Jacksonville State kicker Alen Karajic makes game-winning field goal despite falling down

Crazy things happen when college football is played on a Tuesday. Jacksonville State kicker Alen Karajic lined up to try the potential game-winning field goal in the final moments against Western Kentucky.

However, as his foot connected with the ball, he slipped and fell to the turf.

Amazingly, though it did affect the power he got on the kick, it still covered the 41-yard distance he needed. The ball sailed through the air, narrowly making it through the uprights as time expired to allow the Gamecocks to escape with a 20-17 victory. You can view the moment below.

As called by @JSUVoice on Jacksonville State radio: pic.twitter.com/D5Gwl9hCr3

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) October 18, 2023

A flag was thrown on the play, but it ultimately didn’t matter as it was an offsides call on the Hilltoppers. Jacksonville State declined the penalty and walked away with the win at home.

Karajic seemed unfazed by the slip up, as he hopped up immediately to celebrate with his teammates, throwing up three fingers and receiving plenty of pats on the back.

The kick completed a fourth-quarter comeback for the Gamecocks, which entered the final 15 minutes trailing 17-10. They scored a touchdown to tie the game on the drive prior, which spanned 91 yards before running back Anwar Lewis broke free for a 26-yard score.

After that, Jacksonville State forced a punt from Western Kentucky to get the ball back with 2:32 remaining. The Gamecocks got into field goal range on a 23-yard pass from Zion Webb to PJ Wells to reach the Hilltoppers 33-yard line, then continued to run the ball and forced WKU to burn its final three timeouts.

Webb took a knee the play before Karajic trotted out onto the field to attempt the kick.

It was the second field goal of the game for the Jacksonville State kicker, who previously made one from 23 yards out in the second quarter. The game-winner was within range for him, as his career long is from 46 yards out. He is so far 9-of-14 (64.3%) on the season after going 2-for-2 on Saturday.

Even more impressive, this is Jacksonville State’s first season playing in the FBS after moving up from the FCS. The Gamecocks have been undeterred by the move, as Tuesday’s win brings their season record to 6-2 (4-1 Conference USA). They rank second in the conference standings, but unfortunately are not bowl eligible for their first year of FCS play.

Either way, it doesn’t take away from the excitement of the victory, or the magic of the moment for Karajic.