New Orleans Bowl Odds: Western Kentucky-South Alabama prediction, odds and pick
The New Orleans Bowl is on Wednesday at 9 pm ET. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) and South Alabama Jaguars (10-2) are playing. South has a 150-mile travel distance to Western, while Western travels 600 miles.
Western Kentucky is 18th in the country in scoring (35.8 PPG) and 9th on offense (483 yards per game). Their defense is good, but they played the 89th-ranked strength of schedule and lost both games with power-five teams. Western Kentucky's elite offense has a clear identity: they throw the ball a lot. Senior quarterback Austin Reed threw for 4,247 yards and 36 touchdowns. Malachi Corley is one of the best college receivers. South Alabama's passing defense allows 216 yards a game.
South Alabama finished 10-2 and missed out on the Sun Belt championship game. They ranked 41st in scoring (31.9 PPG) and 40th in total offense (425 yards per game). Their defense ranked 14th (19.4 POG) in points allowed and 11th for total defense (305 yards). Sophomore Yam Banks intercepted five passes this season. South Alabama's running back, La’Damian Webb, is the team's number one back. Their quarterback, Carter Bradley, passed for 2,976 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Western Kentucky and South Alabama are playing in the New Orleans Bowl.
South Alabama is favored to win the New Orleans Bowl against Western Kentucky.
