Delaware vs. Jacksonville State: Prediction, Preview, Odds & Picks (Oct 15, 2025)

Conference USA action rolls into Wednesday night lights at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, where the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (3-2) travel south to clash with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (3-3).

It’s a battle between air vs. ground, as Delaware brings one of the more polished passing attacks in the league, while Jacksonville State counters with a punishing run game that ranks top three in the FBS. The Blue Hens enter as narrow 3-point favorites (-142 ML), but the Gamecocks are live home underdogs (+120 ML) looking to protect their turf and extend their unbeaten CUSA start.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN and Fubo, with a total of 57.5 points—a line that screams balance between offensive explosiveness and red-zone discipline.

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🏈 NCAA Football Betting Promos (October 2025)

📺 Where to Watch Delaware vs. Jacksonville State? (October 15)

💰 Betting Odds & Info

Implied Score: Delaware 30 – Jacksonville State 27
Win Probability: Delaware 58.7% | Jacksonville State 45.5%

📊 Team Overview

Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (3–2, 2–3 ATS)

Delaware has been one of CUSA’s most efficient passing teams behind QB Nick Minicucci, who’s posted 1,379 yards (63.8%), 8 TD, and just 3 INT. The offense ranks 28th nationally in passing and 44th in total offense (422 YPG).

However, the Blue Hens have struggled to finish drives, sitting 111th in red-zone scoring (77.3%), and that’s been costly—particularly in their last game, a 27–24 loss to Western Kentucky, where they went cold in the second half despite controlling possession and yardage.

Key playmakers include:

• QB Nick Minicucci – Dual-threat with 7 rushing TDs
• RB Jo’Nathan Silver – 373 rush yds, 3 TD (6.0 YPC)
• WR Kyre Duplessis – 340 rec yds, 2 TD
• WR Jake Thaw – 232 rec yds, 1 TD

On defense, Delaware gives up 393.8 YPG (101st) and 26.4 PPG (85th), showing weakness against mobile QBs and off-tackle runs—areas Jacksonville State thrives in.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks (3–3, 2–4 ATS)

The Gamecocks’ offense lives on the ground and thrives in chaos. They rank 3rd nationally in rushing yards (279.5 YPG), averaging 5.7 yards per carry (13th).

After benching veteran QB Gavin Wimsatt last week, head coach Rich Rodriguez rolled with freshman Caden Creel, who led a dramatic 29–27 win over Sam Houston with composure and legs. Creel and RB Cam Cook form one of the FBS’s most dangerous read-option tandems:

• Cook: 832 rushing yards, 7 TD, 138.7 YPG
• Creel: 381 rushing yards, 3 TD, 6.7 YPC

Defensively, the Gamecocks are allowing 26.8 PPG (87th) but are efficient against the pass (211.5 YPG allowed, 58th)—a strength that could neutralize Delaware’s primary offensive weapon.

⚙️ Statistical Matchup

🧠 Key Storylines

1. Air vs. Ground Battle

Delaware throws it around with balance and rhythm, but JSU wants to muddy it up and make this a possession grind. Whoever wins time of possession likely wins the night.

2. Minicucci vs. Creel

Minicucci has been a steadying dual-threat force; Creel is the wild card with a breakout potential on the ground. Expect both QBs to lead their teams in rushing attempts.

3. Blue Hens’ Red-Zone Woes

Delaware’s efficiency drops inside the 20-yard line. If that persists, they’ll trade touchdowns for field goals again—and that’s how underdogs steal wins.

4. Conference Stakes

This is their first meeting as CUSA members since Delaware joined from the FCS. Both sit in the middle of the standings but can rise quickly with a midweek win on national TV.

📈 Recent Performance

🏥 Injury Report

🎯 Game Prediction & Betting Breakdown

Spread Pick: Jacksonville State +3

Delaware’s aerial attack might stall against JSU’s disciplined secondary. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks’ home-field and elite ground game can wear down a thin Blue Hens front. Expect Creel and Cook to chew up clock and play keep-away.

Total Pick: Under 57.5

Both teams average about 55 combined points per game, and Delaware’s red-zone struggles pair with JSU’s run-heavy style to create a slower tempo. A mid-50s total feels right—something like 27–24 either way.

Moneyline Lean: JSU +120

At home and fresh off a confidence-building win, Jacksonville State has the tools to edge out Delaware late—especially if the QB run game continues to click.

💡 Prop Bet Angles

💵 ClutchBuzz Same Game Parlay (SGP)

Estimated Payout: +850 (8.5x return)
Risk Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
Confidence Rating: 4/5
Game Script: Gamecocks run wild, Delaware responds through short-yardage QB plays, and the total stays under.

🧮 Final ClutchBuzz Delaware vs. Jacksonville State Prediction