South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan 12/23/23 – In a matchup that’s as evenly matched as they come, the South Alabama Jaguars and the Eastern Michigan Eagles, both holding a 6-6 record, are set to clash in the NCAAF 68 Ventures Bowl. This game, attracting attention from top casino online enthusiasts and sports bettors alike, promises an intriguing battle on the gridiron.
South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan 12/23/23
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Hancock Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | -17 -110 | o46 -110 | -850 |  |
| Eastern Michigan | +17 -110 | u46 -110 | +615 | |
| ||||
Bowl gifts and barbers 🎁✂️ pic.twitter.com/fCH5iGmJ1W
— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) December 21, 2023
Carter Bradley QB vs. Austin Smith QB
Jaguars quarterback Carter Bradley has put together an efficient sophomore campaign, completing 67.8% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, good for a 151.3 passer rating. The young signal-caller displays adept decision-making skills, excelling at going through his progressions to find the open man. Bradley flashes the ability to thread the needle into tight windows, showcasing impressive accuracy and touch. He also brings underrated athleticism, using his legs to extend plays when the pocket collapses.
Austin Smith has put up 1,775 passing yards, 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while completing 57.4% of his throws, resulting in a mediocre 112.7 rating. The gritty senior brings a competitive, rugged style to the position. He is willing to stand tall in the pocket, take hits and attempt difficult throws. Smith shows flashes of brilliance when he sets his feet and steps into passes. He can deliver strikes downfield when given time.
Explosive South Alabama Offense Capable of Lighting Up Scoreboard
Led by RB La’Damian Webb and WR Caullin Lacy, South Alabama fields an explosive offense averaging 33.5 points per contest. Webb has rumbled for 1,007 yards on the ground while finding paydirt 16 times. Lacy has emerged as Bradley’s go-to target, hauling in 91 passes for 1,316 yards and 7 scores. The Jaguars present major matchup issues for the Eagles defense.
Eastern Michigan Eagles: Grit and Determination
Samson Evans and Tanner Knue are key components to the Eagles offense. Evans has amassed 635 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this season while Knue has proven his worth as an asset off of Smith’s target list, amassing 479 receiving yards on 50 receptions.
NCAAF Betting Odds: South Alabama Jaguars -725, Over/Under: 46.5
The betting odds heavily favor the Jaguars, indicating a confidence in their offensive prowess and overall team balance.
Trends
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.
Jaguars 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, with their robust offense led by Bradley and Webb, seem well-positioned to control the game. However, the Eagles have shown tenacity, especially in December games, which could lead to a closer contest than the odds suggest.
In terms of NCAAF bowl expert picks, while the Jaguars are the safer bet, the Eagles could cover the spread, making them an intriguing pick for bettors looking for value. The over/under is set at a balanced 46.5, which could tilt either way depending on the offensive execution of both teams.
Score Prediction: South Alabama Jaguars 31, Eastern Michigan Eagles 17
