New Orleans Bowl

Another matchup between the CUSA and Sun Belt.

The two conferences head to head show an advantage towards the Sun Belt in terms of quality.  Comparing the SOS between SHSU and Ga Southern, GSU has the advantage.  Comparing the stats, Ga Southern has the advantage on offense in YPP and PPP; Sam Houston the edge on defense.

Sam Houston ran the ball 62% of the time this season; Ga Southern was more balanced, throwing the ball 53% of the time.  I expect both teams to stick to their tendencies tonight.  Ga Southern gave up almost 180 rushing yards per game and were more vulnerable to passing teams, giving up 262 YPG vs the pass, allowing 62% of passes to be completed.  SHSU was an excellent defensive unit only giving up 315 YPG total.

Looking at the portal players for both teams, despite SMSU having a laundry list of players, most are still listed on the depth chart for the game and are expected to play.

Sam Houston has the edge on motivation in only its second year as a D1 program to notch its first victory and get a 10 win season.

This game is a classic offense (Ga Southern) vs defense (Sam Houston) matchup and which unit executes better.  Defense travels, so I will take Sam Houston today.

Sam Houston -4.5

Same, but think you mean SH +4 1/2?

@Cowbeagle

 My bad, yes. +4.5  

I heard 6 defensive players are out (portal) for Sam Houston, including their best three DB's.  Sam Houston wants to pound the ball and their first string, and third string RB's have left, and the second-string guy is hurt.  They may be down to their fourth string RB.

Just passing along info 

@River_fish

 I read almost all of their players who put their names in the portal are listed on the depth chart for the game, so I am assuming they will be playing.  If they are out, I am screwed.

Looks like the same players are in from their last game with liberty