Jacksonville State vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch

After starting the season 2-3, it wasn’t clear how Jacksonville State would defend its Conference USA Championship.

The Gamecocks beat Liberty early on, but their only other win during that stretch was against FCS Murray State.

But Jax State has since battled for a 3-0 record in league play. Granted, one win was a two-point game at winless Sam Houston, but the Gamecocks also defeated Delaware at home 38-25.

Now the Gamecocks are back on the road to take on Middle Tennessee, which is seeking its first CUSA victory.

The Blue Raiders are 1-6 and 0-3 against league opponents. They’ve lost four straight games.

However, each of their last three contests – all against CUSA teams – have been decided by a collective 13 points. 

Will the Blue Raiders be able to close that gap and snap their losing skid?

Jacksonville State vs. Middle Tennessee Betting Odds

Middle Tennessee is a +3.5 college football betting odds underdog against Jacksonville State, with the Over/Under being 54.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Jacksonville State is -180, while it’s +145 for Middle Tennessee.

Jacksonville State vs. Middle Tennessee On TV

The matchup between Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee will be televised on ESPN2.

The game will kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The contest is taking place at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Jacksonville State vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction

I predict Jacksonville State wins and covers the 3.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 54.5 total points.

Jacksonville State quarterback Caden Creel is reportedly expected to play today, and that would make a huge difference for the Gamecocks. After seeing his role increased the last three games, he’s thrown for 386 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions on a 67% completion rate and has rushed for 438 yards and three scores this season.

But whether he plays or not, I think Jax State running back Cam Cook is going to continue to thrive in this matchup on the road. He leads the country with 949 rushing yards and is tied for seventh with 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Cook has been consistent as well. He’s totaled at least 110 rushing yards in five of his last six games and has scored at least two touchdowns in four of his last six outings.

He’s a major reason why the Gamecocks are first in Conference USA and third in the nation with 276 rushing yards per game.

Now, Middle Tennessee hasn’t been bad against the run. The Blue Raiders are third in CUSA in rushing defense with 142.9 yards per game allowed on the ground. 

But I still think Jax State will end up winning the battle in the trenches, and that goes for both sides of the ball. MTSU may end up keeping this game close, like it has in its past three contests, but I ultimately believe the Gamecocks will end up winning by at least a touchdown.