Jacksonville State vs Western Kentucky Prediction 12-6-24 College Football Picks
WKU Hilltoppers (8-4) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4)
December 6, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Jacksonville State Gamecocks -4.5 / WKU Hilltoppers +4.5; Over/Under: +58.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Jacksonville State Gamecocks meet Friday in the college football Conference USA Championship at AmFirst Stadium. Here’s a Jacksonville State vs Western Kentucky Prediction. This article will include a Jacksonville State vs Western Kentucky Pick.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers lost to LA Tech and Liberty while beating Jacksonville State. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have split their last 6 road games. Caden Veltkamp is completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 2,665 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Kisean Johnson and Easton Messer have combined for 1,472 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while Elijah Young has 40 receptions.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ground game is averaging 118.8 yards per contest, and Young leads the way with 738 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Western Kentucky is allowing 22.2 points and 383.8 yards per game. Devonte’ Mathews leads the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with 77 tackles, Darius Thomas has 4 sacks and Anthony Johnson Jr. has 2 interceptions.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks beat Florida International and Sam Houston and lost to Western Kentucky. Jacksonville State has won 5 straight home games. Tyler Huff is completing 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,003 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Cam Vaughn and Michael Pettway have combined for 968 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Brock Rechsteiner has 13 receptions.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks ground game is averaging 257.4 yards per contest, and Tre Stewart leads the way with 1,403 yards and 20 touchdowns. Defensively, Jacksonville State is allowing 27 points and 398.8 yards per game. Antonio Carter leads the Jacksonville State Gamecocks with 97 tackles, Reginald Hughes has 4.5 sacks and Zechariah Poyser has 3 interceptions.
Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win
- Jacksonville State has won each of its last six home games against conference opponents.
- Jacksonville State has covered the spread in five of its last six home games against conference opponents.
- Western Kentucky has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games.
- Jacksonville State has won the first quarter in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
- Jacksonville State has won the first half in each of its last five home games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Western Kentucky’s last six December games against non-AP-ranked teams has gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Jacksonville State ranks 3rd among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (257.4).
- Jacksonville State ranks 10th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (71.4).
- Western Kentucky ranks 123rd among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (208.3).
- Western Kentucky ranks 12th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (175.5).
Jacksonville State vs Western Kentucky Prediction
The WKU Hilltoppers should like their chances after just beating Jacksonville State last week, but I still can’t ignore those losses to Liberty and LA Tech. The Hilltoppers have too many games where the offense goes missing. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 5-1 SU at home and have been the more consistent team overall with a top-5 rushing attack and top-20 scoring offense. I like the Gamecocks by a touchdown.
