As Week 4 of the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Murray State Racers will take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, AL. This Saturday night game, set to kick off at 7:00 PM, will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Racers, with a current record of 0-1, will be seeking their first win on the road.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks enter the game with a 1-2 record, aiming to leverage their previous home success. Notably, the Gamecocks managed a win against Liberty Flames at home earlier this season. Their standing in Conference USA bolsters the importance of this game on their home turf.
In their recent outings, Murray State fell to Georgia State 37-21, while Jacksonville State narrowly lost to Georgia Southern 41-34. Both teams will look to adjust and capitalize on past performances in this upcoming encounter. The game odds show a significant spread, with Jacksonville State favored by 35.5 points.
Jacksonville State vs Murray State At a Glance
- Game Location: AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, AL
- Game Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
- Murray State Record: 0-1 (0-1 on the road)
- Jacksonville State Record: 1-2 (1-0 at home)
- Point Spread: Murray State +35.5, Jacksonville State -35.5
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Ready for Battle: Analyzing the Team’s Prospects
Offensive Performance
In the 2025 season, Jacksonville State has accumulated 78 points, ranking them 52nd in points scored. Their passing game has been underwhelming, with only 389 passing yards, placing them 117th.
However, the rushing attack has been impressive, amassing 722 yards and ranking 13th. The Gamecocks have managed 58 first downs, securing the 30th spot in that category.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, Jacksonville State has allowed 82 points, which positions them at 66th in points against. Their pass rush has been effective, recording 6 sacks and ranking 9th.
The Gamecocks’ defense has also been opportunistic, snagging 1 interception (2nd rank) and recovering 3 fumbles (3rd rank).
Recent Game Recaps
In their recent game against Georgia Southern, Jacksonville State fell short with a 41-34 scoreline. They managed 22 first downs, 180 passing yards, and 214 rushing yards in this effort.
Previously, they secured a 34-24 victory over Liberty at home, showcasing their rushing prowess with 343 yards on the ground.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has thrown for 369 yards over three games, though he has struggled with consistency, ranking 112th in passing yards. Running back Cam Cook stands out with 390 rushing yards, placing him 4th overall.
On the receiving end, Brock Rechsteiner leads with 102 receiving yards and 8 receptions across three games.
Injury Concerns
The Gamecocks are facing some injury concerns, with running back Andrew Paul questionable due to a leg injury. Wide receiver Nabi Hoyt is also uncertain to play due to an undisclosed issue.
These injuries could impact Jacksonville State’s offensive depth and overall game plan against their next opponent.
Upcoming Schedule
Jacksonville State’s next game is against Murray State at home on September 20, 2025. This home game provides a chance for the Gamecocks to capitalize on their strong record as favorites.
Future away games against Southern Miss and Sam Houston could pose additional challenges on the road.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 8 Games → 8-0 (100%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 7 Games → 7-0 (100%)
- ATS – Home Games: Last 14 Games → 11-3 (78.6%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 7 Games → 6-1 (85.7%)
- SU – All Games: Last 13 Games → 10-3 (76.9%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 12 Games → 9-3 (75%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 14 Games → 10-4 (71.4%)
Murray State Racers Look to Bounce Back on the Road
Offensive Overview
The Murray State Racers have struggled offensively this season, averaging 21 points per game, placing them at 87th in the nation. Their passing game has been particularly sluggish, with only 159 yards per game, ranking 168th. The rushing attack hasn’t fared much better, producing 123 yards per game, which ranks them 147th.
Despite the offensive challenges, the Racers have shown some ability to move the chains, recording 22 first downs per game, ranking them 60th. This suggests they can sustain drives but struggle to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Improving efficiency in the red zone could be key to increasing their scoring output.
Defensive Challenges
Murray State’s defense has faced significant challenges, allowing an average of 37 points per game. This places them at 23rd in terms of points against, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. The lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks is evident, as they have yet to record a sack this season.
However, the Racers have been opportunistic in the secondary, securing two interceptions, which ranks them 3rd. They have also been effective in recovering fumbles, ranking 5th in the nation. These turnovers can be momentum-shifting plays if they can capitalize offensively.
Key Players
Quarterback Jim Ogle has been a central figure for the Racers, with 138 passing yards in his single appearance. Despite not throwing any interceptions, his passing yardage ranks him 195th, indicating room for growth. On the ground, Jawaun Northington has been the standout with 64 rushing yards and a touchdown.
In the receiving corps, Lucas Desjardins has made a notable impact with 75 receiving yards and a touchdown, making him a key target. Tight end Brooks Kleinpeter has also contributed with two receptions for 16 yards. These players will be crucial for Murray State as they seek to improve their offensive output.
Team Betting Trends
- ATS – All Games: Last 4 Games (2023–2025) → 2-2 (50.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 4 Games (2023–2025) → 2-2 (50.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 4 Games (2023–2025) → 2-2 (50.0%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 4 Games (2023–2025) → 2-2 (50.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2023–2025) → 2-2 (50.0%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 7 Games (2022–2025) → 2-5 (28.6%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 7 Games (2022–2025) → 2-5 (28.6%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 7 Games (2022–2025) → 2-5 (28.6%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2022–2025) → 2-5 (28.6%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 7 Games (2022–2025) → 2-5 (28.6%)
Murray State’s upcoming game presents an opportunity to reverse their fortunes on the road. As 35.5-point underdogs, the Racers will need to exceed expectations to secure a win. Their recent 21–37 loss to Georgia State highlights the areas for improvement as they prepare for their next challenge.
Jacksonville State vs Murray State Prediction: Over 60.5
Jacksonville State has shown a strong offensive capability with a total of 78 points scored in their first three games this season. They are particularly effective at home, where they are undefeated. The Gamecocks’ recent game against Georgia Southern ended in a high-scoring 34-41 result, indicating their tendency to engage in high-scoring affairs.
On the other hand, Murray State has allowed 37 points in their sole game this season. Their defense has struggled, ranking 23rd in points allowed, which suggests they might struggle to contain Jacksonville State’s potent offense. Additionally, the Racers’ offense put up 21 points in their first outing, showing they can contribute to a high total.
Betting trends favor the over, as Jacksonville State has gone over the total in 6 of their last 7 games following a loss. Moreover, they have a strong record against totals of 50 or more, going over in 11 of their last 17. This matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring game given both teams’ current form and tendencies.
Given these dynamics, the pick is for the total to go over 60.5 points. A projected final score could be Jacksonville State 45, Murray State 24.
- Jacksonville State vs Murray State Prediction: Over 60.5
- Jacksonville State vs Murray State Score: Jacksonville State 45 – Murray State 24
