Georgia Southern (8-4-0) at Sam Houston (9-3-0)
- When: Dec 19 2024, 7:00 PM
- Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Georgia Southern @ Sam Houston State
Moneyline
Georgia Southern -195
Sam Houston State +165
Georgia Southern @ Sam Houston State
Point Spread
Georgia Southern -4.5 (-110)
Sam Houston State 4.5 (-110)
Georgia Southern @ Sam Houston State
Total
Over 48.5 (-110)
Under 48.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Starting Quarterbacks:
Georgia Southern: JC French 4804 Yds
Sam Houston: Hunter Watson 3641 Yds
Team Stats
| Georgia Southern | Sam Houston | |
| 8-4 | Record | 9-3 |
| 4-2 | Away | 4-2 |
| 8-3-1 | ATS | 6-6-0 |
| 5-7-0 | O/U | 3-9-0 |
Last Matchup:
No previous meeting
Game Preview
Sam Houston enters its first-ever bowl appearance with a fresh look on the sidelines, as they face Georgia Southern in the New Orleans Bowl on Thursday night. The Bearkats, now under interim head coach Brad Cornelsen, will aim to finish their season with a milestone victory.
Cornelsen, the team’s offensive coordinator, steps in for K.C. Keeler, who resigned after 11 successful seasons to take over at Temple. Keeler led the Bearkats to a 97-39 record, a 2021 FCS national championship, and their transition to the FBS and Conference USA. Cornelsen brings experience from his tenure as offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech and now hopes to deliver a historic win in the Superdome.
“This group of players, especially our seniors, has been through so much to elevate this program,” Cornelsen said. “We’re motivated to close out our season with 10 wins in a prestigious venue.”
Georgia Southern enters with bowl pedigree, making its third straight postseason appearance under head coach Clay Helton. The Eagles boast a 7-3 all-time bowl record since joining the FBS, and their blue-collar mindset could make them a tough matchup for the Bearkats.
The Eagles, finishing 8-4 and second in the Sun Belt East, are led by standout linebacker Marques Watson-Trent, the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. Watson-Trent anchors a defense that thrives on physicality, averaging 10 tackles per game and totaling 110 stops this season. Offensively, the Eagles’ balanced attack features quarterback JC French, who has thrown for 2,619 yards and 16 touchdowns, and running back Jalen White, who’s punched in 12 rushing scores.
Sam Houston, 9-3 on the year, boasts a strong defense that allowed just 20 points per game, leading Conference USA. Defensive standouts Caleb Weaver, Kavian Gaither, and Chris Murray have been pivotal, combining for elite tackling and pass-rush pressure. Offensively, quarterback Hunter Watson has contributed over 2,200 total yards and 18 touchdowns, supported by running back Jay Ducker and receiver Simeon Evans.
Betting on this matchup? The Bearkats’ defense will look to slow down Georgia Southern’s versatile offense, while the Eagles will aim to capitalize on their superior bowl experience and veteran offensive line. With both teams fielding strong defenses and capable offenses, this game could come down to turnovers and efficiency in the red zone.
Georgia Southern’s familiarity with the New Orleans Bowl, having crushed Louisiana Tech 38-3 in the 2020 edition, may give them the edge. However, Sam Houston’s hunger to secure their first bowl victory and prove their FBS mettle makes them a dangerous underdog. Expect a hard-fought clash, with plenty of value for bettors looking to back the underdog Bearkats or the more experienced Eagles.
New Orleans Bowl Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Georgia Southern 23-20
Expert Pick: Sam Houston +4½ & Under 48½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- New Orleans Bowl Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
