturday. In the meantime, here are three takeaways from Jacksonville State’s home win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday.1. Big time performance for Jamill WilliamsIt took just one over one quarter of football on Saturday for receiver Jamill Williams to etch his name into history.The Albany State transfer wide receiver finished the first half alone with five catches for 109 yards and three touchdowns, with his third score coming with 12:24 left in the first half. He scored on plays of 13, 55 and 30 yards in the first half.Williams ended the game with one more touchdown reception of 4 yards with 7:09 left to play, finishing the night with seven catches for 144 yards; it’s the most receiving yards for a Jax State receiver since Cam Vaughn had 183 in the 2024 Cure Bowl.He became just the second wide receiver in program history to record four touchdowns in a game. Alan Bonner had five touchdown receptions against UT Martin on Nov. 3, 2012, which still remains as the program record.2. Caden Creel finding his rhythmJax State quarterback Caden Creel rebounded in a big way after last week’s loss at North Dakota State.The Fairhope native went 21-for-28 passing for a career-high 327 yards and five touchdowns in the win. He’s the first Gamecock to throw for five touchdowns since Marques Ivory against UT Martin in 2012, the same game the receiving touchdowns record was broken.He threw for 174 yards and three touchdowns in the first half and completed 12 of his 16 passes, also running the ball seven times for 38 yards. While against an FCS opponent, the quarterback’s performance should give the offense plenty of confidence moving into a road matchup against Ohio next Saturday.3. Caleb Nix isn’t slowing downAfter an All-Conference USA season last year, Caleb Nix looks even more explosive and versatile in his second year with the Gamecocks.Jax State star safety and Phenix City native recorded five tackles, a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry and returned an interception for a 43-yard touchdown in Saturday’s victory. He showed flashes throughout the night with his versatility and playmaking from any spot on the field in the win.“He knows exactly what to do, where to be,” linebacker Walker O’Steen said. “He’s kind of like a coach on the field. He does what he’s supposed to do, and when you do that, you make plays.”Thomas is a sports reporter for AL.com. In 2025, he was named Alabama Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. His work has also earned awards from the Alabama Sports Writers...