South Carolina vs Jacksonville State Prediction Game Preview

South Carolina vs Jacksonville State How To Watch

Date: Saturday, November 4
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
How To Watch: ESPNU
2023 Record: Jacksonville State (7-2), South Carolina (2-6)
Pete Fiutak on X | CFN on X
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South Carolina vs Jacksonville State Game Preview

Why Jacksonville State Will Win

These Gamecocks are finding ways to win with the running game taking over the season.

This isn’t a power team; the Rich Rodriguez style of offense gets everyone is space to rip off yards in chunks. There’s a downfield passing attack, but it’s the ground game that dominates - 55 carries in each of the last two games - with the eighth-best rushing attack in the nation.

South Carolina’s defensive front has been okay, but on the four-game losing streak it allowed well over five yards per carry against Missouri and Tennessee. The USC offense aren’t moving the chains easily enough, the pass defense is among the worst in the nation - against Jacksonville State can hit the deep shots once in a while, even if it doesn’t throw a ton - and the offensive line has been a disaster in pass protection.

Jacksonville State is fifth in the nation in sacks. However …

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Why South Carolina Will Win

There’s a difference between rolling over FIU and Eastern Michigan dealing with an SEC team. This is the first game against a Power Five program this year for Jacksonville State.

The CUSA Gamecock running game won’t wear down the SEC Gamecocks. South Carolina might be having issues, but the defense will get a break after getting hammered way too hard through the air. And yes, the USC run defense has held up here and there allowing 105 yards or fewer in four games.

Yards per carry matters here. Jacksonville state has to average well over four yards per pop - it’s 1-2 when averaging under 4.2 - and South Carolina has allowed 4.3 or fewer in every game but two, so …

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South Carolina vs Jacksonville State Who Will Win

It’s a focus game for South Carolina.

It’s in the midst of a lost season, but the passing game that’s been so hit-or-miss should go off on a Jacksonville State defense that allows 200 yards with regularity and should give up over 250.

Rodriguez’s team will hang around into the second half, and then the SEC talent on offense will take over, especially against the run.

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South Carolina vs Jacksonville State Prediction, Line

South Carolina 37, Jacksonville State 20
Line: South Carolina -15.5, o/u: 55
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2