This is a revenge game for the Gamecocks who lost on the road last season to the Chanticleers, 30-16. This team is headed by the better coach in Rich Rodriguez who is taking this team in the right direction. They finished last season in their debut season with a 9-4 record. Jacksonville State’s rushing attack was the third best in the nation last season. This game is early enough in the season where they should run through a Coastal defense that struggled to stop the run and will be tested early again. JVST plays their best football at home and are 5-1 straight up and against the spread at home last season. JVST is at home in this spot, and Coach Rod is known for having his team ready in game 1, so the edge goes to JVST.

Best bet: lay the points with Jacksonville State Gamecocks.