Will Jackson State football avoid upset loss vs Bethune-Cookman in Week 12? See our prediction
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Jackson State football is just two wins away from taking the SWAC East and securing its spot in the 2025 SWAC Championship game.
The first hurdle to clear for the Tigers (7-2, 5-1) is a matchup against Bethune-Cookman (5-5, 4-2) at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Nov. 15 (noon CT, HBCU Go).
No. 16 JSU is hoping to pick up its third-straight win with true freshman Jared Lockhart at quarterback. Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman needs a win to stay alive in the SWAC East race. Here’s the Clarion Ledger‘s prediction for how the game will go.
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Jackson State vs. Bethune-Cookman prediction
Bethune-Cookman has been an offensive powerhouse in the SWAC all season. It has scored less than 30 points in three games, two of which were against FBS opponents FIU and Miami.
The Wildcats average a SWAC-high 238.5 passing yards per game between quarterbacks Cam’Ron Ransom and Timmy McClain. Maleek Huggins and Javon Ross are third and fourth in the conference in receiving yards.
JSU coach T.C. Taylor will be leaning on the depth of his defensive backs to try to contain the Wildcats’ airborne attack.
“We’re playing well in the secondary,” Taylor said. “We’ve got about four or five guys additionally just stepping up. . . . Anytime you can play a number of guys back there and reduce reps . . . it’s going to help them be fresh when the fourth quarter comes around.”
Although the Wildcats have the best passing offense in the conference, they also have the worst passing defense in the SWAC, giving up an average of 263.6 yards.
With freshman quarterback Jared Lockhart still leading JSU’s offense, the game against Bethune-Cookman could be another opportunity for him to throw for more than 200 yards and multiple touchdowns like he did against Mississippi Valley State.
Jackson State vs. Bethune-Cookman scouting report
Why Jackson State has an advantage: Home-field advantage is nothing new for the Tigers, but it could be especially important against Bethune-Cookman, which has played five games on the road and lost all of them. With the second-highest average attendance in the FCS, Jackson State’s passionate fans might be all it takes to knock the Wildcats off their game.
Why Bethune-Cookman has an advantage: Although the Wildcats have given up a lot of yards through the air, they’ve also been relatively proficient at breaking up passes. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 61% of attempts. As a team, the Wildcats have a conference-high 46 pass breakups. They’ve also intercepted seven passes, two of which were returned for touchdowns. If they can get their hands in the way, they might be able to slow down JSU.
Jackson State vs. Bethune-Cookman injury updates
Ransom exited the Wildcats’ game on Nov. 8 against Grambling with an injury. On his SWAC media call on Nov. 10, coach Raymond Woodie Jr. said Bethune-Cookman would take it “day by day” with Ransom and that he’d know more information the following day.
Additionally, nine players were suspended for the JSU game due to a fight that broke out at halftime.
Jackson State vs. Bethune-Cookman score prediction
Jackson State 41, Bethune-Cookman 21: JSU’s defense has already proved that it can neutralize potent offensive attacks in wins over Alabama A&M and Alabama State. The Tigers’ ability to replicate those performances, combined with Lockhart’s growing comfort level, should set JSU up for a win.
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@gannett.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson State vs Bethune-Cookman prediction. Will Tigers avoid upset loss?
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