What a time to be a Davidson football player or fan. The Wildcats won their first Pioneer League championship this past weekend, and earned their first ever FCS Playoffs bid. Unfortunately for them, they will have to take on a seasoned Jacksonville State football team on Saturday. The Gamecocks have played 11 games in the last six months. They have doubled most teams’ win totals. However, Davidson is in the perfect position to pull the upset. After playing 11 games so far, will the Gamecocks run out of gas this weekend?
Let’s take a look at this FCS Playoffs matchup of Davidson vs Jacksonville State, review the betting odds and give our official FCS football prediction.
Davidson vs Jacksonville State | FCS Football Playoffs
Date: Saturday April 24th, 2021 | Time: 2:00 PM ET
Coverage: ESPN3
Location: JSU Stadium — Jacksonville, AL
Davidson vs Jacksonville State Betting Odds
Spread: DAV +21 (-110) | JSU -21 (-110)
Moneyline: DAV (+800) | JSU (-1600)
Total: 42 — Over (-115) | Under (-105)
As I mentioned above, this is Davidson’s first time in the FCS Playoffs. Head coach Scott Abell has been brilliant in his third year with the Wildcats. Quarterback Tyler Phelps has been good this year in his limited passing attempts. He’s thrown for five touchdowns to three interceptions. On defense, the Wildcats have hung on by a thread in a couple games. However, their option offense should pose a threat to Jacksonville State.
On the other sideline, the Gamecocks have to be thrilled they captured the number four seed in the FCS Playoffs. They got a pretty good draw as well, facing Davidson, then the winner of Delaware/Sacred Heart. On offense, Jacksonville State loves to run the ball, and let their defense hold down the fort. Running backs Josh Samuel and Uriah West have combined for over 1,000 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. On defense, Buck Buchanan Award finalist, Nicario Harper, is the leader. Jacksonville State is holding opponents to 80 rushing yards per game, along with only 195 passing yards per game. In the end, unfortunately Jacksonville State will run out of gas, but it won’t be this weekend.
