Dec. 6 CUSA Championship Game Preview: Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State (-4), Total 58.5
The Conference USA (CUSA) Championship game features a rematch between Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State, with the Gamecocks hosting the Hilltoppers. This clash comes just one week after their regular-season finale, a game decided by a dramatic 50-yard field goal that secured Western Kentucky’s 19-17 victory and a spot in this title showdown.
For Jacksonville State, the stakes were different last week. The Gamecocks had already clinched their spot as hosts of the championship game, allowing them some flexibility in approach. Even so, their performance nearly toppled Western Kentucky on the road, despite holding back on their full playbook and losing starting quarterback Tyler Huff to a third-quarter leg injury. Prior to that matchup, Jacksonville State was riding an impressive eight-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance within the conference.
Western Kentucky entered last week’s game under pressure, coming off back-to-back losses. One of those defeats was a surprising five-point loss at home to a struggling Louisiana Tech team (5-7). The Hilltoppers showed resilience, but their path to the championship has been inconsistent, particularly on defense.
Key Matchups
The most glaring mismatch in this game lies in Western Kentucky’s inability to stop the run. The Hilltoppers surrender an average of 208 rushing yards per game, a statistic that heavily favors Jacksonville State’s ground-heavy offense. Even without Huff in the second half last week, the Gamecocks ran for an impressive 229 yards on the road. Should Huff return to action and Jacksonville State fully unleash their offensive arsenal, they could dominate on the ground, controlling the clock and wearing down Western Kentucky’s defense.
On the flip side, Western Kentucky leans heavily on their air raid offense, which managed 321 passing yards last week. While they will make some plays through the air, their success often hinges on the environment. Being on the road this time, their passing attack might not find the same rhythm, especially against a Jacksonville State defense that has proven capable of adapting and holding firm under pressure.
Jacksonville State is simply the more complete and consistent team coming into this championship game. Their recent form and home-field advantage give them a big edge. Last week’s performance demonstrated that even a scaled-back Gamecocks team could go toe-to-toe with the Hilltoppers. With Huff likely back under center, Jacksonville State is expected to open up their playbook, adding layers to their already potent rushing attack. This offensive versatility should prove overwhelming for a Western Kentucky defense that has struggled mightily against the run.
While Western Kentucky will find occasional success through the air, they lack the balance and consistency to keep pace with Jacksonville State’s well-rounded offense. The Gamecocks have momentum, a strong defensive unit, and the added confidence of playing in front of their home crowd.
Jacksonville State is the better team playing better football at the right time. Expect them to capitalize on Western Kentucky’s defensive vulnerabilities and secure the championship by at least two scores. If Huff is officially ruled in, this could turn into a statement game for the Gamecocks as they dominate on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Lean Jacksonville State (-4).