Jacksonville State Gamecocks Dominate Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in Conference USA Clash

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks continued their impressive streak with a dominant performance against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a Conference USA matchup on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The game, held at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, saw the Gamecocks assert their superiority from the outset.

Jacksonville State, led by senior quarterback Tyler Huff, has been on a roll, securing three consecutive wins. Huff, a dual-threat quarterback, has been a key factor in the team’s success, contributing significantly with both his passing and rushing abilities. He is second in Conference USA in rushing yards with 503 and has accumulated 1,269 passing yards along with 13 total touchdowns this season.

The Gamecocks’ offense has been particularly potent, ranking first in the conference in scoring offense with an average of 39.3 points per game. They are also second in total offense and rushing offense, averaging 447.7 total yards and 226 rushing yards per game, respectively. This strong offensive performance was evident in their recent games, including a 63-24 win over Kennesaw State where they set a school record with eight rushing touchdowns.

In contrast, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have struggled, especially on defense. They rank 126th or worse in several defensive categories, including total EPA, success rate, EPA/play, and yards allowed per play. The Blue Raiders’ offense has also been underwhelming, managing just 14 points against Kennesaw State, a team that has allowed 24+ points to every other opponent it faced.

The betting lines reflected the Gamecocks’ dominance, with Jacksonville State favored by 20.5 points. The over/under for the game was set at 64.5 points, although some analysts predicted the total might go under due to Middle Tennessee’s limited offensive capabilities.

The game was broadcast on ESPN2, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Gamecocks’ recent form and statistical advantages made them strong favorites to win, and their performance on the field did not disappoint.