Jacksonville State Gamecocks (4-1) vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-4)
As the college football season steams ahead, Jacksonville State Gamecocks are set to lock horns with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a promising Week 6 matchup. With the Gamecocks boasting a commendable 4-1 record, they look poised to challenge the Blue Raiders, who have had a rocky start this season with a 1-4 standing. As fans and bettors gear up for another thrilling contest, the prospect of making college football free picks becomes all the more enticing.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks, with their consistent performances, rely heavily on their star players for success. Malik Jackson, their star running back, has amassed 505 rushing yards at an average of 6.6 yards per rush attempt while Perry Carter made his presence known with 166 receiving yards and an outstanding average of 18.4 yards per reception.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, though struggling in some games, have still had moments due to the contributions of Jaiden Credle and Elijah Metcalf. Credle, the team’s running back, racked up 227 rushing yards this season; wide receiver Elijah Metcalf boasts 235 receiving yards.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium |
| TV: | ESPU |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Logan Smothers QB vs. Nicholas Vattiato QB
Logan Smothers has been instrumental in the Gamecocks’ success. With a completion percentage of 60.8% from 74 passing attempts, he’s managed to rack up 474 passing yards. Moreover, his decision-making ability on the field is evident from his 5 touchdown passes without throwing a single interception. While he’s been sacked four times, leading to a loss of 27 yards, his passer rating of 136.9 speaks volumes about his significance to the team.
Nicholas Vattiato, the quarterback for the Blue Raiders, despite having a rough season as a team, has been an individual bright spot. Attempting 188 passes, he has a slightly higher completion percentage at 68.1% and an impressive 1168 passing yards. His 7 passing touchdowns have been a silver lining, though his four interceptions hint at areas of improvement. With 11 sacks resulting in a loss of 67 yards, the challenge remains for Vattiato to maintain his composure and make the right decisions under pressure.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -175, Total Odds: 51.5
Given the present betting odds, there’s a clear lean towards the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, despite their shaky performance in recent games. The total odds set at 51.5 suggest a relatively high-scoring affair.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends
Narratively speaking, Jacksonville State Gamecocks’ recent games hint at a low-scoring trend, with 4 of their last 5 games going UNDER. Their strong 4-1 straight-up record in the last five is a testament to their strength. However, the Gamecocks have often stumbled on the road, as shown by their 5-15 record in the last 20 away games. Their October performances have been positive, going 4-2 against the spread in the last six.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Trends
The Blue Raiders, with a 1-4 record against the spread in their last 5 games, depict a struggling pattern. This is complemented by a similar straight-up record. Their home performance has also been questionable, with a 1-4-1 record against the spread. Interestingly, their October games have often been low-scoring, with 5 of the last 7 going UNDER, but they tend to be on the higher side in Week 6 games.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 10/4/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ performance metrics, it’s evident that the Gamecocks have an edge despite the odds favoring the Blue Raiders. Their consistent gameplay, combined with the standout performances of their top players, puts them in a good position.
However, when making the best pick, it’s crucial to consider the Blue Raiders’ home advantage and their key players. Prop bets on standout players like Logan Smothers and Nicholas Vattiato can be valuable. Given the teams’ recent scoring trends, the UNDER on the 51.5 total odds seems a prudent choice. For those scouring for top player prop bets today, Malik Jackson’s rushing yards can be a profitable venture.
Free Pick and Prediction: Jacksonville State Gamecocks 24, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 21
