Jacksonville State vs Sam Houston State Picks and Predictions for Thursday, October 9, 2025
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The Jacksonville State Gamecocks visit the Sam Houston State Bearkats on Thursday at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, with the kickoff at 8:00 PM ET on CBSSN. Jacksonville State is 2–3 overall and 1–0 in Conference USA after a 42–25 loss at Southern Miss. Sam Houston State is 0–5 and 0–2 in the C-USA after falling 37–10 at New Mexico State. March down the field and score with free college football picks.
Jacksonville State Preview
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has thrown for 576 yards and two touchdowns, with 238 rushing yards and four additional scores. Running back Cam Cook has carried the offense with 614 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 111 carries. When Jacksonville State controls tempo, it keeps its defense off the field and limits its mistakes. Receiver Brock Rechsteiner leads with 215 yards and three touchdowns, and Caleb Coombs has 148 yards receiving.
The defense has been solid overall, but inconsistent on the road. Safety Trevor Woods leads with 29 tackles and one interception, and the front seven has pressured the opposing quarterback on multiple occasions. Jacksonville State has shown strength in short-yardage and in run defense, which are areas that could decide this matchup.
Sam Houston State Preview
Quarterback Hunter Watson has 618 passing yards with one touchdown and three interceptions, and is also the team’s top rusher with 156 yards and two scores. The offense has struggled to sustain drives, averaging just over three yards per carry. Running back Alton McCaskill has 110 rushing yards and one touchdown, while Elijah Green leads the team in receiving with 133 yards.
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Sam Houston’s defense has been on the field too often, but a few players have stood out. Defensive back CJ Brown leads with 33 tackles, and Emon Allen has two interceptions, one returned 66 yards. A lack of solid coverage and pass defenses has been an issue late in games.
Jacksonville State vs Sam Houston State Prediction
Jacksonville State runs the ball better and protects it more consistently. Cook and Wimsatt give the Gamecocks an advantage in both power and speed, while the defense has played well enough to slow a limited Sam Houston offense. Final Score Prediction: Jacksonville State wins and covers ATS 35–21.
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- Jacksonville State Gamecocks -9
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