New Orleans Bowl predictions, odds

On By Littum

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Georgia Southern football accomplished a decade ago what Sam Houston is doing now, and that might be the most intriguing subplot emerging now that they face each other in the New Orleans Bowl on Thursday in 2024 in a Sun Belt-Conference matchup USA.

South Georgia (8-4) was once a football championship in the subdivision that culminated in three straight national championships under former coach Paul Johnson. The Eagles then transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision starting in 2014 after current Army coach Jeff Monken was there and current Houston coach Willie Fritz led the program. A decade later, Georgia Southern is making its seventh bowl appearance and favored to win after former USC coach Clay Helton’s best season in Statesboro, Georgia.

Sam Houston (9-3) orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in its second season since moving from FCS to FBS, but the program’s success comes at a cost. Coach KC Keeler has become Temple’s new coach since the regular season ended and This was announced by Sam Houston on Wednesday it had hired longtime offensive coordinator Phil Longo as its next coach. Offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will serve as the interim coach for the bowl game. At least 22 players have also entered the transfer portal, according to ESPN. What Bear cats look compared to the team that beat CUSA favorite Liberty and allowed the fewest points in the league is a big question mark.

Georgia Southern’s roster and coaching staff are more stable, which helps explain why it’s the favorite as Helton looks for his first bowl win in three tries with the Eagles. The 2024 New Orleans Bowl will act as a potential exclamation mark for both teams. Here’s what else you need to know about the match, including predictions, odds and how to watch:

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Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston predictions

USA TODAY: All but one expert picks Georgia Southern

  • Scooby Axon: South Georgia
  • Jordan Mendoza: South Georgia
  • Paul Myerberg: South Georgia
  • Eric Smith: South Georgia
  • Eddie Timanus: South Georgia
  • Dan Wolken: Sam Houston

Sports news: Sam Houston 27, Georgia Southern 26

“Georgia Southern is looking for its first bowl win in three tries with Clay Helton. The Bearkats were 3-1 against the spread as an underdog this season with three straight wins. Look for the defense to be the difference maker for Sam Houston.”

Athletics: Heavy tilt against Georgia Southern

Of the nine experts The Athletic had predicted the outcome of New Orleans in 2024, only one picked Sam Houston to win. The other eight chose Georgia Southern.

College Football Network: Georgia Southern 28, Sam Houston 10

“Georgia Southern’s stability and depth should overwhelm a shorthanded Sam Houston team trying to fill big holes. 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. “

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New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds

The Georgia Southern Eagles are favorites to defeat the Sam Houston Bearkats according to BetMGM odds.

Odds from Wednesday 18 December:

  • Spread: Georgia Southern (-5.5)
  • Money line: Georgia Southern (-210); Sam Houston (+175)
  • Above/below: 48.5

How to watch the New Orleans Bowl: TV, streaming and schedule

  • Date: Thursday 19 December
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Current: Fubo (free trial)
  • Location: Caesar’s Superdome (New Orleans)

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