Week 1 2012 Jacksonville St. vs Arkansas Predictions
It is hard to know that much about FCS squads but here is what we do know about the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. They finished 7-4 last year and in a game against another SEC team – Kentucky – handled themselves fairly well losing 38-14.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Arkansas Razorbacks
Saturday September 1
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium – Fayetteville, AK
7:00PM
Moneyline: No line listed
Spread: No line listed
O/U: No line lsted
Jacksonville St
Also, don’t forget that JSU beat Ole Miss in double overtime back in 2010.
Often FCS teams in the south are where players who screw it up at the big program go to play. Jacksonville State had past success with LSU transfer QB Ryan Perilloux and are enjoying similar success with transplanted Georgia running back Washaun Ealy who rushed for more than a 1000 yards last season.
I’m not saying it is enough to pull the upset but there is some talent on the Gamecocks side of the field…if not depth.
With no line listed it is hard to gauge this contest. As a point of comparison JSU was only a 10 point dog in that game against Kentucky but the Wildcats are about the worst thing going on the gridiron in the SEC these days.
This game might be entertaining but I am not sure a line will materialize. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Arkansas
The Razorbacks lost just two games last season, to Alabama and LSU. This year they get both division foes on their home turf and a win over either might put them in the BCS conversation.
Unfortunately this team has a built in excuse with the turmoil at the top that led to Bobby Petrino being out and John L. Smith in. There will be no excuse if they don’t win this game though.
The Razorbacks are primed to improve on last year’s 11-2 season. Quarterback Tyler Wilson returned and he might be the best QB in the league; also Knile Davis, who led the team in rushing two seasons ago is back after injury. Last year the running game was just mediocre but it could explode this year.
Hopefully the defense can keep up their end of the bargain. A full season with new DC Paul Haynes could make a world of difference.
Arkansas should cruize against JSU.
Last year in their one game against an FCS opponent they won 51-7 covering a 42 point spread against Missouri St. Odds are the number will be something similar in this one.
The final score will quite likely be the same too.
Spread Pick: N/A
O/U Pick: N/A
Score Prediction: Arkansas 52 – Jacksonville State 10
