UTEP Miners (5-7) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-2) Last season
UTEP Miners vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks 8/26/2023 – After placing 56th in rushing offense the previous season, the running game should be a strength. Ronald Awatt, the team’s top rusher, is no longer around, but Deion Hankins can lead the running attack. In 2022, the junior RB rushed for 701 yards, averaging 5 yards per attempt. Tyrin Smith, Hardison’s preferred target, transferred to Texas, so he lost him. Kelly Akharaiyi is the team’s top returning wide receiver. Last year, the junior accrued 275 receiving yards. The team is counting on newcomers and transfers to step in and make significant contributions.
On Saturday, a new era for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks begins. As the newest member of the C-USA, this is the program’s debut game in the FBS. Last year, Jacksonville State excelled in the FCS’s A-SUN conference with a 9-2 record. Rich Rodriguez, the team’s head coach, expects them to be competitive despite this being their first season. Anwar Lewis, who led the team in rushing last year, is happy to be returning. The junior running back amassed 820 yards on the ground last year. The receiving core returns experience but lacks star power. Get expert insights and predictions with free college football picks today.
Miners vs. Gamecocks Game Info
| When: | August 26, 2023 5:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium in Jacksonville, AL |
| TV: | Longhorn Network |
| Stream: | N/A |
Miners QB Gavin Hardison and Gamecocks QB Zion Webb
Playing in the C-USA, the UTEP Miners are a team that has become much more competitive in recent years. They had a 7-6 record in 2021 and hope to build on their five triumphs from the previous year. They did lose a few important players, notably from the offensive unit, but they brought back quarterback Gavin Hardison. The senior quarterback has experience; last season, he accumulated 2044 throwing yards with an 11:8 TD to INT ratio.
In training camp, there was a quarterback competition for the team, and Zion Webb will start. In 11 games last season, the senior quarterback accumulated 1737 passing yards and a 10:9 TD-to-INT ratio. He won the starting quarterback job over Nebraska transfer Logan Smother. Several important secondary players for the Gamecocks’ defense were lost, including the team’s top tackler. Jeremiah Harris, a defensive back essential to the team’s defense, is returning for his senior year. Harris racked up 68 stops. Chris Hardie, who led all sackers last year, is also returning.
Odds/Point Spread: UTEP Miners -1, Total Odds: 53.5
The UTEP Miners have experience and ought to be able to build on their five victories from the previous campaign. This is Jacksonville State’s first game in the FBS division after competing in the A-SUN league for FCS, so this is a unique battle. They had a fantastic squad the previous year, but the FBS is unquestionably at a higher level of football in every way. Additionally, Gavin Hardison, a seasoned quarterback, is available at UTEP.
The previous year, the senior delivered impressive performances. In a victory over a top-notch Boise State team, he was able to complete 90% of his throws while compiling a respectable 244 passing yards versus Oklahoma the previous season. Look for a big game from Hardison in the air since Jacksonville State was not particularly impressive versus the pass in the FCS last season, finishing 52nd out of 130 teams. In the C-USA preseason media poll, the Gamecocks were picked to finish second last, and they anticipate being outmatched.
UTEP Miners Betting Trends
The UTEP Miners are 6-12 SU in their last 18 matches. The Miners are 1-8 SU in their last 9 matches on the road. The UTEP Miners are 4-2 SU in their last 6 matches played in August.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends
The total went UNDER in 5 of Jacksonville State’s last 7 matches. The Gamecocks are 4-16 SU in their last 20 matches. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 1-5 SU in their last 6 matches in week 1.
UTEP Miners vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks 8/26/2023 Betting Trends
The UTEP Miners are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 matches played in week 1. The UTEP Miners are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 matches played on a Saturday. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 3-16 SU in their last 19 matches played on a Saturday. Get expert insights and predictions with free sports betting picks today.
Free Pick and Prediction: UTEP Miners will win 27-24