While Austin Reed of Western Kentucky has been getting all of the attention with his gaudy passing numbers and postseason transfer portal drama, his counterpart in the New Orleans Bowl has had a hell of a year himself. Quarterback Carter Bradley of South Alabama threw for 25 touchdowns and nearly 3000 yards in a stellar season for the Jaguars. His posted passing total for Wednesday night’s game is 234.5 – a number he eclipsed in half of his games this year. We expect him to do it again here. The strength of the Western Kentucky defense is in its defensive line, especially the interior. This should make for a tough night on the ground for the South Alabama offense. Western Kentucky’s top cornerback declared for the NFL draft and will not play in New Orleans. Also, we know that Western Kentucky will be throwing the ball around the yard, which makes for shorter drives and the potential for a track meet to break out. Bradley is primed for a big game and it sure doesn’t hurt that it is played indoors and there won’t be any winter elements to deal with. As a bonus, if you want to go full George Castanza in the spirit of Festivus – you may want to “double dip” and put a unit or two on the Jaguars’ best receiver, Caullin Lacy, to go over his receiving total of 47.5. As for us, we’re playing both of these player totals to go over at Bovada.
Prediction: Carter Bradley (South Alabama) over 234.5 passing yards (-110) at Bovada Sportsbook.
