The Gamecocks (4-3, 3-0 in Conference USA) travel to Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to face the Blue Raiders (1-6, 0-3 CUSA) on Wednesday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. TV coverage is expected on ESPN2. Get in on the action with our free college football picks.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Analysis
Jacksonville State has shown a strong rushing attack and efficient red-zone offense. They’re positioned as a rising contender in Conference USA.
Key Player Stats & Team Metrics
Rushing: JSU has accumulated 1,932 rushing yards so far, ranking 7th nationally in FBS.
Passing: Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has accounted for 593 passing yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs; completion rate 56.1%.
Receiving: Top receiver Brock Rechsteiner has 263 receiving yards and 4 TDs.
Red-zone efficiency: JSU ranks 30th nationally in red-zone offense, scoring on 90.9% of opportunities.
Time of possession: JSU averages 31:09 per game, ranked 44th in FBS.
Strengths: Balanced rush-heavy attack, efficient red-zone offense, momentum in conference play Weaknesses: Passing game is less explosive; if forced heavily through the air they may be more vulnerable
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Analysis
Middle Tennessee comes into this contest with major struggles, both offensively and defensively. They’re seeking to avoid a deeper slide in CUSA.
Key Player Stats & Team Metrics
Passing: QB Nicholas Vattiato has thrown for 1,672 yards, 11 TDs and 5 INTs with a completion rate of 61.8%.
Rushing: RB Jekail Middlebrook has 501 rushing yards on 87 carries, with 3 TDs.
Receiving: Top WR Nahzae Cox has 390 receiving yards and 5 TDs.
Red-zone defense: MTSU allows opponents to score on 95.7% of red-zone trips—ranked 128th in FBS.
Time of possession: MTSU averages 28:37 per game, ranked 102nd in FBS. WTOP News
Strengths: The passing game shows some promise, and they have home-field advantage Weaknesses: Poor rush defense, weak red-zone defense, overall momentum lacking
Standout Players and Key NotesJacksonville State:
Cam Cook (RB) is a key weapon in the rushing attack and sets the pace.
The offensive line and run-game control will be vital for JSU to keep MTSU’s offense off the field.
JSU’s defensive ability to stop the run and force third-downs will also be key.
Middle Tennessee:
Nicholas Vattiato must be sharp, avoid turnovers, and lead drives to keep MTSU competitive.
MTSU’s defense must improve in the red-zone and limit JSU’s rushing effectiveness to have a shot.
Home crowd and possible urgency can give MTSU a boost—but they need fundamentals.
Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State Prediction Reasoning
The matchup heavily favors Jacksonville State. Their rushing dominance, efficiency in the red zone, and superior overall team metrics point toward them being the more complete team. Middle Tennessee’s defensive struggles—especially against the run and in the red zone—create major vulnerabilities.
Take Jax State to cover the spread.
Final Score Projection: Jacksonville State 31, Middle Tennessee 17
Best Picks Jacksonville State −5.5 spread Under 54.5 total points 
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