The Delaware Blue Hens take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Jacksonville, Alabama, on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Delaware is favored by -2.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -140. Jacksonville State comes in as a +2.5 underdog and is +120 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 57.5 points.
Here’s my Delaware vs. Jacksonville State prediction and college football picks for Wednesday, October 15.
Delaware vs Jacksonville State Prediction
- Delaware vs. Jacksonville State Pick: Over 57.5
My Jacksonville State vs. Delaware best bet is on both teams to go over the total. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Delaware vs Jacksonville State Odds
| Delaware Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
| Jacksonville State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
- Delaware vs Jacksonville State Spread: Delaware -2.5, Jacksonville State +2.5
- Delaware vs Jacksonville State Over/Under: 57.5 Points
- Delaware vs Jacksonville State Moneyline: Delaware -140, Jacksonville State +120
Delaware vs Jacksonville State College Football Betting Preview
Delaware Blue Hens Betting Preview: Dual-Threat Offense Leads the Way
Delaware’s offense enters this game with a balance and efficiency that travels.
The Blue Hens rank 54th in EPA Per Pass and 28th in EPA Per Rush, per Game On Paper. Those numbers suggest they're not a one-dimensional unit, as they can move the ball through the air and on the ground.
Quarterback Nick Minicucci has been outstanding this season, throwing for 1,372 yards at a 64.5% completion rate with eight touchdowns and just three interceptions. He has also run for 128 yards and seven scores, making him one of the country's most efficient dual-threat quarterbacks.
Delaware has converted 57.3% of its third- and fourth-down tries (7th), which speaks to its ability to avoid three-and-outs and sustain drives. That's because it ranks 26th nationally in average distance to go on third down (6.42 yards).
Jacksonville State’s defense, meanwhile, is middling in efficiency allowed. The Gamecocks rank 69th in EPA Per Pass and 75th in EPA Per Rush. They also come into this game at 71st in Success Rate allowed on late downs, so they're far from elite.
Delaware should be able to consistently move the chains against a defense that's not exceptional on early downs or late downs.
On the defensive side, Delaware faces a potent Jacksonville State offense.
JSU ranks eighth nationally in EPA Per Rush, which creates a matchup edge when paired against a Delaware defense that sits 127th in EPA Per Rush allowed. With that said, the Gamecocks' ground game should be a substantial weapon.
Jacksonville State's passing game has also been efficient, ranking 31st in EPA Per Pass. Delaware's stop unit, meanwhile, ranks 128th in that area.
That matchup creates danger for linebackers and secondary defenders in play-action and coverage mismatches.
JSU should find success on early downs and give itself to convert manageable third downs.
A few defensive injuries are worth monitoring for the Hens, as those won't help their already struggling unit. They are coming off a bye, though, so I at least expect the offense to do its part on Wednesday.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview: Keep An Eye on Defensive Struggles
Jacksonville State’s offense is explosive, and its strengths align with Delaware’s weaknesses. As mentioned, it ranks eighth in EPA Per Rush, and its ranking of 31st in EPA Per Pass provides balance.
This combination means JSU can punish Delaware whether the Blue Hens load the box or concede vertical stretch plays.
Delaware’s defense, meanwhile, is comparatively porous in both areas. It ranks 127th in EPA Per Rush allowed and 128th in EPA Per Pass allowed.
That vulnerability is precisely what an offense like JSU’s needs to maximize touchdown opportunities rather than settle for field goals.
On the defensive front, JSU has been right around average. The Gamecocks haven't put up terrible numbers, but combined with their weaknesses on money downs (43.2% Success Rate allowed), the defense isn't built to withstand long, sustained pressure from a balanced offense.
Offensive lineman Lance Johnson is questionable to play for JSU and is a massive injury worth monitoring. He's critical to the Gamecocks' offensive success, so if he can't play, they're in serious trouble.
Delaware vs Jacksonville State Pick, Betting Analysis
There's a lot to like about the over in this matchup. The market has steamed the total down from open but has ticked back up to 57.5 over the last couple of days.
These two offensive units are positioned to stress the opposing defenses in their weakest areas.
Johnson's injury is massive for the Gamecocks, but I still think they should be able to score against a struggling Hens defense.
The over is my best bet for the matchup, but I could see myself adding Delaware -2.5 if I hear Johnson is out for JSU.
Pick: Over 57.5 (Play to 58.5)
Delaware vs Jacksonville State Betting Trends
