On Wednesday, the Delaware Blue Hens will play the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at AmFirst Stadium in Week 8 NCAAF action. The Blue Hens are three-point spread favorites, and the game total is 57 points scored. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
This Delaware vs. Jacksonville State prediction highlights a Blue Hens team that has won two of their last three games and a Gamecocks squad that is undefeated in conference play. Wednesday night’s game marks the first matchup between these teams as members of Conference USA. They have only played once previously, an FCS playoff game in 2021, which Delaware won 20-14.
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Delaware averages 280 passing yards per game
Delaware (3-2 SU, 2-2-1 ATS, and 1-4 O/U) lost 27-24 to Western Kentucky in its last game on Friday, October 3. The Blue Hens beat Connecticut (44-41 in OT) and Florida International (38-16) in their previous two games. They are 1-1 in CUSA competition this year.
Delaware was tripped up at home by WKU, as the Hens were outscored 17-7 after halftime. The Hilltoppers’ defense shone in the second half to bottle up the home team’s offense, securing the win. Delaware outgained Western Kentucky and controlled the time of possession, but committed two costly turnovers.
Junior QB Nick Minicucci has completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 1,379 yards (7.4 AVG) with eight touchdowns and three picks. He has also rushed for seven touchdowns, including three against Western Kentucky. Minicucci’s top receiving targets are senior WR Kyle Duplessis (22 receptions for 340 yards and two TDs), sophomore WR Sean Wilson (21 receptions for 236 yards), and senior WR Jake Thaw (15 receptions for 232 yards and one score). The Blue Hens’ ground game is paced by senior RB Jo Silver (62 carries for 373 yards and three TDs).
Delaware scores 29.6 points per game (56th) and averages 425.8 total yards (43rd), including 280.0 passing yards (26th) and 145.8 rushing yards (83rd). The Blue Hens’ defense surrenders 26.4 points (85th) and 393.8 total yards (99th) per game, including 239.2 passing yards (96th) and 154.6 rushing yards (86th).
Delaware Blue Hens Football Injury Report: LB Dillon Trainer and CB A’Khoury Lyde are out for Wednesday’s game against Jacksonville State.
Jacksonville State has dominated on the ground
Jacksonville State (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS, and 4-2 O/U) beat Sam Houston State 29-27 last week, bouncing back from a 42-25 loss to Southern Miss. The Gamecocks are 2-0 in conference play.
Jax State responded to its non-conference loss at SMU with a road win over SHSU, as sophomore Garrison Rippa kicked a game-winning 52-yard field goal as time expired. The Gamecocks started their final drive on their 17-yard line with only 47 seconds left on the clock. They outgained the Bearkats 499-286 in total yards, dominating on the ground to the tune of 370 rushing yards.
Senior QB Gavin Wimsatt, a transfer by way of Rutgers and Kentucky, was benched in favor of freshman Caden Creel last week. Wimsatt has rushed for 238 yards and four TDs, but has only completed 55 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions, while Creel is 25-for-37 passing for 270 yards (67.6% CMP%). The dual-threat frosh has also carried the football 57 times, rushing for 381 yards (6.7 YPC) and three scores. Senior WR Brock Rechsteiner (17 receptions for 215 yards and three TDs) leads the Gamecocks’ receiving group, and junior RB Cam Cook (142 carries for 832 yards and seven TDs) paces the JSU ground game.
Jacksonville State scores 29.5 points per game (62nd) and averages 421.3 total yards (49th), including 141.8 passing yards (131st) and 279.5 rushing yards (3rd). The Gamecocks’ defense allows 26.8 points (88th) and 377.0 total yards (80th) per game, including 211.5 passing yards (57th) and 165.5 rushing yards (104th).
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Football Injury Report: OL Lance Johnson is questionable to play against Delaware.
Delaware vs. Jacksonville State PickSpread Pick for Delaware vs. Jacksonville State
I’ll take the points with the home team in Wednesday’s Conference USA clash. Creel makes the Gamecocks’ offense a more balanced attack, as he’s proven to be a threat through the air. That’s impactful considering how well Jacksonville State has run the football this season. The Jax State defense has also been solid against the pass, which would limit a Blue Hens offense that primarily relies on the passing game to score points.
Delaware let a win slip out of its hands in its last game, as its offense stalled out in the second half. I don’t expect the Blue Hens to win by more than a field goal on the road and wouldn’t be surprised if Jax State wins straight-up.
Over/Under Pick for Delaware vs. Jacksonville State
The Blue Hens rank 15th nationally in third-down conversion rate, but I question how effective they will be against a solid Gamecocks pass defense and top-50 JSU pass rush (14 sacks). The visitors have also struggled when they get into the red zone, ranking 112th in red zone conversions. While the home team could get a spark from Creel in the passing game, a repeat performance from the frosh is hardly a given.
I’m expecting a close affair with more defense than anticipated.
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