The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-3) take on a conference opponent when they visit the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (7-4) on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at AmFirst Stadium in a CUSA showdown.

The Gamecocks are underdogs, but by less than a field goal (+2.5), versus the Hilltoppers (with an over/under of 56.5 points).

Read on for our betting primer for this this game between the Hilltoppers and the Gamecocks, and find all of our predictions here, too!

Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State betting lines

• Spread favorite: Hilltoppers (-2.5)
• Moneyline: Hilltoppers (-127), Gamecocks (+107)
• Total: 56.5 points

Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State betting info and stats

Western Kentucky is 9-2-0 against the spread this season. Western Kentucky has covered the spread in six of the games this season when a favorite of at least 2.5 points (6-1 ATS). Western Kentucky has been the moneyline favorite in seven games this season, and it has put together a 6-1 record in those outings. Jacksonville State has five wins against the spread so far this season (5-6-0). Jacksonville State has covered the spread four times (4-2 ATS) when it is the underdog by 2.5 points or more. Jacksonville State’s record is 3-4 when playing as the underdog this year.

Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State recent stats and trends

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

• Western Kentucky has covered the spread in each of its last three games while going 2-1 overall.
• Once in those three games, the final combined score exceeded the set total.
• Western Kentucky’s past three outings have ended with an average of 52.8 points scored. That’s 3.7 fewer points than this contest’s over/under.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks

• Jacksonville State has covered the spread twice in its last three matchups while putting up a 2-1 record straight-up in those games.
• The final combined score of the last three Jacksonville State games has surpassed the set total twice.
• The past three Jacksonville State games averaged 3.7 fewer points (52.8) than this matchup’s point total.

Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State key players

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

• Maverick McIvor has thrown for 1,863 yards (266.1 ypg) to lead Western Kentucky, completing 67.3% of his passes and collecting 12 touchdown passes compared to five interceptions this season.
• Marvis Parrish has carried the ball 87 times for a team-high 459 yards on the ground. He’s also tacked on 35 catches for 198 yards (18.0 per game) and one touchdown via the pass.
• This season, La’Vell Wright has carried the ball 66 times for 344 yards (31.3 per game) and eight touchdowns.
• Matthew Henry’s team-high 719 yards as a receiver have come on 45 receptions (out of 74 targets) with six touchdowns.
• KD Hutchinson has caught 56 passes for 582 yards (52.9 yards per game) and three touchdowns this year.
• Moussa Barry has a total of 388 receiving yards so far this year, grabbing 29 throws and scoring one touchdown.
• Dominic Oliver has collected 3.0 sacks to pace the team, while also recording 3.0 TFL and 11 tackles.
• Western Kentucky’s top-tackler, Jaylen Wester, has 65 tackles, 1.0 TFL, and 0.5 sacks this year.
• Jaylen Lewis leads the team with two interceptions, while also putting up 44 tackles, 3.0 TFL, and two passes defended.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks

• Caden Creel has been a dual threat for Jacksonville State this season. He has 1,041 passing yards (104.1 per game) while completing 60.9% of his passes. He’s thrown six touchdown passes and three interceptions this season. On the ground, he’s compiled 830 yards (75.5 ypg) on 131 carries with five rushing touchdowns.
• Cam Cook has run the ball 252 times for 1,451 yards, with 14 touchdowns. He’s also tacked on 24 catches for 232 yards.
• Deondre Johnson has racked up 442 receiving yards on 15 receptions to pace his team so far this season while scoring five touchdowns as a receiver.
• Brock Rechsteiner has totaled 356 receiving yards (32.4 yards per game) and four touchdowns on 33 receptions.
• Caleb Coombs has racked up 275 reciving yards (25.0 ypg) this season.
• Emmanuel Oyebadejo has 4.5 sacks to pace the team, and also has 4.0 TFL and 29 tackles.
• Mac Sanders, Jacksonville State’s tackle leader, has 60 tackles and 3.0 TFL this year.
• Caleb Nix has picked off a team-high four passes. He also has 37 tackles, 2.0 TFL, and four passes defended to his name.