The 2015 GoDaddy Bowl features an interesting matchup of contrasting styles. On one hand, you have the Georgia Southern Eagles and their triple option offense repeatedly running the ball. On the other, you have the Bowling Green Falcons, who have turned to quarterback Matt Johnson’s arm to win them ball games.
It’s going to be one splendid game featuring different looks from each team. If you’re gunning for more bowl games to keep you occupied this holiday season, check out our complete previews for the San Diego County Poinsetta Bowl and the Famous Idaho Bowl.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Georgia Southern Eagles vs. Bowling Green Falcons Predictions
Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile
When: Wednesday, December 23, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Georgia Southern Eagles (+7.5) vs. Bowling Green Falcons (-7.5); total 66.0 – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Georgia Southern Eagles (8-4)
The Georgia Southern Eagles pretty much like to keep things grounded. They love to repeatedly run the ball against their opponents using a triple option offense. The Eagles have been pretty much unstoppable despite their one-dimensional offense; they lead the FBS with 355.6 yards rushing per game.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Running back Matt Breida leads their offense with team-highs of 1,540 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns. LA Ramsby is a step behind with 772 yards and 12 scores, while quarterback Kevin Ellison showcases some crafty legs of his own with 642 yards and eight rushing scores. The three are the only players in the Georgia Southern offense with 100-plus carries this season.
Routinely running the ball has given Georgia Southern plenty of success this season. Keeping the same style of attack could help them win this bowl game against Bowling Green. The Falcons have allowed 21 rushing scores this season. But the Eagles could also surprise with some big throws from Ellison in this game. Bowling Green ranks 94th in the nation in passing defense (247.2 yards per game).
Bowling Green ranks 76th in the nation, allowing 39 passing plays to gain 20-plus yards. The only passing touchdowns that quarterback Ellison has thrown have all been from deep. Ellison has 23-yard touchdown passes to Derek Keaton and James Dean. He also connected on a 60-yard score with Wesley Fields.
The Eagles also have a pretty solid defense, allowing just 336.1 yards per game (21st in the nation). Senior defensive back Antonio Glover anchors the secondary, leading the team with six interceptions. He’ll likely get matched up with Bowling Green’s No. 1 receiver Roger Lewis. The Eagles also have linebacker Antwione Williams leading the front seven with 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
The Eagles have won three of their last five games.
Betting on the Bowling Green Falcons (10-3)
It’s all offense for the Bowling Green Falcons. They’re ranked fifth in the FBS with 43.4 points per game and fourth with 561 yards per outing. The Falcons failed to top 500 yards just once this season. Leading the way for the Bowling Green offense is quarterback Matt Johnson, who has passed for 4,700 yards and 43 touchdowns this season.
Johnson has made the most of his work passing to Roger Lewis. The sophomore wide receiver leads the team with 1,476 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’ll have some support from the likes of Gehrig Dieter and Ronnie Moore, who have 957 and 871 yards respectively. But the aerial assault could stall against Georgia Southern’s solid passing defense, allowing just 203.9 yards per game.
Despite facing a tough passing defense, the Falcons are well-rounded enough to continue churning out yards. They have a solid running back, Travis Greene, who could break out for plenty of yardage. Greene leads the team with 1,220 yards rushing this season with 14 scores. Even Fred Coppet, a change-of-pace back, could have some success on the ground after rushing for 796 yards on 135 carries.
Having a well-rounded offense should help Bowling Green get past the Eagles’ solid defense. A solid front seven could also help the Falcons’ offense stay on the field. Bowling Green ranks 30th in the nation with 86 tackles for loss. They have a couple of talented players in the defensive line; lineman Taylor Roster and linebacker Austin Valdes each have a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss. Preventing Georgia Southern’s ground game from getting past the line of scrimmage could go a long way in this matchup.
The Falcons are 10-3 SU/ATS this season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Falcons (-7.5) are too well-rounded. Their variety of weapons help them to a blowout victory. Create a betting account now and win big this lucrative bowl season.
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