| MATCHUP | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | Jacksonville State Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-1 | 2-2 |
| Spread | +7 -108 | -7 -112 |
| Moneyline | +230 | -285 |
| Total | Over 51.5 (-110) | Under 51.5 (-110) |
| Where | Jacksonville State Stadium | |
| When | Saturday, September 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Preview
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders lost to Marshall, beat Nevada, and they play Kansas next. Middle Tennessee has won 4 of its last 5 games. Roman Gagliano is completing 59.8 percent of his passes for 616 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Cam’ron Lacy and Markus Allen have combined for 330 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Neo Clifton has 6 receptions.
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders’ ground game is averaging 154 yards per contest, and Antonio Martin leads the way with 239 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Middle Tennessee is allowing 20.7 points and 293.3 yards per game. Korey Smith leads the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders with 26 tackles, Jackson Lowe has 1 sack, and Jason Hardy has 1 interception.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks lost to Ohio, beat Georgia Southern, and they play Kennesaw State next. Jacksonville State has won 9 of its last 13 games. Caden Creel is completing 68.7 percent of his passes for 871 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Deondre Johnson and Luke Gilbert have combined for 311 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Ronnel Johnson has 10 receptions.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks’ ground game is averaging 132 yards per contest, and Caden Creel leads the way with 256 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Jacksonville State is allowing 24 points and 322.3 yards per game. Walker O’Steen leads the Jacksonville State Gamecocks with 29 tackles, Tae Floyd has 2 sacks, and Caleb Nix has 1 interception.
Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win
- Jacksonville State has won 14 of its last 15 games in Alabama.
- Middle Tennessee has lost 14 of its last 16 September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The favorite has covered the spread in seven of Jacksonville State’s last eight games.
- Middle Tennessee has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games in Alabama.
- Jacksonville State has won the first half in six of its last seven September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will win
- Middle Tennessee has won four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Middle Tennessee has covered the spread in each of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Middle Tennessee’s last nine September games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Jacksonville State’s last four September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Caden Creel ranks T4th amongst FBS players for rushing attempts (64) this season.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Ashton Logan ranks 10th amongst qualified players for gross average yards per punt (48.1) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Jacksonville State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for 1st downs against this season (75).
- Jacksonville State ranks 128th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (13.0).
- Middle Tennessee ranks 128th among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (29.4).
- Middle Tennessee ranks T19th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (83.3).
Middle Tennessee vs Jacksonville State Prediction
Jacksonville State is the more talented team and should be favored at home, but Middle Tennessee has shown it’s no pushover. MTSU nearly beat Marshall on the road as a double-digit underdog and just beat Nevada outright as an underdog. Middle Tennessee has shown a balanced attack and is 3-0 ATS on the season while covering 8 of its last 10 games overall. Jacksonville State has the playmaking quarterback and should win, but the Blue Raiders will compete and have shown they can be a giant killer. Give me the free touchdown.