Conference matchups are already in full swing as No. 21 Ole Miss takes on Kentucky in the SEC, as well as Virginia and NC State going head to head in the ACC, but let’s take a step back to one of the Group of 5 conferences. It’s not all about the Power Four guys, we gotta give love to the G5 schools. So let’s get in to the nitty gritty Conference USA as the defending champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks host the Liberty Flames. It might not be the most exciting matchup, but we’re within a touchdown spread, so let’s find our favorite picks.
Head over to Betting News to check out what else I’ve got on the slate for Week 1, and view the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks.
Liberty Flames vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks NCAA Football Insights
Cam Cook led the Gamecocks in both rushing and receiving yards in Week 1
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks won the C-USA last season, but they had to replace plenty of personnel on both sides of the football. Starting on offense, the Gamecocks have a new QB, new RB, and plenty of new pass catchers (that were nonexistent in Week 1). Gavin Wimsatt comes over from Kentucky in his fifth season of College Football to lead Jax State. Running back Cam Cook had 460 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground for TCU last year, adding 75 receiving yards as well. Cook had 75 rushing yards in Week 1, and had over half of his receiving yards from the previous season, leading all Gamecock pass catchers with 43 yards. They will need the wideouts to step up if they want to win this conference game at home.
Liberty begins life without Kaidon Salter who is now starting at Colorado. He was the starter the past two seasons, and the Flames offense has a totally new look. Running back Caden Williams has stepped in to the lead role, and he had 52 rushing yards in just nine carries last game. At the helm of the offense is Coastal Carolina transfer, Ethan Vasko, who threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns last week while adding a touchdown on the ground.
He also did not take a sack, which certainly makes his rushing yards catch my eye. Will Vasko be able to lead the Flames to a repeat performance against Jacksonville State?
Matchup Information – Liberty vs. Jacksonville State – September 6
- Venue & Location: AmFirst Stadium (Jacksonville, AL)
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Kick Off: 12:00 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
Liberty vs. Jacksonville State Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 6, 2025 at 9:05 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Liberty -6.5 (-105)
- Jacksonville State +6.5 (-115)
Moneyline
- Liberty -230
- Jacksonville State +192
Total
- Over 49.5 (-135)
- Under 49.5 (+115)
Liberty took down Maine in their opener, scoring 28 unanswered points after falling down 7-0 early in the second quarter. Sure, it took some time for the offense to get going, but they converted 11/19 (57.8%) third downs and had 391 total yards of offense. The defense forced two turnovers as well, in preparation for this C-USA matchup.
Jacksonville State lost to the UCF Knights on the road, and gave away the game late. After a scoreless first half, the Gamecocks tied things up late in the third, and took the lead 10-3 early in the fourth. However, two unanswered touchdowns from the hosts ended up being enough to push them to the victory.
Were the Gamecocks caught looking ahead to next week before their current game was over?
Liberty vs. Jacksonville State NCAA Football Picks and Predictions
Elijah Canion is ready to make his mark for the Flames
Liberty vs. Jacksonville State Prediction: Liberty Wins & Covers, Under 49.5
Best Bet: Liberty -6.5 (-115) EveryGame
I’ll back Liberty. Laying this much on the road in a conference matchup is scary, and to be quite honest, most of the time in this situation I would lean with the home underdog. But not in this contest.
I was impressed with the Flames. Despite replacing tons of offensive players, they moved the ball well. Yes, it was against Maine, but they looked focused and ready to take on whoever comes next. Jacksonville State melted down late, failing to close out a touchdown lead with 12 minutes to play.
Not that it matters, but Liberty won the Conference USA Championship game in 2023, and probably felt like they should’ve been back there last season. Instead, they let Jacksonville State beat them on their own turf, en route to the Gamecock’s own C-USA victory. While the “revenge spot” narrative doesn’t quite fit with the new players, I see Liberty being more prepared for a conference contest this early in the season.
I have much more faith in Liberty’s defense as well, making me lean with the under on the total. Give me the Flames to dominate and win 31-14.
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