Georgia Southern vs. Jacksonville State 2025: Must-Know Keys and Predictions

It’s Georgia Southern vs. Jacksonville State in a 2025 matchups with predictions going back and forth between the two teams. The Eagles will aim to get their first win of the season in their home opener at Paulson Stadium against the Gamecocks. Meanwhile, Jacksonville State enters Week 3 with a 1-1 record, coming off a good win against Liberty last week.

Georgia Southern Eagles vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Series History

Historically, these teams have met four times, and Georgia Southern has won all four. Southern has three wins at home and one at Jacksonville State. The last time these programs met was in November 2002.

The Eagles also hold a 33-7 record for home openers. Vegas Insider reported this line opening at seven points in favor of Georgia Southern, but it is currently sitting at 3.5 in favor of the home team. That suggests bettors are backing the Gamecocks.

Georgia Southern vs. Jacksonville State 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Meet The Gamecocks

Jacksonville State kicked off their season at the University of Central Florida, where the Gamecocks lost 10-17. Their offense had over 300 total yards, with the majority of that coming on the ground (167 rushing yards). Although the offense could seemingly move the ball, they struggled mightily on third down, converting only 3-of-15. The Gamecocks also had a penalty issue, committing seven that forced them to lose 60 yards. Meanwhile, their defense gave up a 64-yard completion that set up a field goal, as well as two 30+ yard touchdown passes.

In the second game of the season, Jacksonville State hosted the Liberty Flames and beat them 34-24. Despite the 10-point victory, the Gamecock offense was one-dimensional. Starting quarterback Gavin Wimsatt only threw for 52 passing yards, completing 6-of-12 attempts. Yet, the real star was running back Cam Cook.

Cook had a monster performance with 195 rushing yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns. After two weeks, Cook is ranked fifth in the country for total yards per game (156.5) and has accumulated the sixth-most total rushing yards in the country (270).

Jacksonville State: Key Players

The biggest key for the Gamecocks will be their rushing attack and Cam Cook. Cook’s talent is undeniable, and the stats speak for themselves. Against a Georgia Southern defense that has struggled against the run so far this season, Cook could be set up for his best game yet.

Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt will also be pivotal for the Gamecocks. And, fans should expect his rushing ability to be used frequently. The 6-foot-3 quarterback had 10 carries last week and ended with 78 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown. Wimsatt has had a solid start for the Gamecocks, but the ability to pass efficiently without relying on the run is something he has yet to show.

Wimsatt threw his only interception of the year when put in a must-pass situation against UCF. If the Eagles can get an early lead and force Wimsatt to throw the ball, the Eagles secondary could force a mistake and come up big.

Georgia Southern: Key Players

Georgia Southern will have to rely on quarterback JC French, and the offense. Jacksonville State is ranked 134th (out of 136) in passing yards allowed per game (324.5) and just gave up 535 total yards to Liberty. The Gamecock defense is not intimidating. Expect French and Coach Helton to take full advantage of this while getting all of the weapons involved. Wide receivers Camden Brown and Josh Dallas could be in for a big game with Helton looking to connect on deep passes. The Gamecock defense has struggled against the deep pass, giving up two 60+ yard passing touchdowns last week and a 64-yard bomb in Week 1.

The biggest factor for the Eagles will be the running defense. In the first two games it has been apparent as an area that needs improvement. This is a great opportunity for Georgia Southern to see a legit run game and find a way to stop it. If the Eagles defense can stop Cam Cook there is no one in the Sun Belt they cannot stop.

How Georgia Southern Can Win in Week 3

The Georgia Southern offense will have to show up on Saturday. The Jacksonville State defense has proven they are incapable of slowing down the passing game. Coach Helton will need to take advantage of that and give French the opportunity to air it out.

Camden Brown will need to cause problems, whether that comes in the form of him burning his defender or taking the double team so Dalen Cobb or Josh Dallas can find open space. The defense will also need to find some success against the run game.

Georgia Southern is well equipped to handle a back-and-forth, high-scoring affair. However, they should not have to in this Week 3 matchup. Jacksonville State’s offense is one-dimensional. Taking away their ability to run the ball will allow the Eagles to sit back in coverage and allow Chance Gamble or Justin Meyers to make a big play or force a mistake from Wimsatt.

If the Eagles offense puts up points, the defense limits Cook and forces Wimsatt to make plays, expect Georgia Southern to take care of business in their home opener. However, if they can’t stop Cam Cook and allow Wimsatt to pick apart the secondary, it could become an offensive shootout that is decided on the final possession of the game.