New Orleans Bowl: Western Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston predictions, odds, how to watch
Two former Football Championship Subdivision juggernauts will meet for the first time coming off strong seasons that further cemented their current status as Football Bowl Subdivision programs. Georgia Southern and Sam Houston play in a Sun Belt vs. Conference USA matchup that should have symbolic meaning considering the two schools were once dominant at the FCS level with seven national championships combined since 1985.
Sam Houston (9-3) is the underdog in its historic first bowl appearance at the FBS level after giving up the fewest points in Conference USA this year, punctuating its successful transition from FCS to CUSA with a win over defending league champion Liberty in the regular season finale last month. But coach K.C. Keeler has since been hired by Temple and the Bearkats will instead be led by interim coach Brad Cornelsen, the team's offensive coordinator, in the New Orleans Bowl. Leading rusher Jay Ducker and leading tackler Caleb Weaver are also among at least 22 Sam Houston players that have entered the transfer portal since the regular season ended, according to ESPN. It's not clear how many will still play in the bowl game.
Georgia Southern (8-4) had another solid season under former USC coach Clay Helton, closing strong this time with three wins in its final four games and nearly making it to the Sun Belt championship game. The Eagles' transfer portal attrition has been minimal when compared to Sam Houston and quarterback J.C. French and company have been good in close games this year. Georgia Southern had the country's 92nd-ranked offense and ranked 120th in total defense this year despite featuring linebacker Marques Watson-Trent, the Sun Belt defensive player of the year.
The 2024 New Orleans Bowl will serve as a potential exclamation point for both teams. Here's what else to know about the matchup, including predictions, betting odds and how to watch:
2024 New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston predictions
Paste BN: All but one expert picks Georgia Southern
- Scooby Axon: Georgia Southern
- Jordan Mendoza: Georgia Southern
- Paul Myerberg: Georgia Southern
- Erick Smith: Georgia Southern
- Eddie Timanus: Georgia Southern
- Dan Wolken: Sam Houston
Sporting News: Sam Houston 27, Georgia Southern 26
"Georgia Southern is looking for its first bowl victory in three tries with Clay Helton. The Bearkats were 3-1 against the spread as an underdog this season with three outright victories. Look for the defense to make the difference for Sam Houston."
The Athletic: Heavy lean towards Georgia Southern
Of the nine experts The Athletic had predict the outcome of the 2024 New Orleans, only one picked Sam Houston to win. The other eight picked Georgia Southern.
College Football Network: Georgia Southern 28, Sam Houston 10
"Georgia Southern’s stability and depth should overwhelm a shorthanded Sam Houston team scrambling to fill major gaps. With momentum on their side and a chance to secure their best season in five years, the Eagles are poised to dominate the New Orleans Bowl."
Get New Orleans Bowl tickets with Stubhub
2024 New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds
The Georgia Southern Eagles are favorites to defeat the Sam Houston Bearkats, according to the BetMGM odds.
Betting odds as of Monday, Dec. 16:
- Spread: Georgia Southern (-6)
- Moneyline: Georgia Southern (-225); Sam Houston (+180)
- Over/under: 48.5
New Orleans Bowl 2024: How to watch Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston
- Date: Thursday, December 19
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN2
- Stream: Fubo (free trial)
- Location: Caesar's Superdome (New Orleans)
Watch the New Orleans Bowl with Fubo
Tickets for the New Orleans Bowl
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Paste BN Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.