Delaware vs. Jacksonville State Prediction and Game Preview

1. Jacksonville State’s Ground Game
It’s no secret what Jacksonville State wants to do on offense. As a team, the Gamecocks average 49 carries a contest and rank third nationally in rushing yards per game (279.5). This offense pounded Sam Houston for 370 yards on the ground last week and gashed Liberty for 338 on Sept. 6. Only one defense (UCF) has held Jacksonville State under 200 rushing yards. 

Running back Cam Cook is the catalyst for Kelly’s ground game. The TCU transfer paces the team in attempts (142), yardage (832), and rushing scores (seven). Quarterback Caden Creel took over the starting job from Gavin Wimsatt last week and ran for 132 yards and a score in the victory over Sam Houston. Creel’s sample size is still small (57 carries), but he’s impressed (381 yards) in that limited time.

Can Delaware slow down the Gamecocks on the ground and force this offense to win through the air? The Blue Hens rank seventh in CUSA in rush defense, giving up 4.5 yards a carry and 154.6 a game. Every opponent has crossed the 100-yard mark against this unit, including Delaware State (200 yards) and UConn (175).

2. Delaware’s Passing Attack
Despite losing starting quarterback Zach Marker to a knee injury in the first game of the season, Carty’s group hasn’t missed a beat in ‘25. That’s largely due to Nick Minicucci keeping the offense on track after taking over for Marker under center. In five games, Minicucci (120 of 186 for 1,372 yards and eight touchdowns) has ranked among CUSA’s top quarterbacks. Additionally, his ability to make plays on the ground (128 yards and seven scores) adds another dimension for Jacksonville State to account for on Wednesday night.

Receivers Kyre Duplessis (22 catches for 340 yards), Sean Wislon (21 for 236), and Jake Thaw (15 for 232) give Minicucci plenty of options on the outside. Delaware’s offensive line has allowed only 10 sacks this year, which should hold up well against a Jacksonville State front ranked second in CUSA in sacks (14).

The Gamecocks rank No. 56 nationally in pass defense success rate and have held their last four opponents under 200 passing yards. Can Kelly’s defense continue to do a good job at generating pressure and also keeping opposing passing games in check? 

3. Can Jacksonville State Stop Delaware’s Ground Game?
In addition to slowing Minicucci and Delaware’s passing game, Jacksonville State figures to have its hands full against the run. The Blue Hens rank sixth in CUSA in rushing offense (145.8 yards a game), but the Gamecocks rank No. 131 nationally in rush defense success rate and allow over 160 yards (165.5) on the ground. Jo Silver (373 yards) and Viron Ellison (161) will handle the bulk of the carries for Carty’s backfield on Wednesday night. With the ability to hurt defenses through the air or on the ground, Delaware’s attack will be one of the better units Jacksonville State’s defense faces in CUSA play. 

Final Score Prediction: Delaware 30, Jacksonville State 27

If Creel and Cook have another monster performance on the ground, Jacksonville State should be in good shape to pull off the outright upset. The guess here is Delaware does just enough on defense, and the Gamecocks struggle to contain Minicucci and Silver in the fourth quarter to give the Blue Hens a big CUSA road win. 

ATS: Jacksonville State +3
Over/Under: Under 57.5