The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-3, 7-0 C-USA) will be going for their fourth consecutive road win when they face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 7-4, 5-2 C-USA) on Saturday afternoon. The game will be played at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, and it is scheduled to begin at 4 PM. ET.
The Gamecocks are coming off a 21-11 win over Sam Houston State as 5.5-point favorites. The Hilltoppers are coming off a 38-21 loss to Liberty as one-point underdogs.
Jacksonville State won the lone meeting between the two teams last season, 20-17.
Which of these Conference USA teams picks up the win? Read more in this Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers prediction.
If you are struggling to pick winners, you've come to the right place. We have the strongest NCAAF Predictions.
Jacksonville State Going For Ninth Consecutive Win
The Gamecocks have been on a roll since the end of September and come into this game on an eight-game winning streak. They’ve already clinched a spot in the Conference USA championship game and will try to pick up their ninth straight win when they play on Saturday.
Jacksonville State averages 37.1 points per game. They throw for 184.3 yards and rush for 260 yards per game.
Tyler Huff completed 75 percent of his passes for 54 yards in the win over the Bearkats. He also had 30 carries for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Tre Stewart had 27 carries for 99 yards, while Sean Brown had one catch for 22 yards.
Jacksonville State has struggled defensively, giving up 27.7 points per game. They gave up 11 points in their last game and will need a similar effort if they want to get the win.
Need assistance with college football? We have the Best College Football Handicappers!
Western Kentucky Trying To Keep Conference Title Hopes Alive
The Hilltoppers followed up their four-game winning streak with two straight losses, which has dropped them to a tie for second in the conference standings with Liberty and Sam Houston State. They already have a win over the Bearkats this season and will have to defeat the Gamecocks and hope the Flames lose their game in order to make it to the conference title game.
Western Kentucky averages 27.4 points per game. They throw for 267.4 yards and rush for 120.1 yards per game.
Caden Veltkamp completed 59 percent of his passes for 262 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in the loss to the Flames. Elijah Young had nine carries for 60 yards, while Kisean Johnson had seven catches for 94 yards and one touchdown.
Western Kentucky has played well defensively, giving up 22.6 points per game. They gave up 38 points in their last game and will have to do a better job if they want to win this game.
Check out some of the greatest betting opportunities and sportsbook promos.
Craig Trapp - HOT 6-1 Best Bet Run Last 4 Days - Last Day of 3 Weeks for Price of 1 Sale $99 - CLICK HERE
Dog Of The Day - 20-2 CFB Run - Grab Tonight's POWERFUL Dog For Just $15 - CLICK HERE
The Insiders Room - 11-1 CFB Run - Grab Their Mountain West Total Of The Month for just $45 - CLICK HERE
Nick Parsons - 9-2 CFB Run -Pick Up Nick's Saturday Night CFB Bail Ourt Special for just $25 - CLICK HERE
Rob Vincilleti - 16-4 CBB Run - Grab Rob's Saturday CBB Early Play for just $50 - CLICK HERE
Best Bets for Jacksonville State vs. Western Kentucky
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
The Gamecocks have won eight straight games while the Hilltoppers have lost two straight games. Jacksonville State is the better offensive team and they have the edge here. They are playing well offensively and scored at least 40 points in seven of their last eight games. They run the ball 66 percent of the time with the third-ranked ground game in the country. They are facing a team that is 118th against the run, giving up more than 200 yards per game, so expect the Hilltoppers to have a hard time slowing down the Gamecocks in this game.
The Hilltoppers don’t run the ball well, but they have a good passing game. Unfortunately for them, the Gamecocks have the 56th-best pass defense in the country and will keep their offense in check. Go with Jacksonville State to cover the spread.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
The Gamecocks and Hilltoppers played over the total in two of their last three games. Jacksonville State averages 37.1 points per game. They have the third-best ground game in the country and they’re facing a team that is giving up more than 205 rushing yards per game and gives up 22.6 points per game. The Hilltoppers average 27.4 points per game. They have the 36th-best passing game in the country and they’re facing a team that is 56th against the pass and is giving up 27.7 points per game. Don’t expect these teams to score enough points to push the score over the total.
