College football fans are in for an early weekday treat as the South Alabama Jaguars prepare to host the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in a Sun Belt Conference showdown on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.
This game is a crucial one for both teams as they look to improve their standing in the conference.
Let’s run through our South Alabama vs. Southern Miss predictions and picks below.
South Alabama vs Southern Miss Odds
As we dive into the betting odds for this Sun Belt Conference matchup, it’s important to note that the South Alabama Jaguars are the favorites going into this game:
- Spread: South Alabama -17.5
- Total: 51.5
The odds suggest that South Alabama has a 96.2% chance of winning this game.
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Performance of South Alabama
The South Alabama Jaguars have had a mixed season so far, with a 3-3 record. However, their recent performance against UL Monroe was nothing short of impressive. The Jaguars dominated the game, securing a resounding 55-7 victory. This win was largely due to the team’s effective playmakers.
South Alabama ranks seventh in the Sun Belt in rushing yards per game, averaging 157.7 yards. Senior running back La’Damian Webb has been a key contributor to this success. Webb, an Alabama native, has rushed for 476 yards and eight touchdowns this season, ranking seventh in the conference in rushing yards per game (79.3).
La’Damian Webb and South Alabama have DOMINATED today 😤 pic.twitter.com/u0byan52aH
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 17, 2023
In their recent game against UL Monroe, Webb had 19 carries for 100 yards and one score. Junior running back Kentrel Bullock also had a solid performance, logging 68 scrimmage yards and two scores. The Jaguars’ offensive prowess doesn’t stop at their running game.
They have also been effective in the air, with quarterback Carter Bradley throwing for 1,456 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this season. Bradley’s favorite target has been wide receiver Caullin Lacy, who has 723 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
On the defensive side, the Jaguars have been solid, ranking 46th in points against, allowing an average of 22.2 points per game. This balance of a potent offense and a solid defense makes South Alabama a formidable opponent.
Performance of Southern Miss
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have had a challenging season so far, with a 1-5 record.
Despite their struggles, there have been some bright spots in their performances. The Golden Eagles’ offense is averaging 356 total yards and 213.8 passing yards per game through six matchups.
Their passing game has been particularly effective, with two players accumulating over 300 receiving yards. Senior receiver Jakarius Caston has been a consistent presence in the passing attack, leading the team in receiving yards (334) and touchdowns (3) on 21 catches. In his last outing, Caston had five catches for 51 yards.
Southern Miss WR Jakarius Caston is truly a game-changerpic.twitter.com/l4vybuIaj9
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) July 24, 2023
Another key player in the Golden Eagles’ offense is senior receiver Latreal Jones. Standing at 6-foot-2, Jones is a vertical threat with the speed to stretch the field. He has caught 23 passes for 324 yards and one score. His performance against Texas State, where he had six receptions for 124 yards, highlights his potential to make big plays.
On the defensive side, Southern Miss has shown resilience despite their losses. They have managed to get stops on five sacks, with Averie Habas leading the way with two sacks. Another standout player is Tiaquelin Mims, who returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter of their last game.
South Alabama vs. Souther Miss Prediction
Looking at the stats, South Alabama’s potent offense, led by the rushing prowess of La’Damian Webb and the passing efficiency of Carter Bradley, seems capable of covering the spread. Their defense, which ranks 46th in points against, has also been solid, further bolstering their chances.
Taking all these factors into account, the pick here would be South Alabama to cover the 17.5-point spread. Their balanced attack on both sides of the ball, coupled with Southern Miss’s struggles, gives them the edge in this matchup.
The Pick: South Alabama -17.5 | -105 at FanDuel Sportsbook