New Mexico State struggled early, it lost at FIU, and despite all of the various issues and problems, it can make a huge statement if it wins over the next two weeks.
Beat Jacksonville State this week in Las Cruces, beat Liberty next week, and the Aggies will be on top of the Conference USA race.
But Jacksonville State is playing well, winning its last four games and all three in Conference USA play, including a key victory over Middle Tennessee. Win, and depending on what happens to the Blue Raiders, who play Kennesaw State a little earlier, the Gamecocks can be at least 1.5 games up on everyone but Liberty.
Jacksonville State vs New Mexico State: Quick Hits
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Jacksonville State gets a relative layup against Sam Houston next, with a trip to Western Kentucky to follow.
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New Mexico State is starting a run of three home games in the next four, with the showdown with Liberty next, followed by a trip to Missouri State.
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This is just the third game between the two, with Jacksonville State winning 54-13 in 2024 and New Mexico State winning 23-20 in 2023.
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How To Watch Jacksonville State vs New Mexico State
Date:Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Game Time:8:00 PM ET
TV:ESPN2
Location:Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM
–Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
–CFN Top 25|Bowl Projections
–Predicting the First CFP Top 25
–CFN Week 9 Expert Picks
Why Jacksonville State Will Win
This isn’t the running team of past years, but the offense pivoted to more of a short-range, accurate passing game. Caden Creel has been brilliant for an offense hitting 70% or more of its passes in five of the last six games.
The New Mexico State pass defense is struggling, and the fast-paced Gamecock attack should keep things moving.
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Why New Mexico State Will Win
You want pace? Here comes the New Mexico State offense that keeps defenses on their heels. The idea is to get its own passing game going, but the offense is at its best when the running attack is finding wide-open holes to run through.
The style, when it’s working, gets backs in space for carry after carry, and there has to be a lot of them. New Mexico State is 3-0 when running for more than 140 yards, and Jacksonville State is 0-2 when allowing teams to run more than 40 times.
Jacksonville State vs New Mexico State Prediction, Betting Lines
Both offenses will trade possessions with their respective fast-paced styles. For whatever reason, Jacksonville State is far sharper at home with the passing game.
New Mexico State’s run defense will hold up to overcome a few problems in the secondary. It’ll match a late field goal from Jacksonville State’s Garrison Rippa with a walk-off in the final moments of a fantastic game.
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New Mexico State 26, Jacksonville State 24
Latest Consensus Line:Jacksonville State -3.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence(out of 5):1.5
Must See Rating(out of 5):3
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
