Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State Prediction & Odds: Conference USA Championship Betting Preview
Two teams that squared off three weeks ago butt heads again Friday night, this time for the Conference USA championship, and I’m calling for an outright upset with my Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State prediction (7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network).
Kennesaw State travels to AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., as a consensus 1.5-point betting favorite. My pick for this game is one of several Conference USA championship predictions that we’re offering up during college football conference championship predictions.
Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State predictions: Conference USA Championship
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Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State best bet & score prediction
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Jacksonville State ML (+115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Statistically, these teams are near mirror images of each other. For example, Jacksonville State averages one more point per game (30.2 to 29.1), while Kennesaw State’s defense yields 1.7 fewer points (25.1 to 26.8). Also, both teams average 6 yards per play and allow 5.8 yards per play.
So it’s no surprise that the Conference USA title game has a near pick-em line. But I’m confidently recommending Jacksonville State to win outright for one reason: turnovers. In a nutshell, the Owls giveth and the Gamecocks taketh away.
Miscues will be the key
When these teams met in Jacksonville three weeks ago, Kennesaw State had a 579-451 edge in total yards but lost 35-26 as a 3.5-point favorite because two quarterbacks combined to throw four interceptions.
Those are among 21 turnovers that Jacksonville State has forced in 2025 (nine more than the Owls). In all, the Gamecocks have a plus-7 turnover margin, while Kennesaw State is minus-2.
And while the Owls enter this game on a 9-1 roll, Jacksonville State is responsible for that one defeat. It’s one of three outright upsets the Gamecocks scored during their 6-1 heater that capped the regular season.
Bet365’s +115 moneyline odds on Jacksonville State pace the market and imply a 46.51% win probability. Risk $10 to win $11.50.
Elsewhere, Phil Wood highlighted some candidates to reach pay dirt in his Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State anytime touchdown scorer predictions.
Score prediction: Jacksonville State 34, Kennesaw State 31
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Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State matchup to watch
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RB Cam Cook vs. Kennesaw State’s defense
Jacksonville State racked up 252 rushing yards — while averaging 6 yards per carry — in its 35-26 upset of the Owls in Week 12. Then again, the Gamecocks aren’t alone in running all over Kennesaw State, which yields 172.6 ground yards per contest.
After getting bulldozed by Jacksonville State, the Owls surrendered 191 rushing yards to Missouri State, then 291 in last week’s double-overtime win at Liberty.
So I’m riding Jacksonville State’s Cam Cook, whose 1,581 rushing yards lead all of FBS. Not only did Cook pile up 132 yards against Kennesaw State, but the transfer from TCU has topped the century mark in 10 of 12 starts this season (including seven in a row).
Following the Kennesaw State contest, Cook ran for 138 and 137 yards against Florida International and Western Kentucky, respectively. He also averages 145.6 rushing yards at home.
This one also features in our Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State player props.
Best prop bet: Cam Cook Over 124.5 rushing yards (-108 via FanDuel)
Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State odds
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Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State betting trends
| Kennesaw State | Statistic | Jacksonville State |
|---|---|---|
| 9-3 | W-L record | 8-4 |
| 8-4 | ATS record | 6-6 |
| 6-6 | O/U record | 8-4 |
| 6.0 | Yards per play | 6.0 |
| 5.8 | Yards allowed per play | 5.8 |
| -2 | Turnover margin | +9 |
| 4-1 | Last 5 games | 4-1 |
| W, 48-42 @ Liberty | Previous result | W, 37-34 vs. Western Kentucky |
Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State weather
Temperatures will be in the mid-70s at kickoff and remain comfortable throughout the game, but intermittent showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast through at least the first half. Wind shouldn’t cause any problems, though, with occasional 13 mph gusts early on dropping below 10 mph.
How to watch Kennesaw State vs. Jacksonville State: Conference USA Championship
- Date: Friday, Dec. 5
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: AmFirst Stadium (Jacksonville, Fla.)
- TV: CBS Sports Network
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