Week 7 Preview: New Mexico State Aggies vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
As the college football season reaches its seventh week, excitement builds as the New Mexico State Aggies (1-4) prepare to face off against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (2-3) on Wednesday evening. This matchup marks a significant moment for both teams, who officially joined Conference USA in July 2023. The game will take place at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Historical Context
This will be just the second meeting between the Aggies and the Gamecocks, with the first encounter occurring last season. In that thrilling contest, New Mexico State narrowly edged out Jacksonville State with a score of 20-17. The Aggies showcased their offensive prowess by outgaining the Gamecocks 455 yards to 333, setting the stage for what promises to be another competitive clash.
Betting Odds and Predictions
In the latest odds from SportsLine, the Gamecocks are favored by 21.5 points, while the over/under for total points scored is set at 59. For those interested in betting, it’s essential to consider the insights provided by the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. This model has proven its worth, generating over $2,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks since its inception.
Jacksonville State: A Defensive Powerhouse
One of the key reasons Jacksonville State is favored in this matchup is its formidable defense. The Gamecocks lead Conference USA with eight interceptions, rank third in forced fumbles with five, and sit sixth in team sacks with eight. Junior cornerback Jabari Mack has emerged as a standout player, demonstrating excellent play recognition and ball skills. With 15 tackles, three pass deflections, and two interceptions to his name, Mack is a player to watch.
On the defensive line, senior EDGE J-Rock Swain has been a disruptive force, utilizing his quickness to shed blocks effectively. Swain has recorded 19 total tackles and leads the team with 2.5 sacks. Additionally, junior safety Fred Perry has made his mark as a stout downhill defender, contributing 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. This defensive unit’s ability to create turnovers could be a game-changer against the Aggies.
New Mexico State: Ground Game Focus
While Jacksonville State boasts a strong defense, New Mexico State’s offensive strategy revolves around its rushing attack. The Aggies rank fourth in the conference for rushing offense, averaging 153.4 yards per game with 4.1 yards per carry. Junior running back Seth McGowan has been a key player in this regard, showcasing his agility and awareness on the field. With 58 carries for 334 yards and two touchdowns, McGowan has consistently contributed to the Aggies’ offensive efforts, finishing with over 50 rushing yards in four of their five games this season.
In their last outing, McGowan recorded 74 rushing yards and added 38 receiving yards, demonstrating his versatility. Freshman receiver TJ Pride is also making strides, looking to build on his best performance of the season, where he caught three passes for 63 yards. The Aggies will need to leverage their ground game effectively to keep pace with the Gamecocks.
Key Trends and Insights
As the teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, several trends are worth noting. Jacksonville State has hit the first-quarter over in eight of its last ten games, indicating a propensity for fast starts. Conversely, New Mexico State has struggled against the spread this season, holding a 1-4 record in that department.
The SportsLine model leans towards the under on the total points, projecting a combined score of 58 points. Additionally, it suggests that one side of the spread has a strong chance of hitting well over 50% of the time, making it crucial for bettors to analyze the data before placing their wagers.
Streaming Options
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will be available for streaming on FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users. This provides an excellent opportunity for college football enthusiasts to tune in and witness the unfolding drama of this exciting matchup.
As the New Mexico State Aggies and Jacksonville State Gamecocks prepare to clash, all eyes will be on the field as both teams vie for a crucial victory in their inaugural season in Conference USA. With a blend of strong defensive play from the Gamecocks and a potent rushing attack from the Aggies, this game promises to deliver an engaging spectacle for college football fans.