The Jacksonville State Gamecocks travel to Las Cruces, NM, to take on the New Mexico State Aggies at Aggie Memorial Stadium this Wednesday night. With a record of 5-2, Jacksonville State holds a strong position in Conference USA, showcasing an undefeated 3-0 conference record. Having won their last game against Florida International, the Gamecocks are looking to improve their road performance which currently stands at 1-2. New Mexico State enters this game with a 3-4 record, aiming to solidify their standing in the Conference USA with a 2-1 conference record. The Aggies recently secured a victory against Sam Houston, bringing some momentum into their home field where they have a promising 2-1 record. Playing on their home turf, the Aggies will aim to leverage their rushing advantage, as demonstrated in their recent performance against Sam Houston. The odds slightly favor the Gamecocks, with a moneyline of -151, while the Aggies stand at +126. Jacksonville State is seen with a spread of -3, and New Mexico State at +3, indicating a potentially tight contest. The over/under is set at 49.5, suggesting an expectation for a competitive scoring game under the night lights on ESPN2.

New Mexico State vs Jacksonville State At a Glance (Week 9)

  • Game Date and Time: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 8:00 PM
  • Venue: Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, NM
  • TV Channel: ESPN2
  • Jacksonville State Record: 5-2 overall, 3-0 in Conference USA
  • New Mexico State Record: 3-4 overall, 2-1 in Conference USA
  • Game Odds: Jacksonville State -151, New Mexico State +126

New Mexico State Aggies Seek to Maintain Momentum at Home

Offensive Outlook

The New Mexico State Aggies have demonstrated a balanced offensive approach this season, ranking 84th in passing yards with 1,543 and 77th in rushing yards with 1,080. Their scoring capability ranks 73rd, with a total of 172 points. The Aggies have shown consistency in moving the chains, ranking 51st with 133 first downs.

Quarterback Trey Hedden leads the charge, having completed 906 passing yards and throwing five touchdowns. Adam Damante, another key player under center, has added 637 passing yards and six touchdowns. The Aggies' passing game will be crucial in their upcoming contest.

Defensive Highlights

Defensively, the Aggies have allowed 178 points against, which ranks 97th in the nation. However, their pass rush has been effective with 17 sacks, placing them 12th in that category. Interceptions have been a strong point for New Mexico State, with six picks ranking them 7th overall.

The Aggies' ability to recover fumbles is also noteworthy, as they rank 10th with two fumble recoveries. The defense's performance will be essential in stifling their opponents' offensive efforts.

Recent Performances

New Mexico State enters this matchup with a 2-3 record in their last five games. They recently secured a 30-24 win over Sam Houston, showcasing their ability to win close games on the road. In previous contests, the Aggies have shown resilience, including a convincing 34-13 victory against Western Kentucky at home.

Despite facing challenges such as a 22-3 loss to Florida International, the Aggies have demonstrated flashes of potential. Their ability to bounce back will be crucial as they prepare for their upcoming home game.

Key Players to Watch

Running back James Jones has been a standout performer, amassing 777 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. His ability to break through defenses makes him a vital component of the Aggies' offensive strategy.

Wide receiver TK King leads the receiving corps with 307 yards and three touchdowns. The combination of King and Jones provides a dynamic duo that could trouble opposing defenses.

Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: Last 20 Games (2021–2026) → 16-4 (80.0%)
  • ATS - After Loss: Last 8 Games (2025–2026) → 7-1 (87.5%)
  • ATS - As Favorite: Last 3 Games (2026) → 3-0 (100.0%)
  • ATS - Home Games: Last 24 Games (2022–2026) → 16-8 (66.7%)
  • SU - Home Games: Last 24 Games (2022–2026) → 15-9 (62.5%)

Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Key Insights for the Upcoming Game

Quarterback Leadership

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks rely on Caden Creel as their starting quarterback. In the 2026 season, Creel has demonstrated his ability with 1,637 passing yards, ranking 36th overall. His 12 passing touchdowns highlight his capability to lead the offense effectively.

Jack Moran also contributes as a backup, though his game time has been limited. With only 25 passing yards to his name this season, Moran's role primarily supports Creel's efforts.

Running Back Dynamics

Jalen Likely is a significant part of the Gamecocks' running game, having rushed for 201 yards over five games. His two rushing touchdowns add an essential element to the team's offensive strategy.

Lucas Farrington also provides depth in the backfield with 191 rushing yards. Though his touchdown count remains low, his contributions are vital for keeping the offense balanced.

Wide Receiver and Tight End Contributions

Deondre Johnson leads the receiving corps with 431 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field makes him a valuable target for Creel.

Luke Gilbert, the team's top tight end, has added 264 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Gilbert's presence offers a reliable option in short-yardage situations.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: Last 17 Games (2024–2026) → 17-0 (100.0%)
  • SU - Home Games: Last 16 Games (2024–2026) → 15-1 (93.8%)
  • ATS - Home Games: Last 23 Games (2023–2026) → 18-5 (78.3%)
  • SU - After Loss: Last 9 Games (2024–2026) → 8-1 (88.9%)
  • SU - All Games: Last 4 Games (2026) → 4-0 (100.0%)

New Mexico State vs Jacksonville State Week 9 Prediction: Jacksonville State -3

Jacksonville State enters the game with a 5-2 overall record and a perfect 3-0 in conference play. Their recent performance has been strong, particularly in close games as demonstrated by their 27–24 victory over Florida International. With a 4-game winning streak and a strong track record as favorites, Jacksonville State is well-positioned to cover the -3 spread against New Mexico State.

New Mexico State, with a 3-4 record, has shown resilience in their home games, winning two out of three. Their recent 30–24 victory over Sam Houston was promising, but their overall performance against teams with winning records has been inconsistent. As 3-point underdogs, they will need to leverage their home-field advantage to compete with a Jacksonville State team that excels in close contests.

While New Mexico State has a decent ATS record at home (16-8 in their last 24 games), Jacksonville State's recent form as favorites, winning 17 straight, should not be overlooked. Jacksonville State's ability to secure wins in tight situations suggests they will navigate New Mexico State's home environment successfully.

Given Jacksonville State's impressive track record and New Mexico State's inconsistency against stronger opponents, the Gamecocks are favored to cover the spread. Expect Jacksonville State to capitalize on their offensive capabilities and defensive tenacity, leading to a projected final score of Jacksonville State 28 - New Mexico State 21.

  • New Mexico State vs Jacksonville State Prediction: Jacksonville State -3
  • New Mexico State vs Jacksonville State Score: Jacksonville State 28 - New Mexico State 21

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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