Jacksonville State is hosting Delaware on Wednesday night of Week 8. The game will take place at 7:00 p.m. ET in Jacksonville, Georgia.
The Blue Hens are three-point road favorites in this game on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 57.5 points. This is a preview, prediction and pick for the Delaware vs. Jacksonville State C-USA conference matchup.
Delaware at Jacksonville State prediction, preview
Delaware Preview
This is just the first season at the FBS level for Delaware. The Blue Hens have performed well in their first season in Conference USA. They went 2-1 in non-conference play, with their only loss coming against Colorado. The Blue Hens picked up a big win over UConn to announce their arrival at the FBS level. Since starting conference play, they are 1-1, with a win over FIU and a loss to Western Kentucky. Against the Hilltoppers, they outgained Western Kentucky by nearly 100 yards, but a couple of ill-timed turnovers cost them the game. This is a big game against Jacksonville State in a winnable spot for the Blue Hens. Teams like JMU and this week’s opponent, Jacksonville State, have made waves in their first season at the FBS level. Delaware has a chance to do the same if it can get a win in this spot.
Jacksonville State Preview
Jacksonville State is in a transition season, as this is Year 1 under head coach Charles Kelly. Former Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez brought this team up to the FBS level, then won it the Conference USA title last season. After that tremendous accomplishment, Rodriguez took a bigger job as the head coach of West Virginia. Jacksonville State brought in Kelly, who had previously been on the defensive staff at places like Auburn, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Alabama. It has been tough on Kelly, as Rodriguez took a group of players with him to West Virginia. The Gamecocks made a change at quarterback, from experienced transfer Gavin Wimsatt to true freshman Caden Creel. They are trying to work things out in the passing game, but they have not yet gotten it to click. However, they have one of the best running backs in the nation, Cam Cook, carrying their offense.
Delaware at Jacksonville State pick, best bet
My best bet for this game is the under 57.5 points. Jacksonville State has no passing game, ranking 124th in the nation in EPA/pass. However, its running back Cam Cook leads the nation in rushing with 832 yards through six games. The Gamecocks, as usual, will want to keep it on the ground in this game. Despite how good Cook is, that leads to slower drives with more time coming off the clock. Meanwhile, Delaware has been solid offensively, but it doesn’t create many explosive plays. Charles Kelly is a great defensive coach and should have a good gameplan to keep Delaware out of the end zone. Both teams will look to move it on the ground, limiting possessions in this game and keeping it under the total.
