The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are set to host the Sam Houston Bearkats in Week 10 of the 2026 College Football season. The game will take place at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, AL, with a kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on CBSS.

Sam Houston enters this contest with a challenging season record of 1-7, struggling in Conference USA play with a 0-4 record. Their performance on the road has also been tough, as they have yet to secure a victory away from home. The Bearkats will be looking to turn things around against a strong Jacksonville State team.

The Gamecocks have had an impressive season thus far, with a 6-2 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in Conference USA play. They have been unbeatable at home, boasting a 4-0 record at AmFirst Stadium. Jacksonville State will aim to continue their winning streak and maintain their dominance on home turf.

Jacksonville State vs Sam Houston At a Glance (Week 10)

  • Game Venue: AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, AL
  • Game Date and Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
  • TV Channel: CBSS
  • Jacksonville State Record: 6-2 overall, 4-0 in Conference USA
  • Sam Houston Record: 1-7 overall, 0-4 in Conference USA
  • Game Odds: Jacksonville State favored with a moneyline of -800

Jacksonville State Gamecocks Gear Up for Home Game

Offensive Prowess

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have shown a balanced offensive attack this season, with a total of 1,787 passing yards and 1,401 rushing yards. Their passing game ranks 71st, while the rushing game stands at 51st, highlighting their ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground.

Leading the charge is quarterback Caden Creel, who has thrown for 1,741 yards and 13 touchdowns. This dual-threat approach has helped the Gamecocks rank 58th in points for, with a total of 215 points scored this season.

Defensive Strength

On the defensive side, Jacksonville State has been effective in limiting opponents, allowing only 159 points this season, which ranks 71st. The Gamecocks' pass defense has been particularly formidable, with 7 interceptions ranking them 8th in the nation.

Their ability to apply pressure is evident in their 12 sacks, placing them 19th overall. The combination of a strong pass rush and opportunistic secondary has been key to their defensive success.

Key Players to Watch

Running back Jalen Likely is a critical component of the Gamecocks' offense, with 240 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns over 6 games. Wide receiver Deondre Johnson has emerged as a reliable target, leading the team with 438 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.

On special teams, kicker Garrison Rippa has been consistent, converting 11 field goals and 25 extra points, providing reliability in scoring situations.

Recent Performance and Upcoming Challenges

Jacksonville State is coming off a dominant 24-0 victory against New Mexico State, showcasing their defensive prowess. As they prepare to host the Sam Houston Bearkats, the Gamecocks aim to continue their unbeaten streak at home.

With upcoming games against Western Kentucky and Missouri State, maintaining their momentum will be crucial. The Gamecocks' strong performance at AmFirst Stadium is expected to play a pivotal role in their continued success.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: 18-0 over the last 18 games (2024–2026).
  • SU - Home Games: 15-1 over the last 16 games (2024–2026).
  • SU - All Games: 5-0 over the last 5 games (2026).
  • ATS - Home Games: 18-5 over the last 23 games (2023–2026).
  • SU - After Win: 4-0 over the last 4 games (2026).
  • O/U - Home Games: 8-3 over the last 11 games (2024–2026).

Sam Houston Bearkats Seek Redemption Against Gamecocks

Current Season Performance

The Sam Houston Bearkats have had a challenging season so far, holding a 0-5 record. Their offense has struggled, especially in rushing, ranking 126th with only 614 yards. In contrast, their passing game has shown promise, ranking 42nd with 1,975 yards.

Defensively, the Bearkats have been more effective in certain areas, ranking 7th in interceptions with 6. However, they have allowed 201 points, placing them at 96th in the standings. Their upcoming game against Jacksonville State is crucial for improving these numbers.

Key Players and Injuries

Landyn Locke is the starting quarterback for the Bearkats, having thrown for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. However, his status is questionable due to an undisclosed injury, potentially affecting the Bearkats' offensive strategy.

The team is also dealing with other significant injuries, including to their wide receiver Kyan Berry-Johnson and offensive lineman Brock Stukes. Stukes is confirmed out for the season, adding pressure on the remaining squad to step up in his absence.

Offensive and Defensive Challenges

While the Bearkats' passing game shows potential, their rushing attack is a concern, averaging just 76.75 yards per game. Players like Alton McCaskill and Landan Brown will need to enhance their ground game to support the team's offensive efforts.

Defensively, the Bearkats have shown strength in forcing turnovers, ranking 9th in fumbles recovered. Maintaining this defensive pressure will be essential against Jacksonville State, particularly given their recent struggles to contain the run game.

Recent Game Performances

In their recent game against Missouri State, the Bearkats managed only 3 points, highlighting their offensive struggles. Their defense did show some resilience, allowing only 24 points despite the offensive shortcomings.

The Bearkats' inability to convert first downs effectively was evident, with only 17 first downs compared to Missouri State's 16. This trend will need to reverse for the team to have a chance against the Gamecocks.

Team Betting Trends

  • O/U - Totals ≤ 42: 5-0 in the last 5 games (2023).
  • SU - As Favorite: 8-2 in the last 10 games (2023–2026).
  • ATS - Home Games: 9-7 in the last 16 games (2023–2026).
  • O/U - Home Games: 5-3 in the last 8 games (2025–2026).
  • SU - Home Games: 9-8 in the last 17 games (2023–2026).

As the Bearkats prepare to face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, they will need to overcome their recent adversities. Improvement in both offensive and defensive execution is critical to changing their fortunes this season.

Jacksonville State vs Sam Houston Week 10 Prediction: Jacksonville State -16.5

In this Week 10 matchup, Jacksonville State is a significant favorite with a -16.5 spread. They have been dominant at home, maintaining a perfect 4-0 record this season. Given their recent 24-0 victory over New Mexico State, they appear well-positioned to cover the spread.

Jacksonville State's offense ranks 58th in points scored, contrasting sharply with Sam Houston's 1-7 record. The Gamecocks' home-field advantage and previous success against Sam Houston bolster confidence in their ability to perform well.

Sam Houston, on the other hand, struggles on the road with an 0-4 record this season. Their offense ranks poorly in rushing yards, standing 126th, which could limit their scoring opportunities against a strong Jacksonville State defense.

Considering Jacksonville State's excellent ATS performance at home, going 18-5 in their last 23 home games, backing them to cover the -16.5 spread is a sound choice. The projected score supports this pick with Jacksonville State winning comfortably.

  • Jacksonville State vs Sam Houston Prediction: Jacksonville State -16.5
  • Jacksonville State vs Sam Houston Score: Jacksonville State 35 - Sam Houston 14

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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