Southern Miss vs South Alabama Prediction, Odds & Picks
It has been an up and down season for South Alabama thus far, but after a dominant performance in picking up their first Sun Belt win of the season, the Jaguars should shine again tonight as they host struggling Southern Miss (7:30 pm ET, ESPN2).
The Jaguars (3-3, 1-1 Sun Belt) won at Oklahoma State last month but followed that with a tough home loss to Central Michigan and saw a furious fourth-quarter comeback come up short at James Madison.
But they got off the mark in conference play with a 55-7 win at Louisiana-Monroe last time out and are heavily favored to cruise tonight against the Golden Eagles (1-5, 0-3 Sun Belt), who have lost five in a row since opening the season with a win over Alcorn State.
Southern Miss vs South Alabama Odds
Odds are via Bovada.
Spread
- Southern Miss +18.5 (-110)
- South Alabama -18.5 (-110)
Over/Under
- Over 51 (-115)
- Under 51 (-105)
Moneyline
- Southern Miss +650
- South Alabama -1100
Can Southern Miss Keep It Close Again?
While the Golden Eagles have lost five in a row, they have competed well in each of their last three games, ultimately coming short at Arkansas State and at home against Texas State and Old Dominion.
After giving up 44 points against the Red Wolves and 50 points against the Bobcats, USM’s defense put in a strong effort against the Monarchs. But after holding a 10-0 lead after the first quarter, the Golden Eagles failed to generate much on offense and went down 17-13 in Hattiesburg ten days ago.
Better execution on offense will be needed for Southern Miss to stay in the game in Mobile, and the Golden Eagles have one of the better running backs in the country in Frank Gore Jr.
Can he make some headway against South Alabama? The Jaguars have not excelled defensively like they were expected to entering the season, but they held ULM to just 250 yards and forced two turnovers in their big win in Monroe.
USA also produced its best performance of the season on offense, racking up 589 yards and not turning the ball over once. Carter Bradley completed 20 of his 29 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns, while La’Damian Webb ran for 100 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
South Alabama has beaten Southern Miss in their head-to-head matchups each of the last three seasons, including a 27-20 win in Hattiesburg last November.
Southern Miss vs South Alabama Prediction and Picks
Prediction: South Alabama to win and cover
Picks: South Alabama -18.5 (-110 at Bovada) & Southern Miss/South Alabama over 51 (-115 at Bovada)
The Golden Eagles have competed well in each of their last three games, and with how infrequently we have seen the Jaguars at their best thus far, things could end up being closer than I expect.
But dismantling ULM last week should be a real boost for USA, who I felt would be one of the better teams in the Group of Five this season. Look for them to light up USM and improve to 2-1 in conference play ahead of a visit from Louisiana a week from Saturday.
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