South Alabama at Ohio Preview and Best Bet – 9/7/2024

The South Alabama Jaguars are set to battle the Ohio Bobcats on September 7, 2024, with the Jaguars favored by two points according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Currently, there is an even split in betting action, with both teams receiving an equal share of bets. The opening total of 54.5 has seen more bets leaning towards the under, with 56% of bets choosing the under and 44% opting for the over. Here, we break down this South Alabama vs Ohio matchup and make our pick for the game.

South Alabama In Need Of Defense In Week 2

The South Alabama Jaguars suffered a loss in their season opener, losing 52-38 to the North Texas Mean Green. The Jaguars gave up 28 third quarter points to their opponents in that game, falling behind for good despite leading 19-14 at the half. In this game, South Alabama will look to put together a more consistent performance for four quarters as they hope to avoid an 0-2 start to their season.

In Week 1, it looked like the strength of the Jaguars was its passing offense, while its weakness was pass defense. South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez threw for 432 yards and three touchdowns, but the South Alabama defense allowed North Texas QB Chandler Morris to throw for 415 yards and three touchdowns. Whether or not South Alabama can stop the pass could determine the outcome of this South Alabama vs Ohio matchup from Athens.

Ohio Looks to Rebound From Loss to Syracuse

The Ohio Bobcats were put into a tough spot in Week 1, having to play the Syracuse Orange on the road. They lost 38-22 to Syracuse, who was in their first game under a new head coach and looking to inspire some optimism in their program. This week, Ohio has a much more winnable game on its schedule against a South Alabama team whose defense was suspect at best in its season opener.

While Ohio struggled to slow down Kyle McCord and the Syracuse passing game, Ohio's running game was a major strength despite facing an ACC opponent last week. Anthony Tyus III rushed for over 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Bobcats last week. Against a much weaker defense, Tyus could have another huge game this week that could propel Ohio to its first win of the 2024 college football season.

South Alabama vs Ohio Best Bet

We expect a competitive South Alabama vs Ohio matchup this weekend. But at the end of the day, the red flags raised by the defensive performance of the Jaguars last week are too much to ignore. We will take the Bobcats to win this game and cover the spread at home, evening their record at 1-1 while dropping South Alabama to 0-2 for the year.

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