Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State Prediction, Pick & Odds (Oct. 23)

Updated: October 23, 2024 at 1:56 am EDT

Published: October 22, 2024

Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State Prediction — Jacksonville State's Cam Vaughn celebrates after picking up a first down during college football action at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama October 9, 2024. (Dave Hyatt / Special to the Gadsden Times)

Middle Tennessee meets Jacksonville State in a Week 9 C-USA battle
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 8-3 in their last 11 games as a favorite
Check out all the Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State odds and best bets, below

Middle Tennessee (2-5, 1-2 CUSA) and Jacksonville State (3-3, 2-0 CUSA) square off in Week 9 college football action. This Conference USA showdown kicks off from JSU Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama on Wednesday, October 23. You can catch this midweek matchup over on ESPN 2.

Until then, find all the Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State odds and our predictions, below.

Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Middle Tennessee	+20.5 (-105)	+860	Over 63.5 (-115)
Jacksonville State	-20.5 (-115)	-1600	Under 63.5 (-105)

Jacksonville State are massive 20.5-point favorites in the college football Week 9 odds. While the total for Middle vs Jacksonville State is current set at 63.5 points. Bettors are all over the Gamecocks in this one, as 84% of spread wagers on on Jacksonville State to cover in the college football public betting splits.

Odds as of October 22 at FanDuel. Check out the best football betting apps for Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State.

Middle Tennessee in Tough Spot

Middle Tennessee’s red zone woes have been their downfall this season. Despite averaging 336.5 yards of offense, the Blue Raiders score just 13.8 points for game. Good for 130th in the nation. They average just 2.5 yards per rush, and 71.3 yards per game. If Middle Tennessee’s passing attack can’t get going in this one, it will be a long night in Alabama.

Got the #WeekdayCUSA win on Tuesday night!

📺 Full highlights from @CBSSportsNet: https://t.co/6nrX2snORv #BoroBuiltMiddleMade pic.twitter.com/rNoclEbbN0

— Middle Tennessee Football (@MT_FB) October 16, 2024

Junior quarterback Nick Vattiato has thrown for 1760 and seven touchdowns with five interceptions this season. However, his offensive line has struggled and head into this contest with just a 27.0 PFF pass-blocking grade – the worst mark in the nation. Keeping Vattiato upright will be the key to the Blue Raiders covering the spread. Wide receiver Omari Kelly has played fantastic football this season and leads the team with 651 receiving yards. Tight end Holden Willis isn’t far behind with 491 of his own. If the offensive line can keep Vattiato upright he has the targets necessary to pick up yards and score points. Unfortunately, that hasn’t come to fruition for the Blue Raiders this season.

It’s important to note, Middle Tennessee are a brutal 2-7 ATS in their last nine games.

Gamecock’s Explosive Offense is Unstoppable

After beginning the season 0-3, Jacksonville State’s explosive offense has led them to threes straight victories. The Gamecocks have racked up an incredible 161 points over the last three weeks, while winning each contest by an average of 39 points.

Former Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez has brought his patented spread-option with him to Jacksonville State. His run-oriented approach has resulted in a dominate ground game. The Gamecocks rushed for 334 yards on 49 carries in their win over New Mexico State last week, and rushed for 384 yards against Kennesaw State a week earlier.

Run it back 🔄

📺 | ESPN2 #HardEdge | #EarnSuccess pic.twitter.com/laEuMdtkqc

— Jax State Football (@JaxStateFB) October 11, 2024

Jacksonville State average a wild 226 rushing yards per game on 5.5 yards per tote. Rodriguez’ offense averages 39.3 points and 447.7 yards per contest. However, the Gamecocks defense isn’t nearly as dominant.

As a result of their explosive offense, JSU surrender 30.8 points and 412 yards per game. They also allow an alarming 44.05% of third-down conversions. That being said they’ve allowed just 15 points per contest during their three-game winning streak. Crucially, the Gamecocks are fifth in the nation in turnover differential.