Georgia Southern vs Gardner-Webb 9/4/21 College Football Picks, Odds, Predictions

The Georgia Southern Eagles meet the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs Saturday in week 1 college football action at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Gardner-Webb finished 2-2 last season and lost its only road game. Georgia Southern is coming off an 8-5 season and is winning 60 percent of its games under coach Chad Lunsford.

The Gardner-Webb Bulldogs averaged 24.7 points and 330.3 yards per game last season. Gardner-Webb allowed an average of 28 points and 351 yards per game last season. Tayvon Bowers should takeover at quarterback after just one pass attempt last season. Narii Gaither returns at running back after leading the Bulldogs with 300 yards and three touchdowns. Gardner-Webb will have to find production at wide receiver with so many key names gone. Defensively, Ty French returns after leading Gardner-Webb with 35 tackles, Tray Dunson had four tackles for loss and AJ Thomas had two interceptions. Gardner-Webb has a lot of holes on offense and it may take time to get the ball rolling. Gardner-Webb should be improved defensively and that side of the ball likely leads the way early for the Bulldogs.

The Georgia Southern Eagles averaged 27.2 points and 371.2 yards per game last season. Georgia Southern allowed an average of 20.8 points and 325.7 yards per game last season. Justin Tomlin should takeover at quarterback after 25 pass attempts last season. J.D. King is back at running back after 600 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Khaleb Hood and Logan Wright is a returning receiver duo that combined for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Anthony Wilson returns after 67 tackles, Justin Ellis had 3.5 sacks and Derrick Canteen had six interceptions. Georgia Southern returns a good portion of last years squad and should be a Sun Belt contender if the quarterback position gets settled. Georgia Southern should be in the running for a top-25 defense in college football. This is going to be a good football team that clinches four straight bowl appearances.

Will update with trends once they’re released.

The Gardner-Webb Bulldogs have major questions on the offensive side of the ball and now they’re going up against a top-25 defense in Georgia Southern. Points are going to be tough to come by for Gardner-Webb. And while Georgia Southern has to find a quarterback, there’s enough offensive playmakers and a ground game led by King to take pressure off whoever gets the ball. Thick number for a season opener, but the Georgia Southern Eagles should win this game comfortably.