Jacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee Prediction - College Football Picks 10/4/23

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks will play the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a Conference-USA game on Wednesday night at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Jacksonville State has won two games in a row, while Middle Tennessee is still looking for their first win against a FBS team this year. 

Jacksonville State Preview

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 4-1 (2-0) this season after they defeated Sam Houston State by a score of 35-28 in overtime last week. Jacksonville State trailed 21-14 in the third quarter and 28-20 with a minute left, but they were able to tie the game with 13 seconds left and win it in overtime. The Gamecocks were out gained by a total of 435-393 and turned the ball over three times in the game. Jacksonville State has also defeated Eastern Michigan, ETSU, and UTEP this season, while losing to Coastal Carolina by a score of 30-16. The Jacksonville State offense is averaging 27.6 points per game with 138.2 passing yards per game and 224.4 rushing yards per game. Logan Smothers has thrown for 474 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for 255 yards and five touchdowns this season. Malik Jackson has rushed for 505 yards and three scores, while Perry Carter has caught nine passes for 166 yards and one touchdown. The Jacksonville State defense is giving up 15 points against per game, but did struggle against a bad SHSU offense in their last game. 

Middle Tennessee Preview

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are 1-4 (0-1) this season after they lost to Western Kentucky by a score of 31-10 in their last game. Middle Tennessee trailed 23-3 at halftime and was never really able to make it a game. The Blue Raiders were out gained by a total of 444-373 and turned the ball over three times in the loss. Middle Tennessee has also lost to Colorado State, Missouri, and Alabama, with their only win coming against Murray State. The Middle Tennessee offense is scoring 18.8 points per game with 234.8 passing yards per game and 126.6 rushing yards per game, while going 40.5% on third downs. Nicholas Vattiato has thrown for 1,168 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Blue Raiders this season. Jaiden Credle has rushed for 227 yards and one touchdown, while Elijah Metcalf has caught 27 passes for 235 yards and one score. The Middle Tennessee defense is allowing 31 points against per game this year.