- South Alabama lost their regular season finale 45-38 to Texas State.
- Western Michigan beat Eastern Michigan 26-18 in their last game.
- This will be the first-ever matchup between South Alabama and Western Michigan.
The Veterans Bowl has a fun matchup this year, and we have everything you need to know with our South Alabama vs Western Michigan bowl prediction. South Alabama won two of their last three games to get to six wins and earn a bowl bid. Western Michigan lost three in a row after starting the season 5-3 and had to beat their rivals Eastern Michigan to get a bowl bid. With both teams having some momentum, this matchup should be fun.
Jaguars’ Offense Tough to Stop
South Alabama’s offense has been a big reason they fought their way to six wins. They have scored 24, 35, and 38 points in their last three games. If that trend continues, we could see the Jaguars put up 40+ on Saturday. They will be without some of their best-skill players. Leading rusher Fluff Bothwell (832 yards) is in the transfer portal, along with starting corner Jordan Scruggs. Their top wide receiver, Jamaal Pritchett (1,127 yards), has opted out.
Quarterback Gio Lopez, just a freshman, is still playing, though, and he has gotten better every game this season. There were some early growing pains, but Lopez threw for 2,559 yards, with 18 touchdowns, just five interceptions, and rushed for another 465 yards and seven touchdowns. He may have to lean on some other receivers with Pritchett out. If Lopez Brings his A-game though, he will be the best player for either team.
Broncos Rushing Attack a Three-Headed Monster
Western Michigan will be without tight end Blake Bosma. He leads the team in receptions but has entered the transfer portal. That means they may lean on their rushing attack even more, and they have a trio of dangerous running backs. Jaden Nixon leads the team with 874 yards and 12 touchdowns, Jalen Buckley is not far behind with 657 yards and eight touchdowns, and last is Zahir Abdus-Salaam with 567 yards and three touchdowns.
Quarterback Hayden Wolff is no slouch either, having thrown for 2,214 yards and 17 touchdowns. Yet without his top target, expect the Broncos to rush the ball first and use the pass when they have to. One player to watch out for on defense is Tate Hallock, who leads the team with four interceptions and has also forced a fumble. For the Broncos to pull an upset, they need someone like Hallock to come up with a few big defensive plays.
South Alabama vs Western Michigan Prediction: Jaguars Hot Offense Too Much to Handle
The difference in this game will be South Alabama’s offense and its ability to make clutch plays. Western Michigan has lost three of their last four, while South Alabama had to win four of their last six. Their freshman quarterback has grown a lot and is the reason their season turned around. Expect Gio Lopez to lead the Jaguars to a win and earn the Veterans Bowl MVP.
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