Cam Cook’s Three Touchdowns Power Jacksonville State Past Delaware 38–25
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Running back Cam Cook delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday night, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns to lead Jacksonville State to a 38–25 victory over Delaware at AmFirst Stadium.

With the win, Jacksonville State (4–3, 3–0 Conference USA) extended its home winning streak to nine games, solidifying its place as one of the most resilient teams in the conference this season.

The Gamecocks came out firing, scoring 21 unanswered points to open the game and taking control early. Cook’s powerful ground game set the tone from the first snap, while quarterback Caden Creel provided balance through the air, throwing for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Jacksonville State pushed its lead to 35–6 midway through the third quarter, with Cook punching in two short-yardage touchdowns behind a dominant offensive line. Kicker Garrison Rippa added a booming 52-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to extend the advantage to 38–12 with 11:57 left on the clock.

Creel showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing 12 times for 57 yards, keeping Delaware’s defense off balance throughout the night. Receiver Brock Rechsteiner hauled in three receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown, while defensive standout Caleb Nix contributed a highlight play — returning a fumble 45 yards for a defensive touchdown that ignited the home crowd.

Despite the loss, Delaware (3–3, 1–2) displayed flashes of resilience behind quarterback Nick Minicucci, who completed 32 of 50 passes for 422 yards and a touchdown. Running back Viron Ellison Jr. accounted for all three of Delaware’s rushing touchdowns, powering through short-yardage situations to keep the Blue Hens within striking distance.

However, Delaware’s defense had no answer for Cook, whose explosive runs repeatedly broke through arm tackles and chewed up clock in the second half. Jacksonville State’s physical play and clock management ultimately proved too much for the visiting team.

The matchup marked only the third meeting between the two programs. Delaware had won the previous two — in the 1978 Division II playoffs and again in the 2020 FCS postseason — but Jacksonville State’s balanced attack on both sides of the ball flipped the script this time.

The victory gives Jacksonville State momentum heading deeper into Conference USA play, while Delaware will look to regroup after dropping back-to-back road games.

With Cook leading the way, Jacksonville State showed that its offense can be both explosive and efficient — and that the Gamecocks are becoming a serious contender as the season heads toward its second half.

Key Stats:

Cam Cook (JSU): 117 rushing yards, 3 TDs

Caden Creel (JSU): 116 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 57 rushing yards

Nick Minicucci (Delaware): 422 passing yards, 1 TD

Viron Ellison Jr. (Delaware): 3 rushing TDs

Caleb Nix (JSU): 45-yard fumble return TD

Garrison Rippa (JSU): 52-yard FG