The final installment of Wednesday Conference USA action has arrived.
To celebrate before we switch over to MACtion in November, we have two games on deck: the Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the FIU Panthers vs. the Missouri State Bears.
Action Network college football writer John Feltman broke down both games and dished out a pick for each.
Without further ado, let's take a look at our Wednesday college football predictions and NCAAF picks for the 2-game slate on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Wednesday College Football Predictions
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAF Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Jacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee Pick
By John Feltman
There's a lot of injury uncertainty on the JSU side, but either way, I don't like the Gamecocks on the road here. Despite its record, Middle Tennessee has been more competitive than it appears.
Jax State may also have to rely more on its ground attack once again, with quarterback Caden Creel still questionable after leaving their last game with a UCL injury in his non-throwing arm.
Jacksonville State has put up some solid performances on the ground, ranking seventh nationally in EPA Per Rush at 0.19. Well, Middle Tennessee's defense sits in the top 35 in the same category.
The Blue Raiders force long third-down situations and limit available yards, two areas that tend to keep games close when facing a run-heavy offense. This is setting up a game flow that will work in its favor and keep the matchup close.
This line feels inflated for a Jacksonville State team that hasn’t shown it can win comfortably when its passing game stalls. Plus, the injuries don't help.
Several players on defense, including linebackers Isaac Walker and Mac Sanders and defensive lineman Talan Carter, are questionable or unavailable. That'll provide a boost to a Middle Tennessee offense that has struggled to find its footing throughout the season.
The Gamecocks give up 45.3% of available yards, which ranks outside the top 75. For that reason, I can see the Blue Raiders offense generating more consistent drives throughout the contest.
Middle Tennessee’s defense should do enough to keep things manageable, and even with a banged-up receiving corps, the Raiders are capable of trading possessions and keeping this one within a single score.
Whether Creel suits up for the Gamecocks or not, I'm backing the Blue Raiders catching six points at home. They fit the profile of a team that can give the Jax State fits.
Pick: Middle Tennessee +6
| |
FIU vs Missouri State Pick
By John Feltman
Missouri State’s balance on both sides of the ball, plus the edge at the quarterback position, makes it a strong buy here.
The Bears offense is built around efficiency and balance rather than explosiveness, but they have proven to be far steadier than FIU’s unit.
Missouri State ranks 82nd nationally in EPA Per Pass, but that doesn't account for quarterback Jacob Clark under center.
Clark returned from injury last week against New Mexico State, and I expect him to look much sharper. Clark is the best quarterback on the Bears' roster, so their offensive efficiency drastically improves when he plays.
With Clark under center, expect the Bears to control possession, sustain drives and gradually pull away as the game progresses. Their offensive edge alone will put the Panthers in a tough spot to mount a comeback.
Meanwhile, FIU’s offensive inefficiency and defensive vulnerabilities align perfectly with Missouri State’s strengths.
In fact, the Bears have quietly developed into a reliable defensive unit.
Their run defense has been robust at -0.01 EPA Per Rush, which ranks 75th nationally and indicates they consistently win at the line of scrimmage.
They allow opponents to gain only 43% of available yards per drive, and their early-down defense keeps opponents in long-yardage situations.
Missouri State’s advantage on early downs gives it a clear edge in controlling game flow, while its defense’s ability to force third-and-long situations should limit FIU’s offensive rhythm.
The Panthers have been overly reliant on the run, but Missouri State’s front seven is well-equipped to neutralize that approach.
I also think FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins will struggle through the air after posting a 4:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio thus far.
Give me the Bears to pull away in this Wednesday night showdown.
Pick: Missouri State -3.5
