The South Alabama Jaguars and the North Texas Mean Green meet in week 5 college football action from the DATCU Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a South Alabama Jaguars vs. North Texas Mean Green prediction.
South Alabama Jaguars Recap
The South Alabama Jaguars come into this game looking to bounce back from a 38-20 loss at the hands of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers as 16-point favorites to fall to 1-3 this season. After this game, the Jaguars will head on the road for a matchup against the Troy Trojans.
Jaguars Drop 3 In A Row
Bishop Davenport has thrown for 764 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 69% passing while Kentrel Bullock has rushed for a team-high 364 yards and 4 touchdowns so far this season. Keenan Phillips and PJ Martin each have 150+ rushing yards this season while Devin Voisin has a team-high 360 receiving yards on 27 receptions with 4 touchdowns while Anthony Eager has 135 receiving yards as well this season. On defense, Wesley Miller and Caleb Dozier each have a team-high 25 total tackles with Miller logging 16 solo tackles while the Jaguars as a unit have combined for 6 sacks and an interception so far this season.
Why the South Alabama Jaguars will win
- North Texas has lost five of its last six games against opponents from the Sun Belt Conference.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of South Alabama’s last four games.
- North Texas has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last nine games against teams from Alabama.
North Texas Mean Green Recap
The North Texas Mean Green come into this game looking to add on to their 45-38 win over Army last time out to sit at 4-0 this season. After this game, the Mean Green will take on South Florida in a matchup at home.
Mean Green Looking To Stay Unbeaten
Drew Mestemaker has thrown for 1,013 yards and 10 touchdowns on 70.8% passing while Makenzie McGill II has 271 rushing yards and 4 TDs to lead the Mean Green on the ground and Caleb Hawkins has 167 rushing yards with 5 TDs. Miles Coleman leads the Mean Green with 19 receptions for 182 yards while Wyatt Young has 179 receiving yards with 3 TDs and Cameron Dorner has 178 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Landon Sides also has 146 receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Shane Whitter has a team-high 16 total tackles including 18 solo tackles and an interception while Keviyan Huddleston also has a team-high 2.5 sacks. Ethan Day also has 2 sacks this season. As a unit, North Texas’ defense has combined for 8 sacks and 5 interceptions so far this season.
Why the North Texas Mean Green will win
- North Texas has won 17 of its last 18 games as a favorite in Texas.
- South Alabama has lost each of its last four games in September.
- The favorite has covered the spread in six of North Texas’ last seven games at DATCU Stadium.
- South Alabama has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against teams from Texas.
Total Points Facts
- Thirteen of North Texas’ last 14 games in September have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of South Alabama’s last six games as a road underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
South Alabama Jaguars vs. North Texas Mean Green Prediction
I’m on North Texas here. I just think that the Mean Green are the better team here and while it could be a bit of a buy low spot on South Alabama after getting upset by a bad Coastal Carolina team, I think that the Mean Green are a legit threat to make the college football playoff. South Alabama’s offense has shown improvement, but the Mean Green have it on both sides of the ball and I think the Mean Green get the win and cover here and not play with their food like they did against Army last week. Give me North Texas.