Both Arkansas State and South Alabama have struggled in the past five weeks.
Arkansas State, at least, is coming off a thrilling win. The Red Wolves were on a four-game losing streak going into their matchup with Texas State, one of the preseason favorites in the Sun Belt. But quarterback Jaylen Raynor scored a go-ahead touchdown with seven seconds remaining to lift Arkansas State to a conference win.
The Red Wolves are 2-4 but 1-1 in Sun Belt play going into today’s clash with South Alabama. The Jaguars are on a five-game losing streak after beginning the year with a 38-21 win over FCS Morgan State.
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Arkansas State vs. South Alabama Betting Odds
South Alabama is a -7 college football betting odds favorite against Arkansas State, with the Over/Under being 58.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Arkansas State is +220, while it’s -275 for South Alabama.
Arkansas State vs. South Alabama On TV
The matchup between Arkansas State and South Alabama will be televised on ESPN2.
The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The contest is taking place at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
Arkansas State vs. South Alabama Prediction
I predict Arkansas State will win and therefore cover the seven-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 58.5 total points.
I don’t think its 1-5 record shows what South Alabama is capable of. The Jaguars have been competitive in most of their games, losing by just two possessions or less against Tulane – a two-point game – as well as Auburn, North Texas, and Troy.
But even if it’s on the road, I still anticipate Arkansas State will prove to be the better team.
Jaylen Raynor has thrown for 1,451 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions on a 67% completion rate while rushing for 196 yards and four scores. Devin Spencer (200 yards and one TD) and Kenyon Clay (194 yards and one TD rushing and 112 yards and two TDs on 20 catches) have also made important contributions at running back.
Five Arkansas State players have at least 100 yards receiving, and Chauncy Cobb is the leader among them with 406 yards on 34 receptions. Corey Rucker has also been productive, as he’s caught 27 passes for 334 yards and one TD while Hunter Summers (20 catches for 243 yards and two TDs) and Jaylen Bonelli (10 catches for 110 yards and one TD) have been fun to watch as well.
With so much talent on offense for both teams, I expect this game to be close and that there will be plenty of scoring in the final quarter. But if that happens, I think the Red Wolves are a little bit better equipped to get the win.
