New Orleans Bowl Predictions, Odds

Georgia Southern football accomplished what Sam Houston is doing now a decade ago, and it’s perhaps the most intriguing subplot to emerge now as they face off in the Sun Belt vs. Conference USA game in the 2024 New Orleans Bowl on Thursday.

Georgia Southern (8-4) was once a Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse, reaching three straight national championships under former coach Paul Johnson. The Eagles then moved 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 looking to win after former USC coach Clay Helton’s best season in Statesboro, Georgia.

Sam Houston (9-3) has completed a remarkable turnaround in his second season since moving from the FCS to the FBS, but the program’s success has come at a price. Coach KC Keeler has been Temple’s new coach since the end of the regular season, and Sam Houston announced Wednesday that he has hired longtime offensive coordinator Phil Longo as his next coach. Offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will serve as interim coach for the bowl game. According to ESPN, at least 22 players have also entered the transfer portal. How the Bearkats compare 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 explains why Georgia Southern is the favorite as Helton seeks his first bowl win in three tries with the Eagles. The 2024 New Orleans Bowl will serve as a potential exclamation point for both teams. Here’s what else you should know about the match, including predictions, betting odds and how to watch:

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Georgia Southern vs Sam Houston predictions

USA TODAY: All but one expert chooses Georgia Southern

Scooby Axon: Georgia South
Jordan Mendoza: Georgia South
Paul Myerberg: Georgia South
Erick Smith: Georgia South
Eddie Timanus: Georgia South
Dan Clouds: Sam Houston

Sports News: Sam Houston 27, Georgia Southern 26

“Georgia Southern is seeking its first bowl win in three tries with Clay Helton. The Bearkats were 3-1 overall this season as underdogs with three wins. Look for the defense to be the difference for Sam Houston.”

The Athletic: Strong bias toward Georgia Southern

Of the nine experts The Athletic had predicting the outcome of the 2024 New Orleans, only one picked Sam Houston as the winner. The other eight chose Georgia Southern.

College Football Network: Georgia Southern 28, Sam Houston 10

“Georgia Southern’s stability and depth should overwhelm an undermanned Sam Houston team as it struggles to fill significant gaps. 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

According to BetMGM odds, the Georgia Southern Eagles are the favorites to win over the Sam Houston Bearkats.

Betting odds as of Wednesday, December 18th:

Spread: Georgia South (-5.5)
Money line: Georgia Southern (-210); Sam Houston (+175)
Over/Under: 48.5

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

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

Watch the New Orleans Bowl with Fubo

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New Orleans Bowl Predictions, Odds

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