Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston: Predictions, odds, how to watch New Orleans Bowl Bowl
Georgia Southern football accomplished a decade ago what Sam Houston is doing now, and it's perhaps the most intriguing subplot to emerge now that they're facing one another in the 2024 New Orleans Bowl Thursday in a Sun Belt vs. Conference USA matchup.
Georgia Southern (8-4) was once a Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse, culminating with three national championships in a row under former coach Paul Johnson. The Eagles then transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision starting in 2014 after current Army coach Jeff Monken had been there and current Houston coach Willie Fritz was leading the program. A decade later, Georgia Southern is making its seventh bowl appearance and favored to win after former USC coach Clay Helton's best season in Statesboro, Georgia.
Sam Houston (9-3) orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in its second season since transitioning from FCS to the FBS, but the program's success comes with a cost. Coach K.C. Keeler has become Temple's new coach since the regular season ended and Sam Houston announced Wednesday it had hired longtime offensive coordinator Phil Longo as its next coach. Offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will serve as interim coach for the bowl game. At least 22 players have also entered the transfer portal, according to ESPN. What the Bearkats look like compared to the team that beat CUSA favorite Liberty and allowed the fewest points in the league is a major question mark.
Georgia Southern's roster and coaching staff are more stable, which helps explain why it is the favorite as Helton looks for his first bowl win in three tries with the Eagles. 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:
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."
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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 Wednesday, Dec. 18:
- Spread: Georgia Southern (-5.5)
- Moneyline: Georgia Southern (-210); Sam Houston (+175)
- Over/under: 48.5
How to watch New Orleans Bowl: TV, streaming and schedule
- Date: Thursday, December 19
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN2
- Stream: Fubo (free trial)
- Location: Caesar's Superdome (New Orleans)
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