Pick details
| MATCHUP | Jacksonville State Gamecocks | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 7-2 | 3-6 |
| Spread | -7.5 -108 | +7.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | -298 | +240 |
| Total | Over 54.5 (-108) | Under 54.5 (-112) |
| Where | Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY | |
| When | Saturday, November 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Jacksonville State vs. Western Kentucky Prediction
I don’t love the hook on top of a key number, but I can’t get there with Western Kentucky. WKU doesn’t finish drives offensively and is 102nd in scoring offense. It’s also 108th in total defense, 105th in rush defense, and 125th in scoring defense. Western Kentucky can’t stop anybody, and it’s why it’s coming off losses to MTSU and Delaware as a favorite. Jacksonville State is looking more and more like the team to beat in the CUSA and has covered seven of its last 10 games.
These are two teams heading in different directions, and a blowout win is expected. After the Hilltoppers blew two winnable games, I doubt they have the energy to get off the canvas and compete in a step-up spot. I’d love to get off the hook if possible, but I’m going to lay the points with Jacksonville State regardless.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks beat New Mexico State and Sam Houston, and they play Missouri State next. Jacksonville State has 6 straight games. Caden Creel is completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 1,987 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Creel has been sacked 9 times this season. Jamill Williams has 326 yards and 6 touchdowns on 31 catches. Deondre Johnson has 520 yards and 4 touchdowns on 26 catches. Luke Gilbert has 366 yards and 4 touchdowns on 20 catches.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks’ ground game is averaging 174.7 yards per contest, and Caden Creel leads the way with 800 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Jacksonville State is allowing 19.2 points and 321.4 yards per game. Caleb Nix leads Jacksonville State with 56 tackles. Tae Floyd has 2 sacks. Rob Billings IV has 1 interception.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers lost to Delaware and Middle Tennessee, and they play Liberty next. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have split their last 6 games. Brock Glenn is completing 55.9 percent of his passes for 1,039 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Glenn has been sacked 8 times this season. Jonathan Stafford Jr. has 523 yards and 1 touchdown on 54 catches. Moussa Barry has 223 yards and 1 touchdown on 18 catches. CC Ezirim has 176 yards and 1 touchdown on 12 catches.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ ground game is averaging 158 yards per contest, and Ajay Allen leads the way with 535 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Western Kentucky is allowing 33.3 points and 403.6 yards per game. Jaylen Lewis leads Western Kentucky with 66 tackles. Western Kentucky has 2.5 sacks. Tony Newsome Jr. has 2 interceptions.
Why the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will win
- Western Kentucky has won 21 of its last 24 home games in November.
- Western Kentucky has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 games at L.T. Smith Stadium.
- Jacksonville State has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 10 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win
- Jacksonville State has won each of its last 13 games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Western Kentucky has lost each of its last three November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Jacksonville State has covered the spread in four of its last five games in November.
- Western Kentucky has lost the first half in four of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Four of Western Kentucky’s last five games against teams from Alabama have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Jacksonville State’s last five November games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 11, Jonathan Stafford Jr./Cam’ron Lacy lead Conference USA in receptions (54) this season.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 11, Jamill Williams leads Jacksonville State for receptions (31) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Western Kentucky ranks 137th among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (9.7).
- Western Kentucky ranks 135th among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (-5.1).
- Jacksonville State ranks T7th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (2.2).
- Jacksonville State ranks 12th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (7.3).

