Finishing up this play and then I went and looked at our model before submit and I see Thomas Casale is also on this, so that obviously makes me feel more confident. And the line has risen a bit since he played it, which doesn't surprise me. Our model has the Gamecocks by 7. Jax State is among the national leaders in fewest fouls (which absolutely matters at home, where clubs usually get the benefit of whistles anyways) and defensive rebounding. Tough trip for Utah Valley (1-4 away) -- can't exactly fly direct from Orem to Alabama; the Wolverines may have taken covered wagons and stopped at the Four Sixes Ranch (say hi to Teeter) -- and ahead of its conference opener on Tuesday.

I like Jacksonville State in this spot. Utah Valley had a nice road win over Murray State early in the season but the Wolverines lost their last four games away from home by an average of 15 points. Jacksonville State comes in 5-4 but the Gamecocks lost three tight games to Toledo, James Madison and South Alabama by a total of 10 points on neutral/away courts. Jacksonville State is a strong defensive rebounding team and ranks 31st in 2-point field goal percentage defense. They struggle defending the perimeter but shooting threes isn't Utah Valley's strength. Good matchup for Jax State. I took the ML here but also like the Gamecocks on the spread at -3 or less.