IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama vs Western Michigan, NCAA Football Best Bets

Bowl games are finally here! Along with Army vs Navy, we have the Salute to Veterans Bowl going down in Montgomery, Alabama, as the South Alabama Jaguars take on the Western Michigan Broncos on ESPN. Both 6-6- teams are simply happy to be here, and with one game remaining in the season, I expect them to come out with some fire on both sides of the football.

The Broncos had a tough season in the MAC. They won four straight to start conference play after going 1-3 in their non conference contests. However, they ended the season losing 3 of their L4 games, ending 5-3 in MAC play and 6-6 on the season. Regardless, they got invited to a bowl and now face a South Alabama team looking to end their season on a high note.

South Alabama finished 2nd in the Sun Belt West, going 5-3 in conference play. The offense is led by QB Gio Lopez, but after getting injured in their final game, he may be a game time decision tonight. South Alabama is still nearly double digits favorites in this ball game, giving me the inclination that Lopez takes the field tonight. Let’s break this thing down and find our best bets!

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South Alabama vs Western Michigan: IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl

Matchup Information – South Alabama vs Western Michigan

• Venue & Location: Cramton Bowl (Montgomery, AL)
• Date: Saturday, December 14th, 2024
• Kick Off: 9:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN

Betting Odds

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Spread

• South Alabama -9 (-105)
• Western Michigan +9 (-115)

Money Line

• South Alabama -325
• Western Michigan +270

Total

• Over 57.5 (-110)
• Under 57.5 (-110)

Will Gio Lopez Give it a Go for the Jaguars?

Just this week, Gio Lopez announced he will be staying at South Alabama for the 2025 season. His status for tonight’s game is technically still a “game time decision” but things are all pointing towards him taking the field. Obviously this elevates the Jaguars offense to a level that simply does not exist without him.

While both teams have been shaky down the stretch, I do lean more with the Jaguars in this spot. For starters, this game isn’t far from home for them. It may feel closer to a home game for the favorite, and they should have no problem scoring. The Jaguars put up 30 points per game, with that number climbing to 33 over the past few weeks. The Broncos are not a team that will want to get into a shootout, as they will have a tough time keeping up.

The Broncos defense is horrendous. They are 103rd in points per game allowed, giving up over 31 to opponents. South Alabama isn’t much better, but I certainly trust their defense a lot more than the Broncos. And I side with their offense being able to pick up chunk yardage and score in bunches, something Western Michigan has struggled to do all season long. Winning by double digits might be a tough for the Jaguars, but given their offensive production this season, I see them handling business and capping off a good season in the Sun Belt.

South Alabama Jaguars vs Western Michigan Broncos Best Bets

South Alabama vs Western Michigan Prediction: South Alabama Wins & Covers, Over 57.5

Best Bets: South Alabama -9 (-110) Bovada

The Jaguars are a very rush heavy team. Sure, Fluff Bothwell is likely not playing or will see minimal touches as he enters the portal. Lucky for them, Kentrell Bullock is just as good and ready to step up in the backfield.

Western Michigan is 107th in rushing yards allowed per game, and against a dual threat QB as well, this could be a long game for the Broncos defense. Even a little beat up, this Jaguars offense has been rolling all year long, and I don’t see them stopping tonight. They are easily the better offense, slightly the better defense, and I think they have a little more motivation on their side as well.

Give me the Jaguars to cover this game by double digits tonight.

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