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Austin Peay vs Jacksonville State Odds, Picks and How to Watch

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in College Football

Updated Mar 25, 2021 · 6:30 AM PDT

Austin Peay
Austin Peay defensive lineman Terrell Allen, top, grabs a fumble away from Cincinnati quarterback Michael Lindauer during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati beat Austin Peay 55-20. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
  • Austin Peay (2-5) faces Jacksonville State (7-1) on ESPN+ on Sunday at 2:00 PM CT
  • Jacksonville State enters on a seven game win streak and are now ranked 7th in the FCS Top 25
  • See the odds, spread and a look at the game within the story below

Jacksonville State looks to continue their impressive run on ESPN+ this Sunday.

The Gamecocks face the Austin Peay Governors and are listed as convincing favorites. Here are the full odds, plus team break downs to help identify the best value bet on the board.

Austin Peay vs Jacksonville State Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Austin Peay +10.5 (-109) +285 O 53.5 (-114)
Jacksonville State -10.5 (-112) -375 U 53.5 (-107)

Odds taken March 24th from DraftKings

Jacksonville State Dominating on Offense & Defense

Jacksonville State has won seven straight thanks to an all around brand of football that is suffocating opponents. They have held six straight teams under 100 yards rushing, and have forced a turnover in every game they’ve played this season.

In their latest victory over Southeast Missouri State, they racked up four sacks and nine tackles for loss. Simply put, the Gamecocks have a defense that puts opponents to the test on every single down.

They are also a proficient on offense. Zion Webb has proven himself capable at the quarterback position but it’s a new wrinkle that is keeping teams guessing. Jacksonville State has been running a three back formation with running backs Uriah West, Josh Samuel and Pat Jackson.

It’s a simple concept really, get as many elite athletes on the field as you can. Expect to see more of this gimmick on Sunday, with West getting the bulk of the carries. He’s the lead back and has scored in four consecutive games. In addition to the run game, the Gamecocks can also lean on All-American tight end Trae Barry.

Ellis Gives Governors Chance to Compete

Freshman Draylen Ellis has established himself as the Austin Peay starting quarterback for years to come. In two straight weeks he’s won the Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week award, as well as the Newcomer of the Week award.

How did he earn those accolades?

Simply 567 yards passing, with 10 touchdowns and only one interception. Those are video game numbers and it’s clear he has the talent to put up points. Jacksonville State has proven they can stop the run, so Ellis will need another strong showcase with his arm to keep the Governors in the game.

Ellis isn’t the only talented player on the roster, keep an eye out for defensive end Matthew Gayle as well. The redshirt senior recorded two sacks last week against UT-Martin and is especially tough to handle in obvious passing situations. Ellis will be the key, but if Gayle and the Austin Peay defense can help limit Jacksonville State it will provide an easier path to an upset.

Trust Austin Peay to Cover the Number

Ellis has the Governor offense rolling and they should score enough to keep this game within ten points. There’s an outside chance of an upset if you really want to go for a grand slam, but the value play is to take the points.

The Pick: Austin Peay +10.5 (-109)

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