It’s like a good mid-level bowl game.
Jacksonville State turned into a wonderful surprise in its first year at the FBS level last year with a nine-win season and a bowl victory. Coastal Carolina took a wee step back, but it won eight games and a bowl - and beat the Gamecocks 30-16 early on in Conway.
Now the Chanticleers are going into Jacksonville State’s house.
Jacksonville State Head Coach Rich Rodriguez talks on his headset during college football action at Burgess-Snow Field Jacksonville State Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama October 10, 2023.
© Dave Hyatt / USA TODAY NETWORK
Coastal Carolina vs Jacksonville State Preview
Coastal Carolina vs Jacksonville State How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
Venue: AmFirst Stadium, Jacksonville, AL
How to Watch: CBS Sports NetworkAmFirst Stadium, Jacksonville, AL
2023 Records: Jacksonville State (9-4), Coastal Carolina (8-5)
- Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
Why Coastal Carolina Will Win
There needs to be more of a pass rush this season, but the secondary might be the team’s biggest strength. This group can hit.
With Jacksonville State, it’s about keeping the big plays - especially on the ground - to a minimum. It moves fast, forces you to play its tempo, and it strikes quickly. The Chanticleers have the parts to keep those second level plays from becoming disastrous.
Coastal Carolina operates with an efficient passing game and can run a bit. The line should be a positive early on, especially against a Gamecock line that lost several key parts, but …
Why Jacksonville State Will Win
Can the Coastal Carolina offense be sharp right away?
QB Grayson McCall is at NC State now, the top receivers are gone, and last year the team scored the fewest points since 2018 - and now the O is a little worse.
At home in the Rich Rodriguez offense, momentum will mean everything. Coastal Carolina can move fast, but it’s more measured. Jacksonville State should have the Chanticleer D on its heels for stretches, but …
Coastal Carolina vs Jacksonville State: Who Will Win
Both teams were hit by the transfer portal, but Jacksonville State got it a little worse in key areas.
This won’t be a thing of beauty, but it’ll be fast, fun, and there should be just enough big plays to come up with several mood swings. Coastal Carolina will be a bit more consistent overall and stronger defensively.
Coastal Carolina vs Jacksonville State Prediction, Betting Lines
Coastal Carolina 27, Jacksonville State 23
Line: Jacksonville State -3.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Coastal Carolina vs Jacksonville State Must See Rating: 3
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Week 1 Schedule, Picks
