Jacksonville State and Ohio College are greater than 500 miles aside and belong to completely different Group of 5 conferences, however they share many similarities as they put together to face off on this week’s StaffDNA Remedy Bowl.
Each packages are coming off convention championships: Jacksonville State (9-4) not too long ago captured its first Convention USA crown in simply its second season since transitioning to the Soccer Bowl Subdivision in 2023. Ohio College (10-3) secured its sixth Mid-American Convention championship, marking its first title since 1968.
One other similarity between the groups is that they are going to compete in Friday’s recreation with out their head coaches.
JSU might be with out Wealthy Rodriguez, who left after three profitable seasons to return house and coach at West Virginia. Ohio gained’t have Tim Albin, who departed after 4 seasons to develop into head coach at Charlotte.
Interim coaches Rod Smith (JSU) and Brian Smith (OU) will lead their groups onto the sector.
“It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re enjoying in a bowl recreation or it’s an everyday season or convention championship recreation, it’s all the time a problem,” Rod Smith stated. “However the usual is the usual for us. Our guys know put together. We’ve been doing this for some time, so it’s not new. It could be just a little completely different, however concurrently, our children will reply.”
Mentioned Brian Smith: “Anytime there may be change, that’s all the time laborious, particularly for younger children. The wonderful thing about our group is that they’re extremely resilient. They’re very shut. They love and belief one another.”
Whereas dropping their coach isn’t simple, the gamers have moved previous the shock and are targeted on ending the season on the suitable notice.
“Everyone on our group has the identical mindset: we management what we are able to management,” stated Jacksonville State quarterback Tyler Huff. “All of us consider in Coach Smith, all the pieces he stands for, and what he’s achieved for us this 12 months. There are not any laborious emotions. All of us perceive.”
Added Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro, who started his profession at UCF earlier than transferring: “All the fellows on this group love Coach Albin. The tradition that he has instilled within the group means a lot. I can communicate for everybody on the group that we want him all one of the best of luck, that we love him, and that he’s a terrific coach. However we’re excited to exit and play this recreation below Coach Smitty and we’re all rallying behind him for what he’ll do.”
Each packages lean on the tradition the earlier coaches helped set up.
“It began with Coach [Frank] Solich, and Coach Albin continued it. We’re making an attempt to proceed with that custom,” stated Brian Smith. “Now we have some excessive core values that our guys constructed into, and this system relies on them. Our gamers love one another, belief one another, and do issues the suitable means.”
“I first received to offer credit score to Coach Rodriguez, who established the tradition,” stated Rod Smith. “For the final three years, we’ve constructed this factor into what it’s, and we’re not achieved. We’re persevering with to proceed to rise. This program has great momentum and an incredible future.”
Regardless of the challenges, the groups are excited to play in a recreation with the Remedy Bowl’s explanation for most cancers schooling and analysis.
“It’s superior to be part of a bowl that offers a lot again to the group,” stated Rod Smith. “It’s an honor, and we respect it.”
E-mail Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.
Up subsequent …
Jacksonville State vs Ohio U
When: Midday, Friday, at Tenting World Stadium
TV: ESPN