December 22, 2024

Sport and Betting News

Conference USA Championship: Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Prediction, Pick & Odds

13 mins
  • Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State meet for the Conference USA Championship
  • The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games at home
  • Find our Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State predictions and odds, below

Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State go to war in the Conference USA Championship game on Friday, December 6. These teams do battle just six days after squaring off in Week 14 of the CFB season, which saw Western Kentucky eke out a 19-17 victory and claim their spot in the conference championship.

The Hilltoppers will be aiming for their first Conference USA title since 2016, while the Gamecocks look to win a conference championship in their second season in the FBS. Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State kicks off from AmFirst Stadium at 7 pm ET.

Find all the Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State odds and our best bets, below.

Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Western Kentucky +4.5 (-106) +160 Over 57.5 (-110)
Jacksonville State -4.5 (-108) -194 Under 57.5 (-110)

Jacksonville State are 4.5-point favorites in the college football conference championship odds. The total for Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State is set at 57.5 points. Bettors love the Gamecocks in this one, as 82% of moneyline wagers are on Jacksonville State in the college football public betting splits.

Odds as of December 5 at FanDuel. Check out the best football betting apps for Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State.

Western Kentucky Betting News & Notes

The Hilltoppers find themselves in an awkward spot. On the one hand, they’ve just defeated their Conference USA Championship foes. On the other, it took a legendary 50-yard field goal as time from Lucas Carneiro as time expired last week to even get to this point.

Caden Veltkamp diced up the Gamecocks’ defense to the tune of 301 yards and a touchdown, while running back Elijah Young ran for 91 yards with ease. Veltkamp has been a consistent producer under center for the Hilltoppers this season, tossing for 2,665 yards and 22 touchdowns on a stellar 8.3 yards per pass.

That being said, the Hilltoppers rushing defense leaves room for concern. Especially against an explosive Gamecocks rushing attack. Western Kentucky allows 4.8 yards per rush and sit 89th in the country in EPA allowed per attempt. They’re also 116th in third-down success, allowing opponents to convert on 46%.

Intriguingly, the under has hit in six of Western Kentucky’s last nine games.

Jacksonville State Betting News & Notes

Prior to Saturday’s loss, Rich Rodriguez’s squad had won eight straight games while scoring at least 31 points in seven of those contests. The Gamecocks high-flying spread option has taken Conference USA by storm. JSU ranks 13th nationally in scoring (35.4 points per game). They’re a stellar 20th in yards per play (6.2) and seventh in yards per rush (5.6).

However, a huge part of that success is dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huff, who left last week’s contest with an ankle injury. His dynamism and rushing ability (1,277 rushing yards, 1,966 passing yards, 24 total touchdowns) are the catalyst of the Gamecocks offense.

With only six days to recover, the QB’s game status is squarely in question. Rodriguez has stated he will be a true game-time decision, and Huff won’t play if they feel he can’t be “his true self” on the football field.

Concerningly, Jacksonville State’s defensive numbers are a cause for concern. They surrender 7.6 yards per pass and allow a gaudy 398.8 yards of total offense per game. Part of those numbers is due to their uber-explosive offense forcing teams to throw the football and play at tempo to stay in the game.

Keep in mind, Jacksonville State are a perfect 5-0 in their last five games at home.

Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Prediction

Ultimately, with Huff a game-time decision, the under 57.5 points is the only play in this Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State rematch. Neither of these defenses is anything to write home about. However, if their star performer can’t go, it’s unlikely the Gamecocks will score the way they have this season.

Western Kentucky will be glad to play another grind it out, defensive battle. Bet the under with confidence.

Western Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Pick:

  • Under 57.5 points (-110)
  • BET365 SPORTSBOOK

    BET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS!

  • DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

    BET $5 & GET $150 IF YOUR BET WINS + $50 DEPOSIT BONUS

  • FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

    BET $5 & GET $150 IF YOUR BET WINS + 3 MONTHS OF NBA LEAGUE PASS

  • BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

    GET UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS + 2ND CHANCE TD CASH BACK!

  • ESPN BET SPORTSBOOK

    USE CODE DIME TO GET A $1,500 FIRST BET RESET & ESPN+

  • CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

    BET $1 & DOUBLE YOUR WINNINGS ON YOUR NEXT 10 BETS

  • Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA); (877) 8-HOPENY (NY); 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ); (888) 789-7777 (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); morethanagame.nc.gov (NC); 1800gambler.net (WV)

The Conference USA Championship game is set to take place between Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State, two powerhouse teams that have had impressive seasons thus far. As the teams gear up for this highly anticipated matchup, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Western Kentucky comes into the championship game with a record of 9-3, having secured their spot in the title game with a dominant performance throughout the season. Led by star quarterback Bailey Zappe, who has thrown for over 5,000 yards and 52 touchdowns this season, the Hilltoppers boast one of the most explosive offenses in the conference. Their high-powered passing attack has been nearly unstoppable, and they will look to continue their success against Jacksonville State.

On the other side of the field, Jacksonville State enters the championship game with a record of 10-2, having also had a strong season. The Gamecocks have been led by their stout defense, which has been able to shut down opposing offenses all season long. With playmakers on both sides of the ball, Jacksonville State will look to control the game and dictate the pace against Western Kentucky.

As we look ahead to this championship matchup, it’s clear that both teams have the talent and skill to come out on top. Western Kentucky’s high-flying offense will be a tough challenge for Jacksonville State’s defense, but the Gamecocks have proven that they can rise to the occasion when it matters most. This game is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two evenly matched teams.

In terms of predictions, it’s difficult to say which team will come out on top. Both Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State have shown that they have what it takes to win, and it could come down to which team executes better on game day. However, if we were to make a pick, we would give a slight edge to Western Kentucky due to their explosive offense and the leadership of Bailey Zappe.

As for the odds, Western Kentucky is currently favored to win the championship game, with odds of -150. Jacksonville State is the underdog with odds of +130. This reflects the belief that Western Kentucky has a slight advantage heading into the matchup.

Overall, the Conference USA Championship game between Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State is shaping up to be a thrilling contest between two talented teams. Fans can expect a high-scoring affair with plenty of excitement and drama. It’s sure to be a game that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blows.

Related News