No Grayson McCall at quarterback for Coastal Carolina. No backing the Chanticleers. That along with Jacksonville State's superior defense, home field and having revenge makes me comfortable backing the Gamecocks.

A rare national TV home game and revenge for last year's loss to Coastal Carolina should have Jacksonville State sky high for this matchup. The Chanticleers defeated Jacksonville State, 30-16, at home last season but the score was misleading. The Gamecocks had more first downs and only had six fewer yards. The Gamecocks won't have to deal with star passer McCall, who transferred to NC State.

There's a huge drop from McCall to Coastal Carolina's new quarterbacks, Noah Kim and Ethan Vasko. Jacksonville State went 9-4 in its first year in the FBS. Rich Rodriquez's defense was the best in Conference USA last season giving up 21.2 points and recording 39 sacks.

Jacksonville State is a team on the rise in Rodriguez's third season. Coastal Carolina has been on the decline the past two years.

Rodriguez's teams are known for running. Coastal Carolina's is weak against the run and must replace its three top tacklers from last season.