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IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama vs. Western Michigan - Game Analysis and Prediction

On December 14, 2024, the South Alabama Jaguars (6-6) face the Western Michigan Broncos (6-6) in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. Both teams enter this matchup with identical records, but South Alabama comes in as the favorite, while Western Michigan looks to prove they belong on the bowl stage after an inconsistent season.

 

Odds Table

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total (Over/Under)
South Alabama	-8.5 (-110)	-320	o57.5 (-115)
Western Michigan	+8.5 (-110)	+260	u57.5 (-105)

South Alabama is an 8.5-point favorite, and the over/under is set at 57.5 points. This reflects expectations for a moderately high-scoring game but leaves room for an underdog cover.

Team Analysis

South Alabama Jaguars

South Alabama has had a mixed season, finishing 6-6 overall and 5-3 in the Sun Belt Conference. Their offense is led by quarterback Gabe Lopez, who has thrown for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Running back Frank Bothwell provides balance on the ground, rushing for 832 yards and 13 touchdowns. Wide receiver Jaelon Pritchett is the primary target in the passing game, with 91 receptions for 1,127 yards and nine touchdowns.

• Offensive Strength: The Jaguars average 32.4 points per game, with a balanced attack between passing and rushing.
• Defensive Struggles: South Alabama allows 28.6 points per game, often struggling to contain opponents in shootouts.

Western Michigan Broncos

Western Michigan also finished 6-6, with a 5-3 record in the Mid-American Conference. Quarterback Hayden Wolff has been solid, throwing for 2,214 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Running back Jalen Nixon leads the rushing attack with 874 yards and 12 touchdowns. Wide receiver Kylen Womack has contributed modestly with 456 receiving yards and one touchdown, but the Broncos rely more heavily on their ground game.

• Offensive Potential: Western Michigan averages 27.5 points per game, leaning on their rushing attack to control the clock.
• Defensive Toughness: The Broncos allow 26.1 points per game, showing consistency in limiting big plays.

Recent Performance

South Alabama Jaguars

The Jaguars are 3-2 in their last five games, alternating between explosive offensive performances and defensive lapses:

• 11/29: Lost to Texas State 45-38
• 11/23: Defeated Southern Miss 35-14
• 11/16: Defeated Louisiana 24-22
• 11/2: Lost to Georgia Southern 34-30
• 10/26: Defeated ULM 46-17

Western Michigan Broncos

The Broncos struggled late in the season but ended on a high note with a win over Eastern Michigan:

• 11/30: Defeated Eastern Michigan 26-18
• 11/19: Lost to Central Michigan 16-14
• 11/12: Lost to Bowling Green 31-13
• 11/6: Lost to Northern Illinois 42-28
• 10/26: Defeated Kent State 52-21

Head-to-Head Comparison

This will be the first meeting between South Alabama and Western Michigan. South Alabama has an edge offensively, particularly in the passing game, but Western Michigan’s ability to control the tempo with their rushing attack and avoid turnovers could make this a closer game than expected.

Betting Stats and Trends

Key trends for South Alabama:

• The Jaguars are 2-3 ATS in their last five games.
• The total has gone over in three of South Alabama’s last five games.
• South Alabama is 1-4 ATS in its last five games as a favorite.

Key trends for Western Michigan:

• The Broncos are 3-2 ATS in their last five games.
• The total has gone under in three of Western Michigan’s last five games.
• Western Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as an underdog.

Prediction