South Alabama barely qualified for a bowl game at 6-6, but they got a great draw playing in the 68 Ventures Bowl held in Mobile, Alabama at their home campus. That should give the Jaguars a significant advantage in fan support on Saturday night, but Eastern Michigan (6-6) is on a two game win streak in contests they had to come out on top in to make themselves eligible for the postseason.
Before Betting on South Alabama vs Eastern Michigan
South Alabama is more than a two TD favorite at the offshore sportsbooks for this matchup, but they’ve dropped some real stinkers this season. The Jaguars posted a 10-3 mark in 2022, but this year were just 4-4 in conference play which included a loss to Louisiana-Lafayette as a -11.5 favorite and a defeat to Texas State in the regular season finale as a -6 point favorite. USA also lost to Central Michigan – a MAC team just like EMU – at home earlier in the year as a -16.5 favorite.
USA did beat Oklahoma State back in September, and put up solid numbers on both sides of the football. The Jaguars were a top 40 team in the country in yards gained (424.9) and were a top 30 team in yards allowed (326.4). The program is also aiming for their first ever bowl game win and get to do it in front of their home crowd.
Eastern Michigan has a tough matchup here, but they do catch a break with South Alabama WR Caullin Lacy (91 receptions, 1,316 yards) committing to Louisville in the transfer portal. Unfortunately for the Eagles, their starting QB Austin Smith is leaving as well. EMU didn’t do a lot on offense with Smith in the lineup anyways (20.3 ppg) so it’s not a huge loss.
2023 68 Ventures Bowl Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Point Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | USA (1.12) | EMU (7.15) | 44.5 | USA -17 (1.86) | EMU +17 (1.96) |
| MyBookie | USA (1.12) | EMU (6.50) | 46 | USA -17 (1.88) | EMU +17 (1.93) |
| BetUS | USA (1.11) | EMU (6.70) | 45 | USA -17 (1.90) | EMU +17 (1.90) |
| SportsBetting.ag | USA (1.12) | EMU (7.15) | 44.5 | USA -17 (1.86) | EMU +17 (1.96) |
| XBet | USA (1.12) | EMU (6.50) | 46 | USA -17 (1.88) | EMU +17 (1.93) |
2023 68 Ventures Bowl Prediction & Pick
Covering a -17 point spread is a lot in a bowl game, but South Alabama is the much better team here and get to play at home. This one gets ugly for Eastern Michigan.
