Kentucky
South Alabama vs. Western Kentucky prediction: College football picks, odds
We’ve already seen loads of drama within the betting marketplace for the New Orleans Bowl, which noticed South Alabama laying greater than a landing at one level earlier than settling in as a 4.5-point favourite over Western Kentucky. I’m nonetheless siding with the favored Jaguars right here in a university soccer matchup that performs to their strengths.
This line ballooned when Hilltoppers quarterback Austin Reed — who ranks second nationally in passing yards (4,247) and fourth in touchdowns (36) — entered the switch portal and appeared destined to begin anew at Louisville. He’s since rebuffed that supply, however he nonetheless faces a frightening process towards South Alabama’s 14th-ranked scoring protection (20.5 ppg), which additionally ranks fourth in speeding yards allowed per recreation (90.2) and twenty third in cross protection effectivity (118.23).
Threat Free First Guess as much as $1,000 with NPBONUS
New prospects solely. Have to be 21+. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY solely. (Welcome Provide not accessible in NY & PA) Full T&C apply.
First guess up To $1,250 On Caesars
New customers solely, 21 or older. NY, CO, DC, IA, IN, IL, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV solely. Full T&Cs apply.
No Sweat First Guess as much as $1,000
21+. New prospects solely. AZ, CT, IA, IL, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WV, WY solely. T&C apply
Betting on School Soccer?
South Alabama vs. Western Kentucky prediction
The actual mismatch comes on the opposite facet. The Jaguars’ red-hot offense not often turns it over and may see loads of daylight towards Western Kentucky, which leads the nation in turnovers compelled (30) however ranks 69th in complete protection (380.8 YPG). That cut up may very well be the deciding issue: the Hilltoppers have been 7-0 this season after they compelled a number of turnovers and 1-5 after they didn’t.
This can be a clear showcase spot for South Alabama, which almost knocked off UCLA earlier this 12 months and has an opportunity to win its first bowl recreation at school historical past. The Jaguars boasted a top-25 scoring margin this season (plus-9.9) and are a strong guess to win right here by an identical margin.
South Alabama vs. Western Kentucky choose (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
South Alabama -4.5 (BetMGM)