Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jacksonville State Gamecocks Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/6/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jacksonville State Gamecocks prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers hit the road to face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jacksonville State Gamecocks Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +162 (Caesars) / Jacksonville State Gamecocks -175 (BetRivers)
Best Spread Odds: -4.0 - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -108 (DraftKings) / -3.5 - Jacksonville State Gamecocks -115 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 58.5 - Under -110 (FanDuel) / Over -108 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 12/6/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: AmFirst Stadium (Jacksonville, AL)
TV: CBSSN

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jacksonville State Gamecocks Preview

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Jacksonville State Gamecocks are set to clash once again, this time with the Conference USA Championship on the line. The two teams met just a week ago in a thrilling encounter that saw Western Kentucky edge out a 19-17 victory, courtesy of a last-minute 50-yard field goal by Lucas Carneiro. This result snapped Jacksonville State's impressive eight-game winning streak and set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.

Jacksonville State, led by head coach Rich Rodriguez, will be looking to avenge their narrow defeat and reclaim their dominance in the conference. The Gamecocks have been a formidable force this season, boasting a strong 8-4 record overall and a 7-1 mark in Conference USA play. However, their hopes were dealt a significant blow with the injury to star quarterback Tyler Huff, who left the previous game against Western Kentucky with an apparent knee injury. Huff has been a dual-threat dynamo for the Gamecocks, amassing over 3,000 total yards and 24 touchdowns this season. His status remains uncertain, and the team may once again rely on backup quarterback Logan Smothers, who stepped up admirably in Huff's absence last week.

On the other side, the Hilltoppers, under the guidance of head coach Tyson Helton, have shown resilience and tactical acumen throughout the season. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp has been a standout performer, exploiting weaknesses in opposing defenses with his precise passing. In their last meeting, Veltkamp threw for 301 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding gaps in the Jacksonville State secondary. The Hilltoppers' defense also played a crucial role, capitalizing on turnovers and maintaining pressure on the Gamecocks' offense.

As the teams prepare for their championship showdown at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, both will be keenly aware of the stakes. The Gamecocks will aim to leverage their home-field advantage and rectify the mistakes that cost them in the previous encounter. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky will look to replicate their successful game plan and secure the conference title. With both teams possessing potent offenses and determined defenses, this matchup promises to be another closely contested battle.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jacksonville State Gamecocks Pick: Total Points Under

As the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Jacksonville State Gamecocks prepare for their Conference USA Championship clash, the under on the total points line appears to be a compelling pick. The previous encounter between these two teams was a low-scoring affair, ending in a 19-17 victory for Western Kentucky. This result was indicative of the defensive strengths both teams possess, as well as the strategic nature of their play.

Jacksonville State's offensive capabilities have been somewhat hampered by the injury to their star quarterback Tyler Huff. Huff, who has been instrumental in the Gamecocks' success this season with over 3,000 total yards and 24 touchdowns, left the last game against Western Kentucky with a knee injury. His absence could limit Jacksonville State's scoring potential, as they may need to rely on backup quarterback Logan Smothers. While Smothers performed admirably in relief, the uncertainty surrounding Huff's status could lead to a more conservative offensive approach.

On the other side, Western Kentucky's defense has proven to be a formidable unit, capable of capitalizing on turnovers and maintaining pressure on opposing offenses. In their last meeting, the Hilltoppers' defense was pivotal in securing the win, and they will likely employ a similar strategy to stifle Jacksonville State's attack. Additionally, Western Kentucky's offense, led by quarterback Caden Veltkamp, has shown the ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, but the Gamecocks' defense will be keen to rectify the mistakes that allowed Veltkamp to pass for 301 yards in their previous encounter.

Given the defensive prowess of both teams and the potential impact of Huff's injury on Jacksonville State's offensive output, this championship game is poised to be another tightly contested battle. The combination of these factors suggests that the total points scored will likely remain under the projected line, making the under a strong pick for this matchup.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Jacksonville State Gamecocks Top Player Prop Picks

Caden Veltkamp Over 250.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (DraftKings)

Caden Veltkamp has been a consistent force for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and his performance against Jacksonville State in their previous encounter underscores his ability to exploit defensive weaknesses. Veltkamp threw for 301 yards in that game, finding gaps in the Gamecocks' secondary with precision. Given Jacksonville State's struggles against the pass, as evidenced by their defense being torched for over 250 yards in seven games this season, Veltkamp is poised to have another strong outing. With the stakes high in the Conference USA Championship, expect Veltkamp to rise to the occasion and surpass the 250.5 passing yards mark.

Logan Smothers Over 50.5 Rushing Yards Rushing Yards -115 (FanDuel)

With Tyler Huff's status uncertain due to his knee injury, Logan Smothers is likely to take the reins for Jacksonville State once again. Smothers showcased his rushing ability in the previous matchup against Western Kentucky, stepping up admirably in Huff's absence. Given Huff's dual-threat nature, Smothers is expected to emulate that style, especially with the Gamecocks potentially adopting a more conservative offensive approach. Smothers' mobility will be crucial in keeping the Hilltoppers' defense on their toes, and he should comfortably exceed the 50.5 rushing yards line as he looks to lead his team to victory.

Lucas Carneiro Over 1.5 Field Goals Made -120 (Caesars)

Lucas Carneiro was the hero in the last meeting between these two teams, nailing a 50-yard field goal with seconds remaining to secure the win for Western Kentucky. His reliability in clutch situations makes him a key player in the Hilltoppers' offensive strategy. Given the defensive strengths of both teams and the likelihood of a closely contested game, field goals could play a significant role in the outcome. Carneiro's ability to deliver under pressure suggests he will have multiple opportunities to score, making the over 1.5 field goals made a strong proposition for this championship clash.