Ohio and South Alabama will each try to get their first win of the season when they meet at Peden Stadium on Saturday night.
The Bobcats opened their schedule with a tough loss at Syracuse. Meanwhile, the Jaguars suffered a bad defeat in losing their home opener as a six-point favorite against North Texas.
With two teams pushing for a win, we should get a great battle. So, let’s dive into the matchup and get to my South Alabama vs. Ohio prediction.
South Alabama Jaguars vs Ohio Bobcats Prediction
- Pick: Ohio +2.5
My South Alabama vs. Ohio best bet is on the Bobcats to cover the spread as underdogs, with the best line currently available at Caesars, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
South Alabama Jaguars vs Ohio Bobcats Odds, Pick
| South Alabama Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -112 | 56 -110 / -110 | -130 |
| Ohio Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -108 | 56 -110 / -110 | +110 |
- South Alabama vs Ohio Point Spread: South Alabama +2 (-112) · Ohio -2 (-108)
- South Alabama vs Ohio Total: Over/Under 56
- South Alabama vs Ohio Moneyline: South Alabama -130 · Ohio +110
South Alabama Jaguars vs Ohio Bobcats Preview
South Alabama Betting Preview: Can Offense Stay Hot?
It was an interesting offseason at South Alabama. Kane Wommack led the program to two bowl games in three seasons before leaving to become the defensive coordinator at Alabama.
The Jaguars also lost their defensive coordinator after Corey Batoon took the same position at Missouri. So how did the school replace two coaches who made the jump to the Southeastern Conference?
South Alabama decided to hire from within by elevating Major Applewhite from offensive coordinator to head coach. This will be his second career job as head coach after he led Houston to back-to-back winning seasons in 2017 and 2018.
In his debut, Applewhite’s offense did not disappoint. Quarterback Gio Lopez set program records for single-game passing yards (432) and single-game total offense (494).
Lopez’s partner in crime on the day was wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett, who racked up 197 receiving yards on 10 catches. Pritchett comes into Week 2 ranked fifth in the country in yards.
The big question will be whether Applewhite can get his defense to play at a level that complements the offense.
Ohio Betting Preview: Rushing Attack Leads the Way
There is no other way to put it. The job Tim Albin has done at Ohio has been historic for both the school and the Mid-American Conference.
The Bobcats wrapped up their 2023 season by winning the Myrtle Beach Bowl over Georgia Southern. That victory also marked the first time in program history that Ohio recorded consecutive 10-win seasons.
The Bobcats also became the first MAC school to win five consecutive bowl games since Marshall’s run in the league from 1998-2002.
Unfortunately, that momentum didn't carry over into 2024. However, there are some positives to take into this one, especially the ground attack.
Running back Anthony Tyus III scored both of Ohio’s touchdowns and finished the Week 1 game with 203 rushing yards on 16 attempts. He became the first Bobcat to eclipse 200 yards on the ground since 2021.
With a lot of turnover from last season’s team, it will be important for newcomers like Tyus to continue to step up.
South Alabama Jaguars vs Ohio Bobcats Pick & Prediction
Admittedly, this is a matchup between teams I was low on coming into the season, and I faded them both in Week 1. Even with how I rate them, I can’t agree with the oddsmakers making the visitors a favorite.
So, my best bet is to take Ohio at +2.2, which I would bet down to 2. If it drops below that, I would just look to get a plus price on the moneyline.
Ultimately, I just don't trust the new-look Jaguars on the road. This is a team that lost the program’s winningest quarterback, a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,300-yard receiver.
On the other side of the ball, South Alabama only returned three starters and lost 11 of its top 14 tacklers from last season. They also can’t rely on the defensive masterminds of Wommack and Batoon to scheme up ways to stop the Bobcats.
Meanwhile, Ohio has been very strong at home under Albin. In fact, the school’s only loss at home in the past two seasons was to Miami Ohio in 2023.
In the underdog role over that stretch, the Bobcats are 4-0 straight up and against the spread. I like Albin’s squad to add another cover here.
Pick: Ohio +2.5 (Play to +2)
How to Watch South Alabama Jaguars vs Ohio BobcatsLive: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Peden Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 6 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
South Alabama Jaguars vs Ohio Bobcats Betting Trends
- The total hit in Ohio's first game, but it didn't cover the spread, making it 0-1 in that category this year.
