College Football action on Wednesday evening, and we have a Jacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee Prediction ready to rock and roll. Jacksonville State is off a 38-25 home win over Delaware to move to 4-3 on the year. MTSU is off a 31-28 loss to Delaware on the road, and they are now at 1-6 on the year. Read on to see our Jacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee prediction.
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Gamecocks Rout Delaware
Jacksonville State enters this matchup with momentum after a 38-25 win over Delaware on October 16, a game that showcased their physical ground attack and opportunistic defense. Running back Cam Cook was the centerpiece, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Caden Creel added 116 passing yards and a score. The Gamecocks built a 21-6 halftime lead and never looked back, controlling possession and limiting Delaware’s comeback attempts. It was the kind of performance that reinforced Jacksonville State’s identity as a run-first team that thrives on wearing down opponents.
The Gamecocks’ offensive profile is clear: they rank among the top rushing teams in the nation, averaging over 270 yards per game on the ground. Cook has already surpassed 900 rushing yards this season, and Creel’s dual-threat ability adds another dimension. While the passing game is modest, averaging just over 140 yards per contest, it has been efficient when called upon, with Brock Rechsteiner emerging as a reliable red-zone target. The offensive line has been steady, creating lanes for Cook and protecting Creel well enough to keep defenses honest.
Defensively, Jacksonville State has been bend-but-not-break, allowing nearly 390 yards per game but tightening in the red zone. They’ve forced 10 turnovers through seven games, a key factor in their ability to stay ahead in conference play. Linebacker Walker O’Steen and safety Trevor Woods have been tone-setters, combining for over 70 tackles and multiple takeaways. Against Middle Tennessee, the Gamecocks will look to dictate tempo by leaning on their rushing attack while trusting their defense to limit explosive plays from the Blue Raiders’ passing game.
A Rough Year For MTSU
Middle Tennessee comes into this contest searching for stability after a narrow 31-28 loss to Delaware on October 22. Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple receivers, but the Blue Raiders couldn’t overcome a second-quarter surge by the Blue Hens. Running back Jekail Middlebrook added 68 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Hunter Tipton chipped in with 56 receiving yards and a score. Despite the loss, the offense showed flashes of balance and resilience, nearly rallying late before falling short.
The Blue Raiders’ offense has leaned heavily on Vattiato, who has already surpassed 1,600 passing yards this season. His chemistry with wideouts Nahzae Cox and Cam’ron Lacy has been a bright spot, with Cox leading the team in touchdowns and Lacy providing consistent production on the perimeter. Middlebrook has been effective both as a runner and receiver, but the rushing attack as a whole has struggled to generate consistent yardage, averaging under 90 yards per game. That lack of balance has put pressure on Vattiato to carry the offense, which has led to both big plays and costly turnovers.
Defensively, Middle Tennessee has been vulnerable, allowing nearly 30 points per game and ranking near the bottom nationally in red-zone defense. Linebacker Muaaz Byard has been a standout with over 25 tackles and an interception, but the unit as a whole has struggled to get off the field on third downs. Against Jacksonville State’s powerful rushing attack, the Blue Raiders will need to be disciplined at the line of scrimmage and avoid giving up long, clock-chewing drives. If they can generate a takeaway or two and keep the game within reach, their passing game gives them a chance to compete, but the margin for error is slim.
Jacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee PickJacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee Spread Pick Jacksonville State -6 (5 Units)
Jacksonville State -6 looks like the sharper side given how consistently they’ve imposed their will on the ground. The Gamecocks are averaging over 270 rushing yards per game, with Cam Cook already past the 900-yard mark and quarterback Caden Creel adding a dual-threat dimension that keeps defenses guessing. That formula has allowed them to control tempo, shorten games, and wear down opponents in the second half. Against a Middle Tennessee defense that has struggled to get off the field and ranks near the bottom nationally in red-zone efficiency, Jacksonville State’s physicality up front should translate into sustained drives and points on the board.
On the other side, Middle Tennessee’s offense leans heavily on Nicholas Vattiato’s arm, but the lack of a consistent rushing attack has made them one-dimensional. That plays into Jacksonville State’s defensive strength, as their front seven has been opportunistic in forcing turnovers and limiting explosive plays. If the Gamecocks can keep Vattiato under pressure and prevent big gains from his top receivers, the Blue Raiders will be forced into long, methodical drives they’ve struggled to finish. With Jacksonville State’s ability to dictate pace and capitalize on Middle Tennessee’s defensive lapses, laying the six points feels justified.
Jacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee Over/Under Pick
The over 54.5 makes sense here given the contrasting strengths of both teams and how that sets up for points. Jacksonville State leans on a relentless rushing attack that averages more than 270 yards per game, capable of sustaining long drives but also breaking off explosive runs with Cam Cook and Caden Creel. Middle Tennessee, meanwhile, thrives through the air with Nicholas Vattiato pushing the ball downfield to multiple receivers, and while that creates scoring chances, it also leads to quick possessions that put their defense back on the field. With the Blue Raiders allowing nearly 30 points per game and the Gamecocks’ defense giving up close to 390 yards per contest, both sides have paths to sustained scoring. Add in the potential for turnovers to set up short fields, and this matchup has the ingredients to push past the total.
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