It’s been a roller-coaster season for the Georgia Southern Eagles and Sam Houston Bearkats, but they each find themselves in the New Orleans Bowl.
Who will come out on top? Our Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston prediction breaks down everything you need to know — from the latest betting odds to what’s at stake for both teams as they meet in the R+L Carrier New Orleans Bowl.
Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston New Orleans Bowl Betting Preview
All Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Georgia Southern -4.5 - Spread
Georgia Southern -6 - Moneyline
Georgia Southern -205, Sam Houston +170 - Over/Under
48.5 points - Game Time
7:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 19 - Location
Caesars Superdome | New Orleans - Predicted Weather at Kick
53 degrees, 2 mph winds, clear - How To Watch
ESPN2
Sure, Sam Houston is only 1-5 against the spread in its last six games, but it’s also 6-2 ATS in its last eight as the underdog.
Of course, Georgia Southern is no pushover, owning an 8-3-1 ATS record in its past 12 contests.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Like to sweat under bets? Take a look at these three total trends from this matchup:
- Bearkat games have gone under is six straight.
- The under has hit in five of the Eagles’ past seven bouts.
- The total has gone under in four of Georgia SOuthern’s previous five games against CUSA opponents.
Georgia Southern’s Winning Probability
Three years with Clay Helton at the helm, three bowl appearances. However, Year 3 of the Helton has been the most fruitful, with the Eagles posting an 8-4 record — their best since 2020. Can they notch their first bowl win since that season? The FPM likes their odds.
- at Sam Houston: 62.6%
Sam Houston’s Winning Probability
What a turnaround it was for the Bearkats. After going 3-9 in their first year in the FBS, head coach K.C. Keeler led them to a 9-3 record and their first-ever bowl appearance. However, Keeler is off to join the Temple Owls, and several of his players have since entered the transfer portal.
- vs. Georgia Southern: 37.4%
Prediction for Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston
Sam Houston is missing nearly a dozen key players — headlined by the team’s top two running backs, leading tackler Caleb Weaver, and standout pass rusher Chris Murray. Keeler left interim coach Brad Brad Cornelson to patch together a depleted roster against a Georgia Southern team firing on all cylinders.
The Eagles have blended an opportunistic defense with an offense capable of controlling tempo through sustained drives and strong third-down efficiency. They thrive where Sam Houston falters, particularly in the red zone.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
The Bearkats have struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, converting just 72% of their red-zone chances and relying on an inconsistent kicking game. Against a disciplined Eagles squad, such inefficiencies could prove fatal.
Georgia Southern’s stability and depth should overwhelm a shorthanded Sam Houston team scrambling to fill major gaps. With momentum on their side and a chance to secure their best season in five years, the Eagles are poised to dominate the New Orleans Bowl.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 28, Sam Houston 10
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