The Georgia Southern Eagles and Sam Houston Bearkats have both experienced their share of ups and downs this season, yet here they are, set to face off in the New Orleans Bowl.
Who will rise to the occasion? Our Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston preview dives into all the key details — from the latest betting lines to what’s on the line for both teams 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 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Georgia Southern -4.5 - Spread
Georgia Southern -4 - Moneyline
Georgia Southern -180, Sam Houston +150 - Over/Under
48 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 enters the New Orleans Bowl severely shorthanded, missing nearly a dozen key contributors, including their top two running backs, leading tackler Caleb Weaver, and standout pass rusher Chris Murray. Interim coach Brad Cornelson has been tasked with piecing together a patchwork roster to face a Georgia Southern team that’s firing on all cylinders.
Stay up to date on the Sam Houston transfers, however, because there is an indication that many may still play in this game.
MORE: Players Not Playing in New Orleans Bowl
The Eagles have built their success on an opportunistic defense paired with an offense that controls the tempo through sustained drives and impressive third-down efficiency. They excel in areas where Sam Houston has stumbled, particularly in the red zone.
The Bearkats have struggled to finish drives, converting just 72% of their red-zone opportunities while leaning on an unreliable kicking game. Against a disciplined and efficient Georgia Southern squad, those shortcomings could be disastrous.
With superior depth, stability, and momentum, Georgia Southern looks primed to overwhelm a depleted Sam Houston team. The Eagles, chasing their best season in five years, are well-positioned to dominate the New Orleans Bowl.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 28, Sam Houston 10
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