New Orleans Bowl - South Alabama -4.0 vs Western Kentucky - Call yourself a college football fan if you want but you missed the year South Alabama had. Not that you can be faulted. USA never had a winning season before. But this year, they came this close to beating UCLA, a one point 31-32 loss, that and a 10-6 loss to Fun Belt Champ Troy, kept the Jags from being perfect. USA has has a solid offense, it controls the clock, and it brings one of the best run defenses in the country.
Western Kentucky used to be in the Fun Belt and played like one this year. It doesn’t care about time of possession, it’ll see your solid offense with a high-octane passing attack. Sr. QB Austin Reed had an incredible 4,247 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and ten interceptions this season. Reed entered the transfer portal after the season (supposedly to transfer to Louisville) only to change his mind and came back. He lost valuable bowl prep time but he ready to bring the show.
The Hilltoppers boast the second-ranked passing offense in the nation, averaging 339 YPG. They also have the 10th best overall run game (484 YPG). But as fast as WKU scores its defense is likely to give it back. They can’t get off the field with the 94th worst 3rd down defense.
Western Kentucky used to be in the Fun Belt and played like one this year. It doesn’t care about time of possession, it’ll see your solid offense with a high-octane passing attack. Sr. QB Austin Reed had an incredible 4,247 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and ten interceptions this season. Reed entered the transfer portal after the season (supposedly to transfer to Louisville) only to change his mind and came back. He lost valuable bowl prep time but he ready to bring the show.
The Hilltoppers boast the second-ranked passing offense in the nation, averaging 339 YPG. They also have the 10th best overall run game (484 YPG). But as fast as WKU scores its defense is likely to give it back. They can’t get off the field with the 94th worst 3rd down defense.
USA's run defense is fourth-best in the country (87.6 rushing yards allowed per game). The Jags are 13th in third down defense and 32nd in red zone defense. They can hold up against WKU.
The USA offense behind Sr QB Carter Bradley (2,976 yards, 25 TDs 10 picks) keeps the chains moving with the 28th best third down conversion rate.
The Hilltoppers and Jaguars are both solid squads with different offensive strategies. Western Kentucky would prefer a high-scoring affair with its elite passing attack, while South Alabama would elect to keep the ball on the ground against WKU's subpar run defense.
I'll bet USA's strategy will prevail. The Jags will control the clock just as long as it takes care of the football, Additionally, the Hilltoppers will be down more than a dozen players including their starting TE, two starting OLs due to the transfer portal and their best CB and safety to NFL Draft, so it will be tough for Western Kentucky to stop South Alabama.
Put me down for a quatloo on the Jags to cover and another quatloo on the under.
The USA offense behind Sr QB Carter Bradley (2,976 yards, 25 TDs 10 picks) keeps the chains moving with the 28th best third down conversion rate.
The Hilltoppers and Jaguars are both solid squads with different offensive strategies. Western Kentucky would prefer a high-scoring affair with its elite passing attack, while South Alabama would elect to keep the ball on the ground against WKU's subpar run defense.
I'll bet USA's strategy will prevail. The Jags will control the clock just as long as it takes care of the football, Additionally, the Hilltoppers will be down more than a dozen players including their starting TE, two starting OLs due to the transfer portal and their best CB and safety to NFL Draft, so it will be tough for Western Kentucky to stop South Alabama.
Put me down for a quatloo on the Jags to cover and another quatloo on the under.