South Alabama Jaguars vs Arkansas State Red Wolves Prediction, 10/8/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: South Alabama Jaguars vs Arkansas State Red Wolves

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Location: Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, AR

TV: ESPN2

Odds/Point Spread: Red Wolves (-1.5)

Total/Over-Under: 57.5

The Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-3) will try to defeat the South Alabama Jaguars (3-2) at Centennial Bank Stadium on Thursday, October 8, 2026. South Alabama opens this contest as 1.5-point underdogs. The betting total is set at 57.5.

The South Alabama Jaguars come into this game with a record of 3-2 for this season. In their last game, the Jaguars faced the UL Monroe Warhawks and notched a win by a score of 52-35. In the running game, the Jaguars conceded 87 yards on 28 attempts, which averages out to 3.1 yards per run allowed. South Alabama surrendered 25 pass completions on 41 tries for 355 yds, and a completion rate of 61.0%. Overall, they ran 65 plays which totaled 570 yds. The South Alabama Jaguars ran the rock 46 times and amassed 249 yds, earning them an average of 5.4 yds per carry.

The Jaguars have racked up 2,255 yards in total for the season. With reference to scoring touchdowns, South Alabama has totaled 9 touchdowns through the air and 12 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the ball over 2 different times. South Alabama has accrued 112 first downs as a unit, and they have been hurt by 30 penalties for 259 yards. As a team they're maintaining an average of 205.2 yards rushing which ranks them 32nd in D-1. In terms of scoring, the South Alabama Jaguars hold an average of 35.4 points per game.

Concerning passing yardage, the Jaguars have conceded 1,164 yards which has them sitting in 104th in college football. They have relinquished 232.8 yards per contest through the air in addition to allowing a completion percentage of 65.0%. During the season, they have given up 410.2 yards per outing putting them 121st in college football. They have surrendered 10 touchdowns by air and 11 touchdowns pounding the rock. They are allowing 6.2 yards per rushing attempt and 177.4 rushing yards per contest for the year. Over the course of this season, they have given up 887 yards via the ground game in 5 contests. The Jaguars rank 120th in Division 1 regarding team defense, allowing 31.6 points per game.

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The Red Wolves step onto the field holding a record of 2-3 this year. When they last stepped on the field, the Red Wolves took a defeat with a final score of 23-20 against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Arkansas State ended up running for 3.8 yds per attempt, finishing with a total of 87 yards on 23 carries. The Red Wolves finished with 293 yards while running 54 plays (5.4 yards per play). The Red Wolves passing defense gave up a completion percentage of 85.7%, relinquishing 184 yds on 18 for 21 passing. Arkansas State surrendered 42 rushing attempts for 251 yds (6.0 yards per rush).

When it comes to their ability to score points, the Red Wolves are sitting 98th in the country holding an average of 24.0 points per game. The Arkansas State Red Wolves average 348.4 yards/outing, ranking them 103rd in Division 1. The Arkansas State offense has racked up 177 yds of penalties on 22 infractions, which ranks 125th in D-1 in terms of giving up free yards. They have tossed 4 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 1 fumble and they have been able to earn 92 first downs. For the year thus far, the Red Wolves have compiled 1,043 yards via the pass in addition to an average of 208.6 passing yards per contest, which is ranked 92nd in the nation. They average 139.8 yards per game via the rush and have toted the ball for 699 yards in total.

Arkansas State has conceded a total of 986 rushing yards (197.2 yards/game) in addition to 9 touchdowns rushing for the season. They have surrendered 6 touchdowns via the pass and 202.4 yards/outing, ranking them 62nd in college football. Over the course of the season, they have relinquished 117 points in total. They have tallied 3 fumbles and 5 picks this season. The Red Wolves defense has taken part in 314 plays, ranking them 73rd in D-1. The Red Wolves are conceding 23.4 PPG, which has them ranked 71st in Division 1.

Who will win tonight's Jaguars/Red Wolves college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Jaguars +1.5

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