Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama vs. Western Michigan odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s South Alabama vs. Western Michigan odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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It is officially college bowl season! On Saturday, we have the Salute to Veterans Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, between the South Alabama Jaguars (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt) facing the Western Michigan Broncos (6-6, 5-3 MAC). Kickoff from Cramton Bowl is at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the South Alabama vs. Wastern Michigan odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

South Alabama won 4 of its last 6 games but ended the season with a 45-38 home loss to the Texas State Bobcats, failing to cover the 2.5-point spread as underdogs. The Over (61) cashed in.

Western Michigan reached bowl eligibility in the final week of the season. Snapping a 3-game losing streak, the Broncos beat the Eastern Michigan Eagles 26-18 at home, covering the 6.5-point spread as favorites. The Under (55.5) cashed in.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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South Alabama vs. Western Michigan odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 4:07 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): South Alabama -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Western Michigan +270 (bet $100 to win $270)
  • Against the spread (ATS): South Alabama -8.5 (-110) | Western Michigan +8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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South Alabama vs. Western Michigan picks and predictions

Prediction

South Alabama 31, Western Michigan 21

Moneyline

Western Michigan averaged only 20.3 points per game (PPG) over its final 4 contests and didn’t score more than 28.

South Alabama scored 30 or more in 4 of its final 5 games. The Jaguars averaged 34.8 PPG. The Broncos gave up 31.4 while the Jaguars allowed 25.3 PPG this season.

Expect the Jaguars to be able to keep scoring and win, but -350 odds aren’t worth your time.

PASS.

Against the spread

Neither team was reliable as a spread beater. Both were 5-7 ATS this season.

Five of the Jags’ 6 wins were by more than a TD while 4 of Western Michigan’s losses were by more than a TD.

BET SOUTH ALABAMA -8.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under has hit in the Broncos’ last 3 games.

Two of the final 3 games for South Alabama had the Under cash in. Three of its final 4 wins did not reach 58 points.

Western Michigan’s final 2 losses and 3 of their last 4 losses did not reach 58 total points.

BET UNDER 57.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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