by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET, Saturday, December 23, 2023
Venue: Hancock Stadium, Normal, IL
Where to Watch: ESPN
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: USA -16.5, EMU +16.5; Over/Under: 46 points
Bet365: Point Spread: USA -16, EMU +16; Over/Under: 46.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: USA -15.5, EMU +15.5; Over/Under: 46.5 points
Season Record
South Alabama Jaguars: 6-6 (4-4) (3rd place, SBC West)
Eastern Michigan Eagles: 6-6 (4-4) (3rd place, MAC West)
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South Alabama Jaguars: lost their last game on the road against the Texas State Bobcats 52-44.
Eastern Michigan Eagles: won their last game on the road against the Buffalo Bulls 24-11.
South Alabama Jaguars vs Eastern Michigan Eagles Preview and Analysis
South Alabama is entering this game with a 6-6 record overall and they have a 4-4 record in their conference games too. They are 4-2 in their home games, 2-4 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at a neutral site for this game. They lost their last game against Texas State 52-44. Carter Bradley was the starting QB and he completed 18/24 passes for 183 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions before getting replaced by Desmond Trotter who completed 18/21 passes for 216 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. Braylon McReynolds led the team in rushing yards with 79. Caulin Lacy led the receivers with 94 receiving yards on 11 receptions and 1 TD. Khalil Jacobs and Rickey Fletcher each led the defense in that game with 4 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles while Khalil Jacobs and Quetin Wilfawn each led the defense in sacks with 1. Khalil Jacobs came away with the only interception for them in that game.
Eastern Michigan is entering this game with a 6-6 record overall and they have a 4-4 record in their conference games too. They are 5-1 in their home games, 1-5 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at a neutral site for this game. They won their last game against Buffalo 24-11. Austin Smith was the starting QB and he completed 19/27 passes for 141 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Samson Evans led the team in rushing yards with 127 and 1 TD. JB Mitchell III led the receivers with 75 receiving yards on 7 receptions. Chase Kline led the defense in that game with 6 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles while Justin Jefferson led the defense in sacks with 1. No one on the defense came away with an interception for them in that game.
South Alabama vs Eastern Michigan Prediction
The current betting odds have South Alabama listed as a 16.5 point favorite in this 68 Ventures Bowl game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. South Alabama didn't look great in their games this season as they did have a very disappointing year with much higher hopes coming into the season, but they still managed to finish with a 6-6 record overall and get to this game. Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan hasn't looked great in their games this season as they also finished with a 6-6 record overall. Eastern Michigan was a really good home team this season as they were 5-1 in their home games but they were terrible in their road games with their 1-5 road record. This isn't a road game for them but it will still be their 1st neutral site game of the year and they are going to be at a disadvantage here. They were already terrible in their road games but now they have some key players entering the transfer portal, including their starting QB. South Alabama doesn't have many key players entering the transfer portal though and after the way they lost their final game of the regular season, they will be looking to bounce back here and end their season on a positive note against an Eastern Michigan team with no QB. The best way to place a bet here is on South Alabama to cover the spread in this game.
South Alabama Eastern Michigan Prediction: Our NCAAF Pick for Saturday, December 23, 2023 (7:00 pm ET start time) is South Alabama 42 Eastern Michigan 17.
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NCAAF Betting Trends
South Alabama Jaguars: 7-13 ATS as a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points. 3-10 ATS when the total is between 42.5 and 49. 8-15 ATS after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers. 9-2 UNDER off an upset loss to a conference rival as a favorite. 22-10 UNDER after allowing 37 points or more last game.
Eastern Michigan Eagles: 8-4 ATS off a win against a conference rival. 9-5 ATS after playing 3 straight conference games. 4-1 ATS in a bowl game. 6-2 UNDER after a game with a turnover margin of +2 or better. 13-6 UNDER after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins.
Key Injuries
South Alabama Jaguars: L. Sefcik (TE) Ques Sat - Undisclosed. L. Webb (RB) Ques Sat - Toe. C. Bradley (QB) Ques Sat - Knee. K. Bullock (RB) Prob Sat - Undisclosed. D. Voisin (WR) out for season - Knee.
Eastern Michigan Eagles: None.
Notable Quotes
"We dug ourselves in an incredible hole and earned a loss with poor execution. We didn't make enough plays defensively. We weren't nearly responsive enough. That was really the story to me all season. When we're in tight games and tough moments, we didn't have a defense that was responsive enough." - Kane Wommack after his team’s loss against Texas State in their last game of the college football regular season.
"We are excited to accept an invitation to compete in the 68 Ventures Bowl. We had to dig deep to make this last game possible and I am super proud of how we finished. We know we will face a great opponent and we are really looking forward to this opportunity." - Chris Creighton on his team playing in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
Starting Lineups
South Alabama Jaguars
WR Pritchett, Jamaal
WR Ivory, Javon
WR Eager, Anthony
TE Thomas-Jones, DJ
QB Bradley, Carter
RB McReynolds, Braylon
Eastern Michigan Eagles
WR Mitchell III, JB
WR Knue, Tanner
WR El-Zayat, Hamze
TE Getzinger, Jere
QB Udengwu III, Ike
RB Jackson, Jaylon
Statistical Leaders
South Alabama Jaguars
Passing: C. Bradley (2660)
Rushing: L. Webb (1007)
Receiving: C. Lacy (1336)
Touchdowns: L. Webb (17)
Eastern Michigan Eagles
Passing: A. Smith (1775)
Rushing: S. Evans (635)
Receiving: T. Knue (479)
Touchdowns: S. Evans (12)
Coaches:
South Alabama Jaguars: Kane Wommack (3rd season)
Eastern Michigan Eagles: Chris Creighton (10th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
