The Georgia Southern Eagles and the Sam Houston Bearkats are set to clash on December 19, 2024, for the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl—a historic moment for Sam Houston as they prepare for their first-ever bowl appearance. The game, taking place at the iconic Caesars Superdome, kicks off at 7:00 PM ET, with the Eagles entering as 4-point favorites.
Both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season. Georgia Southern, boasting an 8-4 record, is riding the momentum of winning three of their last four games, including victories against bowl teams like James Madison, Marshall, and South Alabama. Under head coach Clay Helton, the Eagles are poised for their third consecutive bowl appearance, hungry for their first bowl win since 2020.
On the other side, Sam Houston, fresh off finishing with a commendable 9-3 record, faces significant hurdles as they transition under interim head coach Brad Cornelsen, following the departure of K.C. Keeler to Temple. This season, Sam Houston has experienced its own roller coaster but has proven resilient, entering this bowl game on the back of winning four of their last five contests.
Betting lines reflect the current state of both teams. According to College Football Network, Georgia Southern is the favorite at -4 points, with the over/under set at 48 points. The Eagles have shown offensive prowess, with quarterback JC French throwing for over 2,600 yards this season and running back Jalen White leading the ground attack with 654 rushing yards.
Conversely, the Bearkats are confronting multiple player exits due to the transfer portal, including key offensive and defensive players such as leading rusher Jay Ducker and defensive standout Caleb Weaver. These shifts could heavily impact Sam Houston's performance on the field, leaving them with gaps to fill against Georgia Southern's capable roster.
Sam Houston's defense has ranked among the best this season, allowing just 20 points per game and showcasing the ability to dominate time of possession. This statistics paint them as formidable opponents, but losing several key players might dampen their impact against the Eagles, whose offense has been efficient, primarily through maintaining ball control on third downs.
The Eagles have proven significant defensive resilience as well, allowing fewer than 267 total yards against their recent opponents. Marques Watson-Trent, the Sun Belt's Defensive Player of the Year, leads Georgia Southern's defense, which has been effective against even the toughest offensive challenges.
Both teams have strategies to exploit each other's weaknesses. Georgia Southern's advantage lies primarily in their ability to execute sustained drives and capitalize on turnovers, whereas Sam Houston must focus on stifling drives and executing defensively to keep the score manageable.
Looking at their respective chances, Georgia Southern holds approximately 62.6% probability to win based on their current form and health. Meanwhile, Sam Houston's likelihood stands at 37.4%, which might fluctuate depending on last-minute decisions about player participation from the transfer portal.
Overall, the matchup promises to be highly competitive, loaded with anticipation, and on the edge of history for Sam Houston. Fans can tune in to watch the Eagles and Bearkats clash on ESPN2, as both teams look to secure victory and establish significance to their program legacies.
The predictions for the New Orleans Bowl lean favorably toward Georgia Southern, with many analysts projecting them to claim victory with scores ranging from 24 to 28 points against Sam Houston. Both teams have everything to play for as they step onto the field of the Caesars Superdome, advocating their respective programs' narrative this bowl season.
With history on the line for one team and the pursuit of glory for another, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl is poised to reach new heights, promising fans moments of thrill and unforgettable memories.
