The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens are set to play against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Week 8 of the 2025 regular season. This game will take place at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, with kickoff scheduled for Wednesday, October 15 at 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN.
Delaware enters this game with a 3-2 record, having shown a balanced performance both at home and on the road. Their recent outing resulted in a narrow 27-24 loss to Western Kentucky at home, but they have demonstrated offensive capabilities with significant yardage in both passing and rushing in previous games.
Jacksonville State holds a 3-3 record, with their strengths prominently displayed on home turf, where they remain undefeated. They recently secured a 29-27 victory against Sam Houston on the road, emphasizing their proficiency in rushing, as showcased in their recent games. The Gamecocks will look to leverage their home field advantage and robust rushing attack against Delaware.
Jacksonville State vs Delaware At a Glance
- Game Venue: AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, AL
- Game Time: October 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: ESPN
- Odds Favorite: Delaware with a moneyline of -140
- Weather Forecast: Outdoor conditions; check local forecasts for updates
- Team Records: Delaware 3-2, Jacksonville State 3-3
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Look to Continue Winning Momentum
Offensive Overview
Jacksonville State’s offense in 2025 has been characterized by a potent rushing attack. Ranking 3rd in the nation with 1,688 rushing yards, they have consistently relied on their ground game to move the chains. Despite a lower passing yardage total, their offensive strategy has effectively capitalized on their rushing prowess.
The Gamecocks have accumulated 177 points this season, placing them 46th overall. This demonstrates their ability to put points on the board, albeit with a more ground-centric approach. Their 134 first downs rank 25th, indicating a steady offensive rhythm that keeps drives alive.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, Jacksonville State has made a notable impact in 2025. With 14 sacks, they rank 12th, showcasing their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, they have excelled in forcing turnovers, ranking 4th with 3 interceptions and 5 fumbles recovered.
Despite allowing 161 points, which places them 93rd, their ability to create defensive opportunities has been a key aspect of their strategy. Their defense’s knack for disrupting opponents’ plays could be crucial as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.
Recent Performances
Jacksonville State’s recent performances have been a mix of high and low points. They recently secured a narrow 29-27 victory over Sam Houston, showcasing their resilience in close encounters. However, their 42-25 loss to Southern Miss earlier this season highlights areas for improvement, particularly in defensive containment.
Notably, the Gamecocks achieved a commanding 45-10 win against Murray State, reflecting their capability to dominate when in form. This mix of outcomes indicates a team that can rise to the occasion but also faces challenges in maintaining consistency.
Key Players
Running back Cam Cook has been a standout performer, leading with 832 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. His contributions have been vital to Jacksonville State’s offensive success, positioning him as a key player to watch.
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has also played a crucial role, although his passing yards have been relatively modest. His management of the offense and ability to make pivotal plays will be essential in upcoming games.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could impact Jacksonville State’s depth and performance. Key players such as Tyler Bride, Larry Preston, and Cai Mayowa are questionable, potentially affecting their defensive and offensive strategies.
Additionally, Jeremiah Orr and Aidan Thompson are confirmed out for the season, which could further test the team’s adaptability in upcoming games.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 10 Games → 10-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 8 Games → 8-0 (100.0%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 5 Games → 5-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – All Games: Last 16 Games → 12-4 (75.0%)
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens Prepare for a Showdown at AmFirst Stadium
Team Overview
Delaware enters the game with a mixed bag of results this season, holding a record of 3-2. They have shown a strong offensive presence, ranking 64th in passing yards with 1,381, but their rushing attack lags at 104th with 730 yards.
Defensively, the Fightin’ Blue Hens have been effective at creating turnovers with four interceptions, placing them 5th in the rankings. Their sack count stands impressively at 11, ranking them 15th nationally.
Key Players
Quarterback Nick Minicucci has been a pivotal player for Delaware, leading the team with 1,360 passing yards and eight touchdowns. His performance ranks him 56th in passing yards nationally.
Running back Jo Silver contributes significantly to the offense, rushing for 373 yards and three touchdowns. Kyre Duplessis has been a key target in the passing game, with 340 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Recent Performance
Delaware’s recent game against Western Kentucky ended in a narrow 27-24 defeat. Despite a strong performance with 314 passing yards, they fell short in the final moments.
Earlier in the season, they secured a decisive 38-16 win against Florida International. The team’s ability to generate first downs and maintain possession was crucial in that victory.
Injury Report
The Fightin’ Blue Hens are dealing with several injuries, most notably quarterback Zach Marker, who is out due to a leg injury. Other key players like cornerback Keontae Jenkins and linebacker Dillon Trainer are listed as questionable.
These injuries could impact Delaware’s depth, especially in positions requiring rotational depth, such as the defensive line and secondary.
Betting Trends
- SU – After Loss: Last 3 Games (2022–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2025) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- SU – All Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU – As Underdog: Last 3 Games (2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 3 Games (2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 3 Games (2022–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
Jacksonville State vs Delaware Prediction: Jacksonville State +2.5
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have proven to be a strong force at home with a perfect 2-0 record this season. Their offensive prowess is highlighted by a top-3 rushing attack, which could pose significant challenges for Delaware’s defense. With their strong home performance and a recent victory over Sam Houston, Jacksonville State is well-prepared to cover the +2.5 spread against Delaware.
Delaware has performed well this season, but their road record of 1-1 indicates vulnerability away from home. Although they have a solid overall defensive ranking, Jacksonville State’s ground game could exploit Delaware’s rushing defense, which ranks 104th nationally. This matchup advantage could be the difference maker, especially with Jacksonville State’s home momentum.
Jacksonville State’s betting trends are favorable, especially at home where they have an 11-4 ATS record over the last 15 games. This track record of performing well as an underdog adds confidence to picking Jacksonville State +2.5 against Delaware. The Gamecocks’ ability to capitalize on their home field advantage should not be underestimated in this context.
Given the statistics and trends, a projected score in favor of Jacksonville State is 31-28. This score supports the decision to take Jacksonville State +2.5, as they are positioned to win outright or at least keep the game within the spread.
- Jacksonville State vs Delaware Prediction: Jacksonville State +2.5
- Jacksonville State vs Delaware Score: Jacksonville State 31 – Delaware 28
