South Alabama Jaguars (6-6) vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-6)
South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan December 23, 2023 – The 6-6 South Alabama Jaguars go on the road to take on the 6-6 Eastern Michigan Eagles in the 2023 Ventures Bowl on Saturday. With both teams finishing the regular season at .500, they will be hungry to end 2023 with a winning record. According to USA best sportsbook online, South Alabama opens as a favorite to this match.
South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan December 23, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Hancock Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Carter Bradley QB vs. Austin Smith QB
Jaguars quarterback Carter Bradley finished the regular season strong, completing 221 of 326 passes for 2,660 yards, 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The sophomore shows good decision-making and has the arm strength to threaten defenses downfield. However, Bradley has been inconsistent at times this season when under pressure. He will need to avoid costly turnovers against the Eagles.
Eagles quarterback Austin Smith has put together a solid 2023 campaign, completing 171 of 298 passes for 1,775 yards, 9 touchdowns and 7 picks. The fifth-year senior excels at spreading the ball around and taking what the defense gives him. However, Smith lacks elite physical traits and arm talent. He could struggle if the Jaguars dial up the pressure.
Explosive South Alabama Offense vs. Stingy Eastern Michigan Defense
The Jaguars have been one of the Sun Belt’s top offensive units this season, averaging 33.3 points per game. Running back La’Damian Webb is a Home Run threat who has rushed for 1,007 yards and 16 scores. When Bradley goes to the air, wideout Caullin Lacy has been his go-to target with 91 catches for 1,316 yards. Eastern Michigan has held opponents to just 22.2 points per contest in 2023. But this Eagles defense lacks playmakers and could get exposed by the Jaguars playmakers.
Methodical Eastern Michigan Offense vs. Porous South Alabama Defense
While not flashy, the Eagles have run the ball effectively this season behind running back Samson Evans. The junior tailback has racked up 635 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Austin Smith pilots a methodical passing attack that focuses on high-percentage throws. South Alabama has struggled defensively, yielding 30.8 points per game. The Jaguars are vulnerable both against the run and pass, so Smith should be able to find openings.
NCAAF Betting Odds: South Alabama Jaguars -725, Over/Under: 46.5
With South Alabama favored by over two touchdowns, there is clearly value on the Eagles getting 16 points at home. The Jaguars have failed to cover the spread in 4 of their last 5 contests. An upset straight up is unlikely, but Eastern Michigan should be able to keep this one close. The under also holds some appeal with two middling offenses facing solid defenses.
South Alabama Jaguars Betting Trends
South Alabama are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Alabama’s last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Alabama’s last 7 games against an opponent in the Mid-American conference.
South Alabama are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games played in December.
South Alabama are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games played on a Saturday.
South Alabama are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games when playing as the favourite.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan’s last 6 games.
Eastern Michigan are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Sun Belt conference.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Eastern Michigan’s last 5 games played in December.
Eastern Michigan are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games played on a Saturday.
Eastern Michigan are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing as the underdog.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Eastern Michigan’s last 7 games played on a Saturday when at home.
South Alabama Jaguars vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Picks
The Jaguars are the superior team in this matchup and deserve to be multi-score favorites. However, the betting trends make it hard to lay 16 points with an inconsistent South Alabama squad. Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan tends to play close games as an underdog, especially at home. The Eagles also catch the Jaguars in a potential letdown spot after they lost the Sun Belt title game. Bettors looking for the best value should grab the points with the Eagles. Eastern Michigan’s methodical offense should allow them to control time of possession and shorten the game. Take the under 46.5 as well in a matchup likely to feature a grind-it-out style of play. Look for South Alabama to emerge with a victory but fail to cover the sizable spread. Back Eastern Michigan with the points as Saturday’s top NCAAF bowl daily picks.
Receiving Yards Prop: South Alabama 26, Eastern Michigan 19.
