Kyle Vantrease changed Georgia State to a pass happy team Camellia Bowl – Georgia Southern -4.0 vs Buffalo – Another Bowl game where average teams come in limping into a bowl. Georgia Southern lost three of its last four games. In a must-win situation, in their season finale vs. Appalachian State, the Eagles won in a thrilling double OT game.
Buffalo followed a similar path. The Bulls also were 5-3 before losing three in a row. Needing a win over Akron in their season finale, a brutal snowstorm forced the postponement of the game to Dec. 2. The wait proved to be worth it, as Buffalo rallied from a 16-0 deficit to score the game-winning touchdown with 1:15 left in the game.
Expect to hear plenty about Georgia Southern QB Kyle Vantrease. A transfer from Buffalo, he knows plenty about his old team where he made 25 starts from 2019-21. In his first season with the Eagles, he fundamentally changed the offensive make up of Georgia Southern offense. For years the Eagles were a triple option team but with Vantrease under center, GSU became pass happy. He has thrown for 3,901 yards, 25 TDs with 15 picks. He enters this game third in the nation in both passing yards per game (325.1) and completions (343).
Georgia Southern didn’t completely abandon the run, as Jalen White leads the way with 914 yards and 10 TDs. Considering Buffalo's issues stopping the run don’t be surprised if Eagles head coach Clay Helton stays a little more grounded with his game plan, especially if it's effective early on.
Buffalo followed a similar path. The Bulls also were 5-3 before losing three in a row. Needing a win over Akron in their season finale, a brutal snowstorm forced the postponement of the game to Dec. 2. The wait proved to be worth it, as Buffalo rallied from a 16-0 deficit to score the game-winning touchdown with 1:15 left in the game.
Expect to hear plenty about Georgia Southern QB Kyle Vantrease. A transfer from Buffalo, he knows plenty about his old team where he made 25 starts from 2019-21. In his first season with the Eagles, he fundamentally changed the offensive make up of Georgia Southern offense. For years the Eagles were a triple option team but with Vantrease under center, GSU became pass happy. He has thrown for 3,901 yards, 25 TDs with 15 picks. He enters this game third in the nation in both passing yards per game (325.1) and completions (343).
Georgia Southern didn’t completely abandon the run, as Jalen White leads the way with 914 yards and 10 TDs. Considering Buffalo's issues stopping the run don’t be surprised if Eagles head coach Clay Helton stays a little more grounded with his game plan, especially if it's effective early on.
Neither defense is any good The Bulls' passing attack isn't as explosive as Georgia Southern's but quarterback Cole Snyder has been solid this season. Georgia Southern has been very generous on defense, giving up plenty of yards both on the ground (240 per game) and through the air (256.2) so Snyder could look like the next coming of Joe Montana. The Eagles' D also doesn't produce many negative plays, finishing last in the Sun Belt in both tackles for a loss (47) and sacks (8).
Still, the Bulls offense is too inconsistent and the special teams are awful, but at least the defense knows how to force mistakes
Neither team is coming into this bowl game with a lot of momentum, although both did what was needed their last time out. Neither defense is known for shutting teams down. The Georgia Southern offense has the ability to turn out the lights in a hurry if it comes up with a few early scoring drives. The offensive line is fantastic at keeping defenses out of the backfield – that’s partly because of the pace of the attack – and the offense keeps on cranking up yards through the air.
If the offenses are the key, then a slight edge should go to Georgia Southern because of its passing attack, which also just so happens to be led by someone who used to play for Buffalo.
I’ll take GSU and lay the points but no quatloos. If just have to invest in the game then taking the over 67.0 could be fun.
Still, the Bulls offense is too inconsistent and the special teams are awful, but at least the defense knows how to force mistakes
Neither team is coming into this bowl game with a lot of momentum, although both did what was needed their last time out. Neither defense is known for shutting teams down. The Georgia Southern offense has the ability to turn out the lights in a hurry if it comes up with a few early scoring drives. The offensive line is fantastic at keeping defenses out of the backfield – that’s partly because of the pace of the attack – and the offense keeps on cranking up yards through the air.
If the offenses are the key, then a slight edge should go to Georgia Southern because of its passing attack, which also just so happens to be led by someone who used to play for Buffalo.
I’ll take GSU and lay the points but no quatloos. If just have to invest in the game then taking the over 67.0 could be fun.
It's Memphis, they will be explosive behind QB Seth Hennigan First Responder Bowl – Memphis -7.5 vs Utah State – Conversely, here’s a game with both teams showing a little momentum but still with disappointing seasons. Memphis ended with two wins in its last three games, but the back half of the schedule saw the Tigers go 2-4, 6-6 overall, for their worst since 2013.
Meanwhile, the Aggies couldn't replicate last year's breakout season that saw them go 11-3 and earn the Mountain West championship for the first time since 2012. This year was a huge let down as USU had to win three of their last four just to get bowl eligible.
It’s Memphis, you know the offense will be up tempo and explosive. The Tigers' average 35 PPG mostly from behind the arm of quarterback Seth Henigan. He tossed for 3,287 yards, 23 touchdowns against eight picks. He scooted for another 315 yards.
And he has a bevy of weapons at his disposal, with six pass catchers having accrued more than 300 yards, It’s mainly a running back by committee with a backfield that 1,705 rushing yards, with no RB with over 600 yards.
Memphis leans with the passing game but will play against the nation's 25th-ranked pass defense, the USU secondary. The Tigers score over 35 PPG, with the 27th-best third down conversion percentage and 30th red zone scoring percentage. Utah State's secondary is solid, but there's too much pressure on the unit to hold Memphis out of the end zone.
Meanwhile, the Aggies couldn't replicate last year's breakout season that saw them go 11-3 and earn the Mountain West championship for the first time since 2012. This year was a huge let down as USU had to win three of their last four just to get bowl eligible.
It’s Memphis, you know the offense will be up tempo and explosive. The Tigers' average 35 PPG mostly from behind the arm of quarterback Seth Henigan. He tossed for 3,287 yards, 23 touchdowns against eight picks. He scooted for another 315 yards.
And he has a bevy of weapons at his disposal, with six pass catchers having accrued more than 300 yards, It’s mainly a running back by committee with a backfield that 1,705 rushing yards, with no RB with over 600 yards.
Memphis leans with the passing game but will play against the nation's 25th-ranked pass defense, the USU secondary. The Tigers score over 35 PPG, with the 27th-best third down conversion percentage and 30th red zone scoring percentage. Utah State's secondary is solid, but there's too much pressure on the unit to hold Memphis out of the end zone.
Calvin Tyler Jr. put the NFL on hold to play in this game Utah State lost senior starting quarterback Logan Bonner to an injury midway through the season, yet managed to win three of their last last four to make a bowl game. Junior Cooper Legas led USU after assuming the starting QB role from Bonner, passing for 1,465 yards, 11 TDs, and 9 INTs.
It’s RB Calvin Tyler Jr that makes the Aggie attack go. After initially stating he won’t play in the game to pursue an NFL career, he changed his mind and will play in the game. Tyler had 1,043 yards and 7 TDs. Trouble is that the way to beat Memphis is through the air. The Tigers have been strong against the run, giving up 122 rushing yards per game.
And the Aggies struggle to keep the chains moving ranking 104th in third down conversions. They are nearly inept in scoring opportunities ranking 74th in red zone scoring percentage. Memphis, however, is willing to oblige, they rank 110th in allowing opponents third down conversions.
So it may come down to how well the offensive line can open up holes for Tyer and protect Legas. The Memphis defense that doesn't generate much of a pass rush and has been more susceptible through the air (250.2 ypg, 23 TDs).
I have reservations that Utah State's offense can keep pace with the Tigers' attack. Tyler Jr. is a solid back, but the Aggies aren't the same squad without Bonner at quarterback.
I’ll lean with Memphis to cover the 7.5 spread but no quatloos.
It’s RB Calvin Tyler Jr that makes the Aggie attack go. After initially stating he won’t play in the game to pursue an NFL career, he changed his mind and will play in the game. Tyler had 1,043 yards and 7 TDs. Trouble is that the way to beat Memphis is through the air. The Tigers have been strong against the run, giving up 122 rushing yards per game.
And the Aggies struggle to keep the chains moving ranking 104th in third down conversions. They are nearly inept in scoring opportunities ranking 74th in red zone scoring percentage. Memphis, however, is willing to oblige, they rank 110th in allowing opponents third down conversions.
So it may come down to how well the offensive line can open up holes for Tyer and protect Legas. The Memphis defense that doesn't generate much of a pass rush and has been more susceptible through the air (250.2 ypg, 23 TDs).
I have reservations that Utah State's offense can keep pace with the Tigers' attack. Tyler Jr. is a solid back, but the Aggies aren't the same squad without Bonner at quarterback.
I’ll lean with Memphis to cover the 7.5 spread but no quatloos.
ECU's Keaton Mitchell is ripping through run defenses. Birmingham Bowl – East Carolina -7.5 vs Coastal Carolina – Coastal Carolina came close to having a special season. It started 6-0 and then 9-1, but then got rocked by James Madison, and rolled by Troy in the Fun belt championship game.
HC Jamey Chadwell decided he’d rather be working at Liberty, Grayson McCall entered the transfer portal, and now the program is in a holding pattern for the Tim Beck era to begin. On the plus side, McCall is still playing in this before leaving.
East Carolina was wildly inconsistent – good enough to blowout UCF and win at BYU, and flaky enough to get destroyed by Houston and lose to Navy.
The Pirates have a good QB in Holten Ahlers. He connected on 67% of his throws while passing for 3,408 passing yards and a solid 23:5 TD to INT ratio on the year.
RB Keaton Mitchell is one of the best running backs in the AAC. The sophomore has rushed for at least 100 yards in six consecutive games and has accumulated a stunning 1,325 rushing yards on an average of 7.4 yards per rush.
The ECU offense is capable of piling on the points. They have reached the 30-point mark on six occasions and are averaging 459 total yards per game.
The Pirates' defense was shaky in the final two games of the season. They squandered over 40 points in back-to-back games against Houston and Temple. The pass defense is horrible, standing 131st while the rush defense is 19th. They are conceding an average of 27 PPG (73rd).
HC Jamey Chadwell decided he’d rather be working at Liberty, Grayson McCall entered the transfer portal, and now the program is in a holding pattern for the Tim Beck era to begin. On the plus side, McCall is still playing in this before leaving.
East Carolina was wildly inconsistent – good enough to blowout UCF and win at BYU, and flaky enough to get destroyed by Houston and lose to Navy.
The Pirates have a good QB in Holten Ahlers. He connected on 67% of his throws while passing for 3,408 passing yards and a solid 23:5 TD to INT ratio on the year.
RB Keaton Mitchell is one of the best running backs in the AAC. The sophomore has rushed for at least 100 yards in six consecutive games and has accumulated a stunning 1,325 rushing yards on an average of 7.4 yards per rush.
The ECU offense is capable of piling on the points. They have reached the 30-point mark on six occasions and are averaging 459 total yards per game.
The Pirates' defense was shaky in the final two games of the season. They squandered over 40 points in back-to-back games against Houston and Temple. The pass defense is horrible, standing 131st while the rush defense is 19th. They are conceding an average of 27 PPG (73rd).
Grayson McCall decided to play one more game for Coastal Carolina McCall is having a stellar year for CCU. He accumulated 2633 passing yards complemented by a 26:2 TD to INT ratio. As long as his head is not somewhere thinking sweet thoughts about the portal, his should have success against a weak pass defense.
But the offense has cooled off lately, scoring 26 or fewer points in three straight clashes.
The Chanticleers’ defense has been inconsistent and was exploited in the final two games of the season, conceding 47 against James Madison and 45 points against Troy. The pass defense is poor (124th), while the rush defense is solid, marking 38th. They are conceding an average of 30.1 points, putting them 101st in the FBS.
The old cliché that turnovers decide games plays into east Carolina’s favor. ECU is usually dominates the turnover battle, The Pirates haven’t turned the ball over since October 8th, going six straight games without a mistake and with eight games on the year with no turnovers. Coastal Carolina struggled over the last three games – two losses and a close call against Southern Miss – partly because it gave it up seven times.
I’ll lean on CCU getting a backdoor cover but no quatloos. I will put in a quatloo on the over 67.0 though. These pass defenses stink against teams that like to through it around the yard.
But the offense has cooled off lately, scoring 26 or fewer points in three straight clashes.
The Chanticleers’ defense has been inconsistent and was exploited in the final two games of the season, conceding 47 against James Madison and 45 points against Troy. The pass defense is poor (124th), while the rush defense is solid, marking 38th. They are conceding an average of 30.1 points, putting them 101st in the FBS.
The old cliché that turnovers decide games plays into east Carolina’s favor. ECU is usually dominates the turnover battle, The Pirates haven’t turned the ball over since October 8th, going six straight games without a mistake and with eight games on the year with no turnovers. Coastal Carolina struggled over the last three games – two losses and a close call against Southern Miss – partly because it gave it up seven times.
I’ll lean on CCU getting a backdoor cover but no quatloos. I will put in a quatloo on the over 67.0 though. These pass defenses stink against teams that like to through it around the yard.
