Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs UCF Knights Prediction, 8/28/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs UCF Knights

Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

Location: FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL

TV: ESPN/ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Knights (-20.5)

Total/Over-Under: 52.5

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-5 last season) are hitting the road to FBC Mortgage Stadium on Thursday, August 28, 2025 where they will play the UCF Knights (4-8 last year). UCF opens this contest as 0.5-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The total has been set at 52.5.

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks wrapped up their season with a 9-5 record. In their last contest, the Gamecocks played against the Ohio Bobcats and ended up losing by a score of 30-27. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks rushed the ball a total of 35 times and accumulated 42 yds, which came out to an average of 1.2 yds per carry. In all, they had 69 plays for 406 yards. Jacksonville State gave up 19 completions on 28 attempts for 254 yds, and a completion rate of 67.9%. In the running game, the Gamecocks conceded 234 yards on 46 tries, which averages out to 5.1 yds per run allowed.

The Gamecocks attained 6,182 total yards last year. Jacksonville State totaled 14 touchdowns through the air and 50 touchdowns via the ground. They surrendered the ball 15 times. Jacksonville State earned 318 1st downs as a unit, and they were called for 83 penalties for 808 yards. As a team they had an average of 251.2 yards rushing, ranking them 3rd in the country. Concerning scoring points, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks averaged 36.0 points per contest.

Concerning passing yards, the Gamecocks allowed 3,055 yards which had them ranked 103rd in college football. During their 14 games, they allowed 218.2 yards per game via the pass as well as relinquishing a completion percentage of 60.1%. They yielded 393.0 yards per contest which put them 93rd in college football. They conceded 21 touchdowns through the air and 21 running touchdowns. They allowed teams to run for an average of 4.3 yards per rushing attempt and 174.8 yards on the ground per game throughout last year. In total, they gave up 2,447 running yards through 14 contests. The Gamecocks were ranked 77th in college football regarding their opponents scoring, giving up 26.1 points per game.

Get all of our College Football Parlay Picks

The Knights ended the year having a 4-8 record. The last time they took the gridiron, the Knights walked away with a loss by a score of 28-14 against the Utah Utes. UCF rushed for 3.9 yards per attempt, finishing with a total of 173 yds on 44 attempts. The Knights finished the game with a total of 379 yards while they ran 85 plays (4.5 yards per play). The Knights pass defense allowed a completion rate of 65.0%, surrendering 111 yards on 13 out of 20 through the air. UCF surrendered 32 rush attempts for 85 yards (2.7 yards per rush).

The UCF Knights maintained an average of 447.8 yards per contest, which was good for 14th in college football. The UCF offense accrued 653 penalty yards on 78 violations, which was 59th in college football in terms of helping out the opposition. They held an average of 248.1 run yards per game and ran for 2,977 yards for the season. They gave away 11 interceptions while letting opponents recover 8 fumbles and they tallied 283 1st downs. When it comes to their ability to score points, the Knights had a ranking of 50th in the nation with 30.4 PPG. Last season, the Knights compiled 2,396 yards via the pass together with averaging 199.7 passing yards per outing, which had them ranked 97th in the country.

UCF conceded a total of 1,444 yards rushing (120.3 yards per outing) and 14 touchdowns on the ground last season. They allowed 22 touchdowns through the air and 218.7 yards/outing, which had them sitting 67th in the country. Their defense earned 2 fumbles recovered and 10 picks last season. The Knights defense took part in 788 plays, which was 28th in Division 1. The Knights gave up 26.9 points per game, ranking them 82nd in the nation. Overall, they gave up 323 points in total.

Who will win tonight's Gamecocks/Knights college football game against the spread?

Parlays Pundit's Pick: Take the Knights -20.5

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here