South Alabama often wasn’t the first team that came up when people talked about Sun Belt Championship contenders this offseason. But the Jaguars have had a pretty solid start to the year.
That’s helped them earn a No. 16 ranking in this week’s HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 media poll.
After beating FCS Morgan State 38-21 in Week 1, South Alabama kept the momentum going against Tulane. The Jaguars led one of the best teams in the Group of Five by two touchdowns midway through the first quarter. Even if the Green Wave won 33-31, South Alabama showed it can play at a high level.
It will need to continue to do that this week. The Jaguars go on the road to take on Auburn.
South Alabama vs. Auburn Betting Odds
Auburn is a -24.5 college football betting odds favorite against South Alabama, with the Over/Under being 53.5.
The moneyline for South Alabama is +1350, while it’s -5000 for Auburn.
South Alabama vs. Auburn On TV
The matchup between South Alabama and Auburn will be televised on the SEC Network.
The game will kick off at 12:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 13. The contest is taking place at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.
South Alabama vs. Auburn Prediction
I predict Auburn wins and covers the 24.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 53.5 total points.
I simply think the Tigers are going to be too difficult to beat for South Alabama. The Jaguars do have talent, and they could very well end up being in the mix for a Sun Belt title in a couple months.
But based on what we’ve seen from both teams, I think Auburn is going to thrive. Former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold has thrown for 359 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 79% of his passes and rushing for 142 yards and two TDs. I think he continues to excel for Auburn – both through the air and on the ground – in this matchup.
