The Jacksonville State Gamecocks had the CUSA Championship Game locked up when they entered play in Week 14. Still, pride and a chance to knock out the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were on the line in the final week of the regular season.
However, the biggest concern about playing a game like this is notable injuries, and starting QB Tyler Huff realized that with a leg injury that removed him and kept him from completing the game in Week 14. However, the talented dual-threat will get the start on Friday night.
What Happened to Tyler Huff?
Huff was injured in the first meeting with WKU just six days prior to the CUSA Championship Game. On a 1st & 10 carry, Huff faked a pitch right, took off left, and was eventually tackled from his side. He was brought down awkwardly, and his ankle was clearly rolled upon the body weight of the defender.
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Huff laid on the ground for some time before the broadcast cut to a commercial break. When it returned, Huff was shown limping off the field, hardly able to put weight on his left ankle. It was clear he was in some pain.
After closer inspection and a further replay, it was clear that the ankle took the brunt of the body weight of the tackle and bent the wrong way.
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Huff did not return following the injury.
Logan Smothers entered the lineup for Huff following the injury. Smothers, a transfer from Nebraska, had seen action in each of his two seasons with the Gamecocks but hadn’t thrown a pass attempt since August when he was thrust back into the lineup for Huff.
With Smothers in the fold, Jacksonville State mustered just seven points and 107 total yards of offense in the game against WKU.
Is Tyler Huff Playing In the CUSA Championship Game?
Just hours ahead of the Conference USA Championship Game, Huff was considered a game-time decision. Speaking with the media earlier in the week, Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez said that Huff’s ‘tweaked ankle’ would limit him all week in practice.
“He tweaked his ankle in the third quarter,” Rodriguez said during media availability on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s night’s game. “He’s going to be limited all week. He’s probably going to be up to a game time thing, how we feel if he can be effective.”
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Rodriguez indicated how the Gamecocks’ offense could change with a hobbled Huff and spoke to how they’d have to feel about him come game time in order to put him in the lineup.
“Certainly, Tyler, running the ball is a big part of his game and a big part of our offense,” Rodriguez said. “We don’t (want) to put him out there when he can’t be himself.”
While Friday morning provided little clarity, it was announced prior to kick off that Huff would start for the Gamecocks, in a potential game changer.
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