No matter if it’s MACtion or weekday CUSA, Group of Five football is fun to watch. After all, there’s a ton of great G5 programs this year.
Here’s my predictions for today’s CUSA games.
Delaware vs. Jacksonville State Prediction
I predict Delaware will win and cover the three-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 57.5 total points.
I think both of these teams are facing some pressure, whether it be internally or externally, to prove they are competitive in CUSA. Though keep in mind Delaware isn’t eligible to play in the conference championship due to rules for programs moving up from the FCS to the FBS.
But because of those pressures, I think this starts out as a low-scoring battle. I don’t believe either team will be in a rhythm until after intermission.
But in a game like that, I would imagine Delaware has a better chance to win. I just like how the Blue Hens’ skill position players are performing.
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci has thrown for 1,379 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 65% of his passes and rushing for 128 yards and seven touchdowns. Jo Silver leads the Blue Hens with 373 rushing yards while scoring three TDs on the ground. Wide receivers Kyre Duplessis (22 catches for 340 yards and two TDs), Sean Wilson (21 catches for 236 yards), Jake Thaw (15 catches for 232 yards and one TD), and Ja’Carree Kelly (13 catches for 161 yards and one TD) have made great plays as well.
Jax State and Delaware are both in the top three in CUSA in terms of scoring offense and total offense, but I don’t think either unit really starts playing at a high level until the second half. But I do expect the fourth quarter will be fun to watch and that Delaware will ultimately find a way to win.
UTEP vs. Sam Houston Prediction
I predict Sam Houston will win and therefore cover the three-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 47.5 total points.
I picked Sam Houston to win its last game against Jacksonville State, and the Bearkats nearly pulled it off. They must be frustrated by how they’ve performed, but I think that close Jax State game proves that they are capable of winning. And I think Sam Houston will finally get over that hump in this matchup at home – even though it’s not truly “at home.”
I’m also a little worried about UTEP’s offense considering its quarterback situation. Malachi Nelson won the starting job to start the season, but he’s struggled which has led to Skyler Locklear seeing more time behind center. But neither helped the Miners move the ball much in their 19-8 loss against Liberty.
Sam Houston’s offense, on the other hand, had some success against Jax State. Sam Houston quarterback Hunter Watson threw for three touchdowns in that game, and I think he continues that momentum in this matchup.
