Caden Creel threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score as Jacksonville State pulled away from Sam Houston for a 47-14 victory Saturday

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- Caden Creel threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score as Jacksonville State pulled away from Sam Houston for a 47-14 victory Saturday.

The Gamecocks (7-2, 5-0 Conference USA) led 17-0 at halftime and stretched the margin to 24-7 early in the third on Creel’s 67-yard touchdown pass to Deondre Johnson.

Jacksonville State then broke it open in the fourth quarter. Creel scored on a 4-yard run, the defense recorded a safety, and Jamill Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to make it 40-7 with 12:09 remaining.

Creel completed 18 of 28 passes without an interception. Johnson had three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Williams added four receptions for 50 yards and a score.

Jacksonville State also rushed for 197 yards. Creel led the way with 87, Jalen Likely added 53 yards and a touchdown, and Jacob Cornejo scored on a 1-yard run late.

Landyn Locke completed 16 of 21 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown for Sam Houston (1-8, 0-5). DJ Bailey added 63 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Chris Reed led the Bearkats with six catches for 80 yards and a 64-yard touchdown.

Jacksonville State: At Western Kentucky next Saturday.

Sam Houston: Hosts Kennesaw State next Saturday.

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