Eastern Michigan Eagles (2-1) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (2-1)
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks 9/23/23 – In an intriguing Week 4 NCAAF matchup, the Eastern Michigan Eagles will take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on September 23, 2023, at 5:00 PM ET. The action will unfold at Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium, televised on ESP+. Both teams head into this game with identical 2-1 records, setting the stage for an evenly matched contest.
The Eastern Michigan Eagles have been riding high, largely thanks to contributions from running back Samson Evans and wide receiver Tanner Knue. Evans has accumulated an impressive 214 rushing yards with a stellar 6.1 yards per rush attempt, and his longest rush of 61 yards exemplifies his playmaking ability. On the receiving end, Knue has made 15 receptions for 119 yards, and his presence in the end zone can’t be overlooked with one receiving touchdown.
For the Gamecocks, the standout players so far this season are running back Malik Jackson and wide receiver Perry Carter. Jackson has tallied 249 rushing yards on 43 attempts, including two rushing touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Carter, although only having four receptions, has raked in 87 receiving yards. His 21.8 yards per reception showcase his big-play potential and indicate that he can be a deep threat. For free reliable football picks, continue reading our analysis.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Austin Smith QB vs. Zion Webb QB
Eastern Michigan’s quarterback Austin Smith has had a mixed bag of performances this season. He has managed 403 passing yards with two touchdowns but has been intercepted twice. Smith has been sacked six times, leading to 30 yards lost, affecting his passer rating which stands at 104.7. His 55.4% completion rate indicates some room for improvement in accuracy. When it comes to pressure, Smith needs to show better decision-making skills to avoid taking unnecessary sacks.
In contrast, Zion Webb of Jacksonville State has thrown for 217 yards this season. Although he hasn’t thrown any touchdowns, he has also avoided throwing any interceptions, keeping his passer rating at a modest 95.5. Webb has been sacked twice and has a lower completion percentage of 48.7. His performance has been conservative so far, but his ability to avoid turnovers could be a critical factor in a game that could be decided by a small margin.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Jacksonville State Gamecocks -240, Total Odds: 52.5
The current betting odds favor Jacksonville State with a Moneyline of -240 and a spread of -6.5. The total for the game is set at 52.5, indicating that a moderate-scoring affair is anticipated by the bookmakers. Considering the recent performance of both teams, the spread and total set for the game seem in line with expectations.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Trends
The Eagles have been strong against the spread, going 6-3 ATS in their last nine games and 6-1 SU in their last seven games. On the road, they have a remarkable 5-1 ATS record. However, their September and Week 4 track records are not as strong, standing at 3-9 ATS and 3-10 SU, respectively. It’s worth noting that the total has gone UNDER in their last five games played on a Saturday.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends
The Gamecocks have had a rocky road with a 6-14 SU record in their last 20 games. However, they are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games, suggesting a strong home-field advantage. The total has gone UNDER in four of their last five games played in September and on Saturdays, aligning with the trend for the Eagles as well.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks 9/23/23 Betting Picks
Given the trends and key player performances, this game could be much closer than the spread suggests. Eastern Michigan’s knack for performing well on the road and Jacksonville State’s recent struggles make the Eagles a tempting underdog pick, especially at +6.5.
For bettors looking for a more conservative route, the UNDER 52.5 might be the safest bet here, given both teams’ recent UNDER trends. While Jacksonville State is favored to win, Eastern Michigan’s strong road performance makes them a viable option for those willing to take a risk on the Moneyline at +200. If you’re seeking more guidance on prop bets and other betting options, don’t forget to check out free expert sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Jacksonville State Gamecocks 24, Eastern Michigan Eagles 20.