Jacksonville State vs. New Mexico State: A Mid-Week College Football Showdown
As the college football season heats up, Week 7 brings an intriguing mid-week matchup between New Mexico State and Jacksonville State on Wednesday, October 9. With Jacksonville State entering the game as a 20.5-point favorite, the stakes are high for both teams as they look to establish momentum in Conference USA.
Game Overview
This clash features two teams with contrasting fortunes. New Mexico State (1-4, 0-2 C-USA) has struggled to find its footing this season, while Jacksonville State (2-3, 1-0 C-USA) has shown signs of life, particularly in its recent performances. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, with ESPN2 providing live coverage.
Current Odds
The betting lines reflect the expectations surrounding this matchup:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State Aggies | +20.5 (-110) | +850 | O 59 (-108) |
| Jacksonville State Gamecocks | -20.5 (-110) | -1450 | U 59 (-112) |
Jacksonville State opened as a 21-point favorite, but the line has shifted slightly due to a surge of bets on New Mexico State, which has seen 83% of spread tickets and 87% of the ATS handle backing the Aggies.
Jacksonville State’s Ground Game
The Gamecocks have found success on the ground in recent weeks, showcasing a powerful rushing attack that has become their hallmark. After a rocky start to the season, they exploded for 384 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in a dominant 63-24 victory over Kennesaw State. This followed a solid 273-yard, 5-touchdown performance against Southern Miss.
Dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huff and lead running back Tre Stewart have been pivotal in this resurgence, combining for 10 of the 15 rushing touchdowns in these two games. Jacksonville State currently ranks in the top 21 nationally, averaging 204 rushing yards per game. Their efficiency in the passing game, averaging over 8 yards per attempt, adds another layer of complexity for opposing defenses.
New Mexico State’s Defensive Struggles
In stark contrast, New Mexico State’s defense has been a significant liability. The Aggies are allowing a staggering 277 rushing yards per game, ranking them 133rd in the nation. Opponents have been able to exploit this weakness, averaging nearly 6 yards per carry and scoring 16 rushing touchdowns against them.
This defensive frailty poses a significant challenge as they prepare to face a Jacksonville State team that thrives on the ground. If the Aggies hope to compete, they must find a way to shore up their run defense and limit the Gamecocks’ offensive production.
New Mexico State’s Offensive Woes
On the offensive side, New Mexico State has struggled to find its rhythm. After a promising season last year, the departure of former quarterback Diego Pavia to Vanderbilt has left a void. The current quarterback duo of Santino Marucci and Parker Awad has been ineffective, with both completing less than 50% of their passes and struggling to find the end zone.
The Aggies rank 104th in points per game and 126th in total offense, making it imperative for them to establish a ground game to keep their defense off the field. Running back Seth McGowan has shown flashes of potential, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and could be a key player in this matchup.
Key Players to Watch
-
Jacksonville State: Tyler Huff (QB) and Tre Stewart (RB) have been instrumental in the Gamecocks’ recent success. Their ability to control the game on the ground will be crucial.
- New Mexico State: Seth McGowan (RB) will need to step up and provide a spark for the Aggies, while the quarterback situation remains a point of concern.
Prediction Insights
With Jacksonville State’s recent offensive explosion and New Mexico State’s defensive struggles, the Gamecocks are favored to dominate this matchup. The over/under is set at 59 points, and given Jacksonville State’s ability to score, they could potentially hit that mark on their own. However, if New Mexico State can establish a running game and find some offensive rhythm, they may contribute enough to push the total over.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal game, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if Jacksonville State can continue its momentum or if New Mexico State can pull off an upset and turn its season around.