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The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (4-1, 2-0 CUSA) and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-4, 0-1) meet Wednesday at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tenn., for a Conference USA battle. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Jacksonville State vs. Middle Tennessee odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Gamecocks had a miraculous comeback in a 35-28 victory against Sam Houston State Thursday. Jacksonville State trailed 28-20 with just 1:11 left in regulation, but coach Rich Rodriguez’s team drove the length of the field, with QB Logan Smothers hitting WR Perry Carter for a 28-yard touchdown with 13 ticks left. Smothers then had a successful 2-point conversion pass to force OT, where he shined in the extra session.
The Blue Raiders were on the short end of a 31-10 loss at home at Western Kentucky in the CUSA opener on Thursday night. Not only is Middle Tennessee just 1-4 straight up, but it is also 1-4 against the spread (ATS). The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for MTSU.
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Jacksonville State at Middle Tennessee odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:56 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Jacksonville State +146 (bet $100 to win $146) | Middle Tennessee -176 (bet $176 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Jacksonville State +3.5 (-110) | Middle Tennessee -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Jacksonville State at Middle Tennessee picks and predictions
Prediction
Jacksonville State 27, Middle Tennessee 24
Moneyline
JACKSONVILLE STATE (+146) is a decent play as a rather moderate underdog. The Gamecocks have just one setback, falling to Coastal Carolina on Sept. 9. It was also the team’s lone non-cover, too, as it is 3-1-1 ATS in 5 games.
Middle Tennessee is rather heavily favored for a team sitting at 1-4, but 2 of those setbacks are against SEC-ranked teams Alabama and Missouri, so the record looks a little worse than it is. The Blue Raiders also lost by 21 to Western Kentucky last week, and it has an 8-point loss to Colorado State, with the lone victory against FCS opponent Murray State.
The Gamecocks are on a roll, and brimming with conference after last week’s comeback OT win against the Bearkats.
Against the spread
JACKSONVILLE STATE +3.5 (-110) catching 3 and a hook is a decent play, especially if you just can’t bring yourself to play the road ‘dog straight up.
Middle Tennessee is just 1-4 ATS in 5 games this season, including 0-2 ATS at home. Jax State won and either covered or pushed last week at Sam Houston depending on when you placed your wager.
Over/Under
UNDER 51.5 (-110) is the lean, but be very careful.
The Under is a perfect 4-for-4 for Jacksonville State in games that ended in regulation. Middle Tennessee has cashed the Under in 3 of the past 4 games overall, and it has produced 23 or fewer points in all 4 games against FBS opponents this season.
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