Jacksonville State vs. New Mexico State: A Midweek College Football Showdown
As the college football season heats up, Week 7 brings us an intriguing mid-week matchup between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, this Conference USA clash promises to be an exciting encounter, especially with Jacksonville State entering the game as a hefty 20.5-point favorite.
Current Odds and Betting Lines
The betting landscape for this game reflects the expectations set by oddsmakers. Here’s a quick look at the current odds:
| 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) |
The Gamecocks opened as 21-point favorites, but the line has shifted slightly due to increased betting activity on the Aggies. As of Tuesday afternoon, a staggering 83% of spread tickets and 87% of the ATS handle are backing New Mexico State, indicating a strong belief among bettors that they can at least cover the spread.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, with ESPN2 providing the broadcast coverage.
Jacksonville State’s Ground Game: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Jacksonville State has found its stride in recent weeks, particularly with its potent rushing attack. After a rocky start to the season with three consecutive losses, the Gamecocks have turned things around, showcasing their ability to dominate on the ground. In their last two games, they have rushed for a staggering 657 yards and scored 12 rushing touchdowns.
The dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huff and lead running back Tre Stewart have been instrumental in this resurgence. Together, they have accounted for 10 of the 12 rushing touchdowns in these games. Jacksonville State currently averages 204 rushing yards per game, placing them among the top 21 teams in the nation in this category. Their efficiency in the passing game, averaging over 8 yards per attempt, adds another layer of complexity to their offensive strategy.
New Mexico State’s Struggles on Defense
In stark contrast, New Mexico State’s defense has been a significant liability this season. The Aggies are allowing an alarming 277 rushing yards per game, ranking them among the worst in the nation. Opponents are averaging nearly 6 yards per carry against them, and they have already surrendered 16 rushing touchdowns this season. This defensive frailty could spell disaster against a Jacksonville State team that is eager to exploit these weaknesses.
New Mexico State’s Offensive Challenges
On the offensive side, New Mexico State has struggled to find its rhythm. After a promising previous season that saw them reach the Conference USA Championship game, the current roster has not lived up to expectations. The departure of former quarterback Diego Pavia, who has since made headlines at Vanderbilt, has left a significant void. The current quarterback duo of Santino Marucci and Parker Awad has struggled, with both completing less than 50% of their passes and having an equal number of touchdowns and interceptions.
The Aggies rank 104th in points per game and 126th in total offense, making it imperative for them to establish a running game to keep their defense off the field. Lead back Seth McGowan has shown promise, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and could be a key player if New Mexico State hopes to remain competitive.
The Gamecocks’ Offensive Momentum
Jacksonville State’s recent offensive performances have been nothing short of explosive. In their last game against Kennesaw State, they racked up 384 rushing yards and scored 7 touchdowns, contributing to a 63-24 victory. Their ability to score quickly and efficiently could put immense pressure on New Mexico State’s struggling defense.
With the Gamecocks’ offensive line creating ample running lanes and their backs finding success, it’s reasonable to expect them to continue this trend against a porous Aggies defense. The potential return of top lineman Shiyazh Pete could also bolster their efforts, although his status remains uncertain.
Predictions and Expectations
As the game approaches, the expectation is that Jacksonville State will continue its offensive onslaught. The Gamecocks have shown they can score in bunches, and with New Mexico State’s defensive struggles, they could easily surpass the 59-point total set for this matchup. Conversely, while New Mexico State may find some success on the ground, their overall offensive inconsistency raises questions about their ability to keep pace.
In summary, this mid-week matchup promises to be a compelling battle between a revitalized Jacksonville State team and a New Mexico State squad searching for answers. With the odds heavily favoring the Gamecocks, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see if the Aggies can rise to the occasion or if Jacksonville State will continue its dominant run.