Week 9 of the college football season has games scattered all throughout the week, and there is an interesting matchup taking place on Wednesday night. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are set to visit the FIU Panthers, and both teams come into this game with some momentum.
Jacksonville State brings a 6-2 record into this matchup, and they just pulled off a stunning win over Western Kentucky in their most recent game. The Gamecocks are not eligible for a bowl this season, but they are making a big name for themselves.
FIU was able to beat Sam Houston State in Week 8, and that brought their record to 4-4 on the year. The Panthers still have some work to do if they are going to become bowl-eligible, but they are currently trending in the right direction.
Jacksonville State is coming into this game as a 7.5-point betting favorite over FIU in this game on Wednesday night.
Gamecocks Great on the Ground
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are averaging 211 rushing yards per game this season, and that has allowed them to run over most of their opponents. Malik Jackson is the best running back on this roster, as he has 104 carries for 578 yards and four touchdowns.
Throwing the football is not something that Jacksonville State does often or well, but they will need to find some balance in this game. Jacksonville State will want to be aggressive in this game as they are the better offensive team.
The defense of this team has really shown up this season, including in the big win over Western Kentucky last weekend. If Jacksonville State can continue to stop the run in this game, then it’s going to be hard for FIU to do much scoring at all.
Panthers Have to Play Defense
If the FlU Panthers are going to find a way to win this game, then they are going to have to be great on the defensive side of the football. FIU is allowing 440 yards per game this season, and they could be in for a long afternoon in this one.
Stopping the run has been a major problem for FIU, as they are giving up over 186 yards per game this season. The Panthers are facing a team that wants to run the football, and they are going to need to be strong on the defensive line.
Wide receiver Kris Mitchell is having a big season for FIU, as he has 43 receptions for 711 yards this season. Mitchell can make some big plays, and that could create some issues for the Jacksonville State defense in this one.
Gamecocks Get Past the Panthers
Both of these teams have been a great offensive team this season, but Jacksonville State has a big edge on defense. The Gamecocks just put together a great game plan in upsetting Western Kentucky, and that is going to give them a huge boost of confidence ahead of this game.
FIU has not been playing great football in the month of October, and they were lucky to survive against SHSU in their most recent game. The Panthers just don’t have a defense that can get stops in this game, and it’s going to get away from them in a hurry.
Bet the Jacksonville State Gamecocks -7.5 as they are going to roll to a big win over the FIU Panthers on Wednesday night.
