South Alabama vs Western Michigan – Veterans Bowl Predictions 12/14/24

South Alabama and Western Michigan start the 2024-25 College Football Bowl season in the Veteran’s Bowl kicking off on December 14, 2024 at 9:00PM ET.

Both South Alabama and Western Michigan head in at 6-6 with the line opening South Alabama as double-digit favorites but now sits South Alabama -7. How many points will be scored in this Sun Belt vs MAC showdown? Read what The GoldSheet thinks below!

Veteran’s Bowl Game Details

Veterans Bowl Preview

This will be the first-ever meeting between these two programs.

South Alabama earned its first bowl win in program history last year as the Jaguars took down another MAC representative from the Wolverine State, Eastern Michigan.

This is Western Michigan’s first bowl appearance since beating Nevada in the QuickLane Bowl in 2021.

South Alabama and Western Michigan Bonds

These programs do share a couple unique bonds, mainly between the head coaches. Western Michigan’s second-year head coach Lance Taylor is a Mobile-area native and played football at Alabama.

After graduation, he served on the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff with South Alabama head coach Major Applewhite. As will be the case with every bowl game this season, keep an eye on how teams are handling the transfer portal.

South Alabama and Western Michigan Transfer Portal Info

South Alabama’s leading rusher, Fluff Bothwell (832 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns), is among a group of Jaguars that have put their name in the transfer portal.

Coach Applewhite said that as long as players are making practice and meetings, they will be able to play in the bowl game if they wish to do so.

Western Michigan’s leading receiver, tight end Blake Bosma (37 catches with six touchdowns), has also put his name in the portal. South Alabama’s biggest concern, however, is not players in the transfer portal. 

Key South Alabama Injuries

Starting QB Gio Lopez was injured in the Jaguars’ season finale against Texas State. With Lopez at the helm, South Alabama’s offense was top-20 in the country in EPA per play, passing success rate and rushing success rate.

Bishop Davenport is a capable back-up, but Lopez is the straw that stirs the Jaguars’ drink.

South Alabama vs Western Michigan Prediction: Under 57.5

Western Michigan has three running backs with over 100 carries this season. Jaden Nixon and Jalen Buckley have accounted for 20 touchdowns and more than 1,500 yards.

The Broncos’ best path to success is to play keep-away from the Jaguars’ offense, using that rushing attack to bleed as much of the clock as possible.

Our power ratings make South Alabama closer to a 10-point favorite, but the Jaguars are seeing a downgrade in the betting market because of Lopez’s status.

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