Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Prediction 11-30-24 College Football Picks
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-3) vs. WKU Hilltoppers (7-4)
November 30, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: WKU Hilltoppers -1.5 / Jacksonville State Gamecocks +1.5; Over/Under: +60.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers meet Saturday in week 14 college football action at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Here’s a Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Prediction. This article will include a Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Pick.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks just beat Florida International and Sam Houston. Jacksonville State has won 3 straight road games. Tyler Huff is completing 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,966 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Cam Vaughn and Michael Pettway have combined for 914 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Brock Rechsteiner has 12 receptions.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks ground game is averaging 260 yards per contest, and Tre Stewart leads the way with 1,318 yards and 19 touchdowns. Defensively, Jacksonville State is allowing 27.7 points and 396.3 yards per game. Antonio Carter leads the Jacksonville State Gamecocks with 90 tackles, Reginald Hughes has 4.5 sacks and Zechariah Poyser has 3 interceptions.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers lost to LA Tech and Liberty. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have won 4 of their last 5 home games. Caden Veltkamp is completing 68.5 percent of his passes for 2,364 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Kisean Johnson and Easton Messer have combined for 1,327 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while Dalvin Smith has 28 receptions.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ground game is averaging 120.1 yards per contest, and Elijah Young leads the way with 647 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Western Kentucky is allowing 22.6 points and 388.8 yards per game. Devonte’ Mathews leads the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with 69 tackles, Darius Thomas has 4 sacks and Anthony Johnson Jr. has 2 interceptions.
Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win
- Jacksonville State has won each of its last eight games.
- Western Kentucky has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Jacksonville State has covered the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Jacksonville State has won the first half in six of its last seven games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Western Kentucky’s last six home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Three of Jacksonville State’s last four games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Western Kentucky ranks 9th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (71.9).
- Western Kentucky ranks 124th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (206.4).
- Jacksonville State ranks 3rd among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (260.0).
- Jacksonville State ranks 8th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (71.8).
Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Prediction
This line is strange. I can see why you’d consider Jacksonville State Gamecocks in a letdown spot, as they already have a date set for the conference championship. However, the WKU Hilltoppers are coming off rough back-to-back weeks, which include a loss to LA Tech as a double-digit favorite and not competing against Liberty. At home on senior night, WKU should be able to get back on track, but I’m not betting on it. Give me Jacksonville State and the points.
