Salute to Veterans Bowl 2024: South Alabama vs. Western Michigan predictions, odds
Despite a 6-6 season, the South Alabama Jaguars are headed to a bowl game, but not just any bowl game, one that lands on the first bowl game day of the 2024-25 season. That's a lot of pressure, and who knows whether or not the Jaguars can handle it.
Of course, that same pressure will be applied to the Western Michigan Broncos, who rank outside the FBS top-100 in scoring defense this season. That could provide a great opportunity for South Alabama freshman running back Fluff Bothwell, who scored 13 touchdowns on the season, to feast.
Still, there is plenty of reason to believe Western Michigan could come out on top in this game. After all, the Jaguars lost their most recent game to Texas State, while Western Michigan won their last game. They're riding that momentum into bowl season hoping to steal a victory away.
Here's everything to know about this year's Salute to Veterans Bowl.
South Alabama vs. Western Michigan, Salute to Veterans Bowl predictions:
Reed Wallach, Sports Illustrated: OVER 59.5
Wallach writes, "The South Alabama defense leaves a ton to be desired, ranking outside the top 80 in yards per play allowed and 121st in tackling, per Pro Football Focus. I envision big plays all over and points on the board in this bowl game. I’ll side with the over."
Bill Bender, SportingNews: South Alabama 38, Western Michigan 21
Bender writes, "South Alabama coach Major Applewhite led the Jaguars to a bowl game after a 6-6 season, and they should have success against a Western Michigan defense that ranked 109th in the FBS in scoring defense."
Will Helms, College Football Network: Western Michigan 28, South Alabama 26
Helms writes, "Western Michigan’s offense goes through the running game. The Broncos have three backs with over 100 carries this season. Jaden Nixon and Jalen Buckley alone have accounted for 20 touchdowns and more than 1,500 yards. But while he doesn’t throw as often as some quarterbacks, Hayden Wolff can challenge defenses with the deep ball and runs the offense to perfection. That leads me to lean toward the Broncos, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Lopez’s health. It could be a sloppy, run-first game, which could favor the offenses but also pressure Lopez to succeed with his legs. That won’t be easy if he isn’t 100%."
South Alabama vs. Western Michigan, Salute to Veterans Bowl odds:
The South Alabama Jaguars are favorites to defeat the Western Michigan Broncos, according to the BetMGM NCAA odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every bowl game.
- Spread: South Alabama (-7)
- Moneyline: South Alabama (-275); Western Michigan (+230)
- Over/under: 57.5
How to watch South Alabama vs. Western Michigan, Salute to Veterans Bowl:
- Date: Saturday, December 14
- Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
- Location: Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo, YouTube TV
Stream college bowl games with a Fubo subscription
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.