South Alabama Jaguars (0-1) vs. Ohio Bobcats (0-1)
September 7, 2024 6:00 pm EDT
The Line: Ohio Bobcats +2.5 / South Alabama Jaguars -2.5; Over/Under: +54
(Get latest betting odds)
The South Alabama Jaguars and Ohio Bobcats meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Peden Stadium. Here’s an Ohio vs South Alabama Prediction. This article will include an Ohio vs South Alabama Prediction Pick.
South Alabama Jaguars Betting Preview
The South Alabama Jaguars lost to North Texas in its opener and play Northwestern State and Appalachian State next. South Alabama hasn’t started a season 0-2 since 2018. Gio Lopez is completing 53.1 percent of his passes for 432 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Jamaal Pritchett and Jeremiah Webb have combined for 260 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Devin Voisin has 5 receptions.
The South Alabama Jaguars ground game is averaging 150 yards per contest, and Lopez leads the way with 62 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, South Alabama is allowing 52 points and 550 yards per game. Blayne Myrick leads the South Alabama Jaguars with 12 tackles, Amarion Fortenberry has 1 pass deflection and Jordan Scruggs has 1 pass deflection.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview
The Ohio Bobcats lost their opener to Syracuse and plays Morgan State and Kentucky next. Ohio hasn’t started a season 0-2 since 2021. Parker Navarro is completing 60 percent of his passes for 181 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Coleman Owen and Chase Hendricks have combined for 164 receiving yards on 13 catches, while Rickey Hunt Jr. has 1 reception.
The Ohio Bobcats ground game is averaging 255 yards per contest, and Anthony Tyus III leads the way with 203 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Ohio is allowing 38 points and 480 yards per game. Austin Brawley leads the Ohio Bobcats with 12 tackles, Bradley Weaver has 1 sack and Tank Pearson has 1 interception.
Why the South Alabama Jaguars will win
- Ohio has lost five of its last six games against opponents from the Sun Belt Conference.
- South Alabama has won eight of its last nine September games as a favorite.
- Ohio has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six home openers.
- South Alabama has covered the spread in three of its last four September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- South Alabama has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against opponents from the Mid-American Conference.
- South Alabama has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Ohio’s last eight games against opponents from the Sun Belt Conference have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of South Alabama’s last five games against opponents from the Mid-American Conference have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ohio ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Ohio ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage this season (1.000).
- South Alabama ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage this season (1.000).
- South Alabama ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage this season (1.000).
Ohio vs South Alabama Prediction
The South Alabama Jaguars may be the more talented team on paper, but Ohio looked better in a week 1 loss to a better team in Syracuse. Ohio hung around with Syracuse, a team that added a ton of talent and is expected to be an above-average ACC team this season. Also, Ohio has been money in the underdog role lately, 8 of its 10 games as an underdog, and 6 of those covers were outright victories. I’m not stepping in front of that. South Alabama didn’t play a lick of defense last week, and now all of a sudden is favored on the road? I’m not buying it. Give me Ohio and the points.
