| MATCHUP | Sam Houston State Bearkats | Jacksonville State Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-7 | 6-2 |
| Spread | +17.5 -118 | -17.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | +575 | -850 |
| Total | Over 48.5 (100) | Under 48.5 (-120) |
| Where | AmFirst Stadium, Jacksonville, AL | |
| When | Saturday, November 7, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | CBSSN | |
Sam Houston vs Jacksonville State Prediction
Sam Houston comes into this matchup with just one win on the season and they just fired their head coach. The Bearkats have scored 14 points or fewer in four of their last five games and they are one of the worst offenses in the country. Jacksonville State is undefeated in conference play and they have scored 27+ points in three of their last five. These two teams are trending in opposite directions and I just can’t back Sam Houston with how they are scoring right now. Take Jacksonville State to cover here.
Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview
The Sam Houston Bearkats are 1-7 (0-4) this season after they lost to Missouri State by a score of 24-3 in their last game. Sam Houston trailed 10-3 at halftime and they were outscored 14-0 in the second half for the ugly loss. The Bearkats were out gained by a total of 313-284, went 5-14 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. DJ Bailey threw for 258 yards, while Grady O’Neill caught six passes for 74 yards. MJ Dowdy rushed eight times for 18 yards in the game.
Prior to that loss, Sam Houston lost to New Mexico State by a score of 30-24 and Western Kentucky by a score of 16-3. The Bearkats have scored 18.0 points per game with 246.9 passing yards and 75.9 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 25.1 points against per game this season. I am not sure who is starting at quarterback for this game, but it will be Landyn Locke or DJ Bailey. Alton McCaskill has rushed 59 times for 232 yards and one touchdown, while Tim Burns Jr has 18 catches for 392 yards and three scores this season.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 6-2 (4-0) this year after they defeated New Mexico State by a score of 24-0 last week. Jacksonville State led 7-0 at halftime and outscored their opponent 17-0 in the second half in the easy win. The Gamecocks out gained New Mexico State by a total of 433-221, went 6-11 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Caden Creel threw for 109 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while also rushing 21 times for 211 yards and one score. Luke Gilbert caught five passes for 67 yards and one touchdown in the win.
Prior to that game, Jacksonville State defeated FIU by a score of 27-24 and Kennesaw State by a score of 27-26. The Gamecocks have scored 26.9 points per game with 223.4 passing yards and 171.9 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 19.9 points against per game this season. Caden Creel has thrown for 1,741 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while also rushing for 713 yards and five scores. Deondre Johnson is the leading receiver with 23 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns this year.
Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win
- Jacksonville State has won each of its last 12 games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Sam Houston State has lost each of its last nine games as an underdog.
- Sam Houston State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games against conference opponents.
- The favorite has covered the spread in eight of Jacksonville State’s last 10 games.
- Jacksonville State has won the first half in four of its last five November games as a favorite.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Sam Houston State’s last five road games in November have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of Jacksonville State’s last eight home games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 10, Jamill Williams leads Jacksonville State for receptions (27) this season.
Sam Houston State Bearkats Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 10, Tim Burns Jr. ranks 5th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Reception (21.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Jacksonville State ranks T7th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (6.5).
- Jacksonville State ranks 11th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (168.8).
- Sam Houston State ranks 137th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (6.5).
- Sam Houston State ranks 4th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (146.4).
Positive Trends
When looking at the trends for this matchup, there are actually very few trends that favor Sam Houston. The Bearkats have been horrible this season and they have not covered in their last six conference games. Jacksonville State is an elite rushing team and the favorite has covered in eight of their last ten games. I think this could turn into a very ugly game, as Sam Houston struggles to do anything on offense. Take the Gamecocks here.