Surprise!

Maddux Madsen was named Boise State’s starting quarterback earlier this week, news that ESPN first reported. Madsen, a returning Boise State player, will start Week 1 at Georgia Southern. 

He’ll battle against Georgia Southern’s JC French, who won the Eagles’ starting quarterback job over Indiana transfer Dexter Williams. While French began his career at Memphis, he played for the Eagles last fall and beat out an incoming power conference transfer to win the 2024 starting job. 

San Diego State true freshman Danny O’Neil notably earned the team’s starting quarterback job over Florida State transfer AJ Duffy, the presumed favorite. 

While several power conference transfer quarterbacks have earned starting jobs at the Group of Five level this fall, Madsen, French, and O’Neil signal that fans and media members should be cautious when wanting to preordain Power Four transfers as immediate G5 starters. 

The Group of Five Has Talent

That trio of quarterbacks are good reminders that plenty of Group of Five programs shouldn’t be viewed as a step down from the power conferences. 

Madsen played meaningful snaps for a Boise State program that won the Mountain West title last season. Nelson, a former five-star recruit, was an exciting pick to win the job on paper. Madsen, however, has more experience helping teams win at the college level. 

It’s easy for fans and media members to fall in love with recruiting rankings and big-name transfers, but there’s plenty of elite football being played at Group of Five schools. The divide between an Ohio State and a Georgia Southern is wide, but the on-field gap between schools like Georgia Southern and Indiana isn’t. 

Despite smaller budgets, the top-end teams in the Group of Five have rosters loaded with players who could contribute at above average Power Four schools. Boise State’s overall roster talent aligns with an above average Power Four program, and the Broncos have a rich history of competing with the best of the best. 

Quarterback Depth Critical

With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, don’t expect the practice of Group of Five teams adding Power Four quarterbacks to end. For a top-level quarterback seeking more playing time, why not go to a Group of Five team with a less crowded quarterback room and playoff dreams? Given the freedom of the transfer portal, a P4 player could always seek another destination a year later if they don’t win the starting job.

For Group of Five teams, adding a highly-touted power conference transfer only bolsters depth at the most important position on the field. Boise State likely feels thrilled knowing its backup quarterback was once a five-star prospect from USC. 

Georgia Southern, which was picked to finish fourth in the Sun Belt East, essentially added a backup quarterback with a couple games of Big Ten starting experience. That’s a major plus for a roster with proven talent at running back and wide receiver. 

While Nelson not earning Boise State’s starting job came as a surprise to many, it’s a good reminder that the transfer portal doesn’t only benefit Power Four teams. Even highly talented Group of Five teams like Boise State can add depth and competition at critical positions. 

The last few days are a welcomed reminder that the portal works both ways, and Group of Five teams aren’t devoid of talent.

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The program’s biggest question entering 2024 is arguably quarterback, where Ethan Hampton, Jalen Macon, and Josh Holst are expected to fight for the starting position. If the Huskies find consistent quarterback play, it could be a special fall. 

Even if Northern Illinois doesn’t find top-tier quarterback play, the Huskies have enough at running back, wide receiver, and defense to compete atop the MAC. 

Northern Illinois Football’s MAC Title Odds

NIU’s odds to win the MAC are +650, via BetMGM.

Northern Illinois Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Northern Illinois’ win total Over/Under is 6.5, with Over 6.5 at -125 and Under 6.5 at +105.

Northern Illinois Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 vs. Western Illinois

9/7 at Notre Dame

9/21 vs. Buffalo

9/28 at NC State

10/5 vs. UMass

10/12 at Bowling Green

10/19 vs. Toledo

10/26 at Ball State

11/6 at Western Michigan

11/13 vs. Akron

11/19 at Miami (Ohio)

11/30 vs. Central Michigan

Bold indicates MAC contests

Key Northern Illinois Football Returners

2023 All-MAC 1st Team

RB Antario Brown

2nd Team

DB JaVaughn Byrd

3rd Team

WR Trayvon Rudolph

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Northern Illinois Football Ready For MAC Contention

Everything about Northern Illinois’ roster screams bowl appearance. 

The Huskies return a first-team all-conference running back in Antario Brown, who went for 1,296 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The offensive line returns good experience and should be one of the most reliable units in the MAC. Wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph headlines a talented group of pass-catching options.

Whoever wins the quarterback gig will enter an extremely favorable situation.

Defensively, the line is projected to start three seniors. There’s experience and size up front, and the cornerbacks are among the best in the league. A good Northern Illinois team returns a lot, setting the Huskies up for another respectable season with the MAC title as a realistic ceiling. 

2024 Northern Illinois Football Season Prediction

I’ll take Northern Illinois to go Over 6.5 wins, and I won’t be surprised at all if the Huskies win the MAC. 

Yes, there are questions at quarterback, but the Huskies should receive competent quarterback play from one of the three guys in the mix for the job. 

After going 7-6 last year with a Power Four win over Boston College, it’s hard to see the Huskies taking a step back. They went 2-5 in one-possession games last year, so a 10-win season wasn’t out of the question. 

With better fortunes in close games, Northern Illinois could push for nine or 10 wins in 2024. Outside of Notre Dame and NC State, every game on the schedule is winnable, and they could prove feisty in those games against P4 opponents. 

The post 2024 Northern Illinois Football Prediction & Preview With Betting Odds & Schedule appeared first on HERO Sports.

Fresh off a conference title, head coach Chuck Martin returns a competitive roster led by quarterback Brett Gabbert. The gunslinger returns from a season-ending injury in 2023. When healthy – he’s struggled with injuries in his career – he’s arguably the top quarterback in the MAC. 

The offensive line is one of the best in the conference as well, which should help the offense cruise. The tackles (Will Jados and Reid Holskey) are two of the best linemen in the league. There’s ample talent at wide receiver, too. Slot receiver Javon Tracy (348 yards last year) is a matchup mismatch. 

Defensively, there’s a ton of talent, including edge rusher Brian Ugwu (12 tackles for loss and eight sacks last fall). The RedHawks should be in the mix to win the league at the very least. They’re built to repeat as MAC champions.   

Miami (Ohio) Football’s MAC Title Odds

Miami’s odds to win the MAC are +225, via BetMGM.

Miami (Ohio) Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Miami’s win total Over/Under is 8, with Over 8 at -105 and Under 8 at -115.

Miami (Ohio) Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 at Northwestern

9/14 vs. Cincinnati

9/21 at Notre Dame

9/28 vs. UMass

10/5 at Toledo

10/12 at Eastern Michigan

10/19 vs. Ohio

10/26 vs. Central Michigan

11/5 at Ball State

11/13 vs. Kent State

11/19 vs. Northern Illinois

11/29 at Bowling Green

Bold indicates MAC contests

Key Miami (Ohio) Football Returners

2023 All-MAC 1st Team

LB Matt Salopek

2nd Team

OL Will Jados

OL Reid Holskey

DL Brian Ugwu

P Alec Bevelhimer

3rd Team

QB Brett Gabbert

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Miami (Ohio) Football Is A Logical MAC Favorite

Miami is deserving of its preseason billing. The RedHawks have been consistent under Martin, making bowl games in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. 

Last year’s 11-win season was phenomenal, and winning the MAC title despite dealing with injuries to Gabbert was an impressive feat. Martin and his program deserve loads of credit for 2023. 

This upcoming season, however, will be a major test. Winning 11 games is highly unlikely, given an opening three-game stretch of Northwestern, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame.

Winning the MAC, however, is a realistic goal. Road games with Toledo and Bowling Green could very well decide the conference. 

If Gabbert stays healthy, it’s hard to see the RedHawks falling out of MAC contention. If he gets hurt, the offense and defense still have enough talent to win the conference. Punter Alec Bevelhimer is a massive weapon for a program that often plays conservatively under Martin.

2024 Miami (Ohio) Football Season Prediction

If I’m playing a Miami wager, I’d lean toward taking the RedHawks to win the MAC. Reaching eight wins is going to be a challenge given the schedule, and if they do reach that mark, they’re going to be firmly in contention to win the conference. 

I love the offense’s potential, and the defense boasts impressive star power. Bringing back an All-MAC punter only increases my love for this team. 

Given the parity in the MAC, I’m likely staying away from any bets on the preseason conference favorite. I understand the hype for the RedHawks, however, and Northwestern and Cincinnati will have their hands full with this Group of Five College Football Playoff sleeper. 

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Head coach Charles Huff’s team started the year 4-0 with a notable win over Virginia Tech. Then, after a highly competitive 48-41 loss to NC State, the Thundering Herd ran into major offensive issues and faltered down the stretch. 

Huff enters 2024 with pressure, as Marshall faithful want to see the team contend in the Sun Belt East. With significant turnover at James Madison and a home game against App State, it’s possible Marshall puts everything together under Huff and contends for the conference title. 

For that to happen, Marshall needs to answer major questions on offense. 

Marshall Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds

Marshall’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +1600, via BetMGM.

Marshall Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Marshall’s win total Over/Under is 5.5, with Under 5.5 at +100 and Over 5.5 at -120.

Marshall Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 vs. Stony Brook

9/7 at Virginia Tech

9/21 at Ohio State

9/28 vs. Western Michigan

10/5 vs. Appalachian State

10/12 at Georgia Southern

10/17 vs. Georgia State

11/2 vs. ULM

11/9 at Southern Miss

11/16 vs. Coastal Carolina

11/23 at Old Dominion

11/30 at James Madison

Bold indicates Sun Belt contests

Key Marshall Football Returners

2023 Sun Belt Honorable Mention

OL Logan Osburn

DB JJ Roberts

Offensive Questions Hound Marshall Football

Mitch Griffis, a Wake Forest transfer with meaningful playing experience, was set to serve as the veteran of Marshall’s quarterback room. He recently retired from football, however, leaving Marshall with major question marks at the most important position on the field. 

Will Cole Pennington start? The son of Marshall great Chad Pennington has promise, but he threw six interceptions and no touchdowns in limited duty last fall. The youngster is joined in the quarterback room by Tulsa transfer Braylon Braxton, who has rushing ability and flashed quality passing potential in 2022 (10 touchdowns and two interceptions) before an interception-heavy (six INTs compared to two touchdowns) 2023 campaign. 

Those two figure to battle for the starting spot, and it’s possible they split time in 2024. 

At running back, Rasheen Ali is gone – he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens – but NC State transfer Jordan Houston and returner Ethan Payne figure to lead a capable running back unit. The wide receiver room is filled with intriguing transfers, including former Middle Tennessee wideout Elijah Metcalf (54 catches for 634 yards and six touchdowns last season). He should make life easier for whoever wins the quarterback gig. 

Up front, Marshall’s offensive line should be headlined by upperclassmen. New offensive line coach Cody Crill should provide a necessary jolt to the group.

Marshall has questions on defense, too, but the Thundering Herd ranked 13th in the Sun Belt in scoring last season (22.8 points per game). Teams can’t contend in a competitive Sun Belt East with one of the worst offenses in the conference. 

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2024 Marshall Football Season Prediction

Perhaps naively, I’m in on Marshall’s 2024 potential and lean toward taking Over 5.5 wins. I’m concerned about Griffis not remaining with the program, but between Pennington and Braxton the Thundering Herd should improve at quarterback. After throwing 18 interceptions compared to 12 touchdowns, is it really that hard to improve?

The new offense should improve its consistency under new offensive coordinator Seth Doege, and the influx of talent at wide receiver makes me excited about the possibilities offensively. At the very least, I expect increased competence on the scoreboard in league games. 

Marshall’s win total Over/Under might be sitting at 7.5 or even 8.5 if the schedule wasn’t so brutal. Non-conference road games against Virginia Tech and Ohio State seem like likely losses. Those games, coupled with a full Sun Belt East schedule, should lead to a challenging 2024 slate. 

Regardless, Marshall went 6-7 last season despite horrendous offensive showings. Huff is still a rising coach in the industry, and he led the program to nine wins one season prior. If Marshall can hold its own at home – games with Stony Brook, Western Michigan, Georgia State, and ULM are winnable – the Thundering Herd will make a strong push for seven or more wins. 

Sleep on this Marshall program at your own risk. 

The post 2024 Marshall Football Prediction & Preview With Betting Odds & Schedule appeared first on HERO Sports.

ODU fans are hopeful that despite a brutal schedule and a few important personnel losses, the Monarchs will exceed expectations once again and qualify for a bowl game. Rahne returns his starting quarterback, Grant Wilson, and offensive coordinator Kevin Decker, and there’s reason to believe ODU’s up-tempo spread offense could give defenses fits in 2024. 

The offense’s chances of success hinge largely on improved offensive line play. The Monarchs allowed 4.77 sacks per game, the worst mark in the country. Defensively, ODU ranked in the bottom 10 nationally in sacks generated. 

The Monarchs need to improve in the trenches to take a step forward in the Sun Belt East. If that happens, there’s enough talent elsewhere on the roster for Old Dominion to make a bowl.

Old Dominion Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds

Old Dominion’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +3500, via BetMGM.

Old Dominion Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Old Dominion’s win total Over/Under is 4.5, with Under 4.5 at -150 and Over 4.5 at +125.

Old Dominion Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 at South Carolina

9/7 vs. East Carolina

9/14 vs. Virginia Tech

9/28 at Bowling Green

10/5 at Coastal Carolina

10/12 at Georgia State

10/19 vs. Texas State

10/26 vs. Georgia Southern

11/2 at App State

11/16 vs. James Madison

11/23 vs. Marshall

11/30 at Arkansas State

Bold indicates Sun Belt contests

Key Old Dominion Football Returners

2023 Sun Belt First Team

LB Jason Henderson

2023 Sun Belt Honorable Mention

DL Denzel Lowry

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ODU Football Has A Chance To Surprise

Wilson’s return, coupled with a decent group of wide receivers and running backs, means Old Dominion could be good offensively if the line takes a step forward. Illinois transfer Zachary Barlev should help at center, anchoring what could be an improved unit. 

If the group makes some strides, it’ll allow for Wilson to find his receivers, like Iowa transfer  Diante Vines. The transfer played well in the spring, and he’s expected to be a major contributor for the Monarchs. 

Rutgers transfer running back Aaron Young boasts plenty of experience, running for 492 yards and six touchdowns while with the Big Ten program. He’s a serviceable Sun Belt back and should perform well with increased opportunity. 

Defensively, linebacker Jason Henderson is the best tackler in the Sun Belt. He’s a game-changing player, and a likely candidate for SBC Defensive Player of the Year. North Texas transfer Patrick Smith-Young should make a major impact at safety. 

Old Dominion’s roster features a few special individual talents. If the offensive and defensive lines become more productive, the path is there for ODU to become the Sun Belt’s surprise team. 

2024 Old Dominion Football Season Prediction

I expect Old Dominion to be competitive in the Sun Belt in 2024, but I’m not taking the Monarchs to go Over their 4.5 win total because of the schedule and lingering questions about the offensive line.

Games with South Carolina and Virginia Tech are likely losses, and non-conference matchups with East Carolina and Bowling Green aren’t surefire wins, either. Drawing Texas State from the Sun Belt West is a challenge, as the Bobcats should contend for the league championship with JMU transfer Jordan McCloud at quarterback. 

Old Dominion should field a competitive Sun Belt team in 2024 and may pull a notable upset or two, while also failing to win five games. There’s reason for optimism for Monarchs faithful, but the schedule means making a bowl game will be a major accomplishment. 

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A 6-1 start to the 2023 season was followed by five disappointing losses – four of the five were by 17 or more points – but the Panthers rebounded to win their bowl game. A 7-6 campaign wasn’t all bad, as former head coach Shawn Elliott took the program to its fourth bowl game in five seasons. 

Then, somewhat unexpectedly, Elliott left in February to take an assistant coaching job at South Carolina. Elliott’s family was living in South Carolina during his tenure at Georgia State, so the move back to Columbia made sense for the coach. The timing, however, was not ideal for the Panthers. 

Georgia State hired Dell McGee, a former Georgia assistant, as Elliott’s replacement. McGee gives Georgia State fans reason for excitement, given his extensive recruiting background in Georgia. 

Will McGee’s experience lead to future success? That’s the goal, although 2024 could be a rocky season given the program’s schedule and roster questions created in part by a head coach leaving at the start of spring football. 

Georgia State Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds

Georgia State’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +5000, via BetMGM.

Georgia State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Georgia State’s win total Over/Under is 4, with Under 4 at -115 and Over 4 at -105.

Georgia State Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 at Georgia Tech

9/7 vs. Chattanooga 

9/14 vs. Vanderbilt

9/28 at Georgia Southern

10/12 vs. Old Dominion

10/17 at Marshall

10/26 at Appalachian State

11/1 at UConn

11/9 at James Madison

11/16 vs. Arkansas State

11/23 at Texas State

11/30 vs. Coastal Carolina

Bold indicates Sun Belt contests

Key Georgia State Football Returners

2023 Sun Belt Third Team 

CB Gavin Pringle

2023 Sun Belt Honorable Mention

WR Talique Williams

LB Kevin Swint

S Jeremiah Johnson

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Replacing Darren Grainger and Marcus Carroll Will Be Key For Georgia State Football

Darren Grainger and Marcus Carroll proved to be one of the Sun Belt’s most dynamic backfields in 2023. Combined, the duo rushed for over 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. Grainger also provided solid accuracy as a passer, limiting his interceptions to just seven on the season compared to his 20 touchdown tosses. 

Replacing those two players will be a major challenge, although the Panthers may be able to do it. 

In the quarterback room, Power Four transfers Zach Gibson (Georgia Tech) and Christian Veilleux (Pitt) should fight for the starting job. They’re both talented, with Veilleux possessing all the tools needed to be a quality player, although he needs to refine his skills. Gibson has starting experience at both Akron and Georgia Tech, although his ceiling looks lower. 

At running back, Sy’Veon Wilkerson (Colorado) and CJ Beasley (Coastal Carolina) are among the highly touted transfers to join the program. Wilkerson ran for over 1,000 yards in 2022 at Jackson State, and Beasley has totaled more than 1,000 rushing and receiving yards with the Chanticleers over the last two seasons. 

It’s possible Georgia State’s talent at quarterback and running back improved from 2023, but there are questions about the offensive line and the defense. Overall depth, especially compared to the rest of the Sun Belt East, is a valid concern. 

2024 Georgia State Football Season Prediction

I’m taking Georgia State to go Under 4 wins. I’m worried about the offensive line, the coaching change, and the relatively unproven (albeit talented) options at quarterback. 

The schedule also makes me lean toward the Under, with two Power Four opponents and a road game at UConn likely leading to at least two defeats. The Sun Belt schedule is brutal, with the Panthers drawing Texas State and Arkansas State from the West. Road games with Marshall, App State, and JMU look like losses on paper, too. It’s hard for me to picture Georgia State, given the upheaval in the program, securing five or more victories in 2024.

I like McGee to build Georgia State back into a bowl winner, but I don’t expect that to occur in 2024. 

The post 2024 Georgia State Football Prediction & Preview With Betting Odds & Schedule appeared first on HERO Sports.

Fresh off a three-win season, it’s hard to become stoked about the Golden Eagles’ chances in 2024. The schedule is challenging, and the team’s overall talent level compared to league peers is questionable. 

For glass-half full fans, they’ll point to Florida State transfer Tate Rodemaker as the potential solution to the team’s offensive woes. Southern Miss ranked 12th in the Sun Belt in scoring in 2023, averaging just 23.2 points per game. 

Losing running back Frank Gore Jr. hurts, but Rodemaker could give the program a passing game after years of subpar quarterback play. Can the offensive and defensive fronts produce enough for Southern Miss to flirt with bowl eligibility or will 2024 be another rebuilding year under head coach Will Hall?

Southern Miss Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds

Southern Miss’ odds to win the Sun Belt are +5000, via BetMGM.

Southern Miss Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Southern Miss’ win total Over/Under is 4.5, with Under 4.5 at -185 and Over 4.5 at +150.

Southern Miss Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 at Kentucky

9/7 vs. Southeastern Louisiana

9/14 vs. USF

9/21 at Jacksonville State

10/5 vs. Louisiana 

10/12 at ULM

10/19 vs. Arkansas State

10/26 at James Madison

11/9 vs. Marshall

11/16 at Texas State

11/23 vs. South Alabama

11/30 at Troy

Bold indicates Sun Belt contests

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Southern Miss Football’s Defense Could Improve

Injuries – and facing a healthy Florida State – were part of the reason Southern Miss ranked dead last in scoring defense (35.8 points per game) among Sun Belt teams. Six Southern Miss opponents scored at least 40 points, with the Golden Eagles going 0-6 in those games. 

The injuries allowed some players to gain valuable experience, which could add to the defense’s improvement in 2024. Additionally, new defensive coordinator Clay Bignell holds Power Four analyst experience and comes to Southern Miss after a productive year coaching Eastern Illinois’ defense. Eastern Illinois was among the top 10 FCS teams in turnovers gained and in the top 20 in scoring defense. 

Bignell, coupled with the return of six starters, could make the Golden Eagles’ weak defense into a more consistent and capable unit immediately. Jalil Clemons is a game-wrecking blitzer who should help create chaos in opposing backfields. If other pieces fall into place, the defense could make a necessary step forward.

2024 Southern Miss Football Season Prediction

I can convince myself there’s a path for Southern Miss to make a bowl game, but it’s way easier for me to convince myself the Golden Eagles will fall well short of six wins. I’m predicting they go Under 4.5 wins, in large part due to the team’s schedule. 

Road games with Kentucky, Jacksonville State, James Madison, and Texas State look like losses to me. Home games with South Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas State, and Marshall won’t be easy, either. 

I have trouble seeing the vision for Southern Miss in 2024, with seemingly every position group entering the season with questions. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the defense improve, but I’m not expecting enough of an improvement on either side of the ball for the Golden Eagles to win five or more games.

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If the Ragin’ Cajuns can rebound from the transfer of quarterback Zeon Chriss – he left for Houston – they should challenge Texas State for the Sun Belt West crown. The team’s offensive line looks like one of the conference’s best on paper, and guard AJ Gillie should play a starring role for the unit that returns four starters. He’s one of the conference’s best players, regardless of position.

Non-conference matchups with Tulane and Wake Forest in late September will be critical games and could determine the team’s potential to make a College Football Playoff run. While fans might be somewhat frustrated with back-to-back six-win seasons, there’s reason for significant optimism entering 2024. 

Louisiana Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds

Louisiana’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +600, via BetMGM.

Louisiana Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Louisiana’s win total Over/Under is 7.5, with Over 7.5 at -145 and Under 7.5 at +120.

Louisiana Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 vs. Grambling State

9/7 at Kennesaw State

9/21 vs. Tulane

9/28 at Wake Forest

10/5 at Southern Miss

10/12 vs. App State

10/19 at Coastal Carolina

10/29 at Texas State

11/9 vs. Arkansas State

11/16 vs. South Alabama

11/23 vs. Troy

11/30 at ULM

Bold indicates Sun Belt contests

Key Louisiana Football Returners

2023 Sun Belt Third Team

OL AJ Gillie

Sun Belt Honorable Mention

LB KC Ossai

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Louisiana Football Could Win The League

Even with Chriss’ transfer, Louisiana returns both Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge at quarterback. Each has thrown for over 2,000 career yards, as they don’t lack meaningful experience at the college level. 

Coupled with a veteran offensive line, good running backs, and quality receivers, Louisiana figures to have one of the Sun Belt’s most consistent offensive attacks regardless of who earns the nod at quarterback. JUCO transfer Samari Collier can’t be counted out of the competition either, as he drew rave reviews during spring ball.  

Dre’Lyn Washington is particularly intriguing at running back, having surpassed 500 rushing yards in 2023 with just 92 carries. If he receives a heavier workload, he could find himself near the top of the Sun Belt in rushing yards. Wide receiver Jacob Bernard led the team in receptions (39) and yards (476) last fall, and he returns to pace a deep group of receivers.

The defense returns more than half of its starters, including dynamic front seven players Jordan Lawson and Cameron Whitfield. The Ragin Cajuns’ defensive backfield might be the best in the conference, with Caleb Anderson, Jalen Clark, Keyon Martin, and Tyree Skipper among the top defensive backs. 

It’s hard to find any glaring weaknesses with Louisiana’s roster.

2024 Louisiana Football Season Prediction

I’m exceptionally high on both Texas State and Louisiana. While Texas State should overwhelm teams with offensive firepower, the Ragin’ Cajuns should strike a better balance, despite being less potent offensively. There’s a defensive competence expected for Louisiana that can’t be said for Texas State, at least not yet. 

The two teams play at Texas State on Oct. 29 – a Tuesday – in a game that could go a long way toward determining the winner of the Sun Belt West. 

I like both teams to go over their win total, and I believe Louisiana has a legitimate shot to beat both Tulane and Wake Forest. If Louisiana is 3-1 or 4-0 after September, the Ragin’ Cajuns should be considered a real contender for the Group of Five playoff spot. 

The post 2024 Louisiana Football Prediction & Preview With Betting Odds & Schedule appeared first on HERO Sports.

Calhoun’s Falcons are bowl-game beasts, winning five bowl games in a row, including a 31-21 win over red-hot James Madison last December. Prior to a series of injuries to key players, Air Force was 8-0 in 2023 and poised to earn the Group of Five’s berth in a New Year’s Six bowl game. The Falcons, when healthy, were undoubtedly one of the top G5 teams in the country last fall. 

Entering 2024, it’s hard to bet against Calhoun leading the Falcons to a strong season, but they lost a ton of production. Quarterback Zac Larrier is gone, as are all of last year’s offensive line starters. Defensively, replacing linebacker Bo Richter and safety Trey Taylor is a significant undertaking. 

Calhoun’s track record speaks for itself, but Air Force has its work cut out for it in 2024 given the roster changes.

Air Force Football’s Mountain West Title Odds

Air Force’s odds to win the Mountain West are +1200, via BetMGM.

Air Force Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Air Force’s win total Over/Under is 6.5, with Under 6.5 at +110 and Over 6.5 at -130.

Air Force Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 vs. Merrimack

9/7 vs. San Jose State

9/14 at Baylor

9/28 at Wyoming

10/5 vs. Navy

10/12 at New Mexico

10/19 vs. Colorado State

11/2 at Army

11/9 vs. Fresno State

11/16 vs. Oregon State

11/23 at Nevada

11/30 at San Diego State

Bold indicates Mountain West contests

Key Air Force Football Returners

2023 Mountain West Honorable Mention

K Matthew Dapore

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Favorable Schedule Helps Air Force Football

Losing so many key players will be a challenge for Air Force, which was an elite Group of Five team in 2023. The program’s unique offensive style presents a challenge for all opponents, and its defense has been stellar in recent seasons. 

The return of defensive lineman Payton Zdroik and cornerback Jamari Bellamy help bolster a defense capable of being among the top in the Mountain West. If the offense – with a new quarterback and offensive linemen – meshes well, there’s still potential for the Falcons to compete for the conference title. 

Helping Air Force’s conference championship dreams is a favorable schedule. The Falcons avoid both Boise State and UNLV in league play, and road games with Nevada and New Mexico are extremely winnable. 

Consecutive road games against Baylor and Wyoming – Air Force has a bye between the games – will provide tough September tests, but the schedule is manageable.

2024 Air Force Football Season Prediction

I’d lean toward taking Air Force Over 6.5 wins, given the schedule. It’s really, really hard to bet against a Calhoun-led Air Force team.

Air Force could start the season with a couple losses, especially with September road games against Baylor and Wyoming. From October on, however, every game feels winnable. Facing Fresno State and Oregon State at home gives the Falcons a boost schedule wise, and road trips to New Mexico and Nevada are quite doable. 

If Air Force can manage significant roster turnover and quickly find offensive continuity, the Falcons could threaten for the Mountain West title. If the offense sputters, Air Force should still be in the mix to make a bowl game.

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A change at the top, however, should have New Mexico fans eager for the future. Bronco Mendenhall, with a plethora of experience building teams into competitive programs, is the Lobos’ new head coach. 

Mendenhall won consistently at BYU before rebuilding Virginia into a competitive ACC team. Since his brief retirement, the Cavaliers have taken a major drop. If anyone can win at New Mexico and build a program that does more with less, it’ll be Mendenhall.

New Mexico Football’s Mountain West Title Odds

New Mexico’s odds to win the Mountain West are +30000, via BetMGM.

New Mexico Football’s Betting Odds & Win Total Over/Under

New Mexico’s win total Over/Under is 2.5, with Under 2.5 at -155 and Over 2.5 at +130.

New Mexico Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/24 vs. Montana State

8/31 at Arizona

9/14 at Auburn

9/21 vs. Fresno State

9/28 at New Mexico State

10/12 vs. Air Force

10/19 at Utah State

10/26 at Colorado State

11/2 vs. Wyoming

11/9 at San Diego State

11/16 vs. Washington State

11/30 at Hawaii 

Bold indicates Mountain West contests

Key New Mexico Football Returners

2023 Mountain West Honorable Mention

WR Caleb Medford

A Major Rebuild Expected For New Mexico Football

Mendenhall rebuilt Virginia into a competent team, but the building process took time. UVA went 2-10 in his first season, opening the year with a loss to an FCS program. 

Mendenhall’s rebuilding effort in New Mexico could follow a similar trend, with the Lobos opening the season against what’s expected to be one of the best FCS teams in the country in Montana State. There’s not an obvious win on New Mexico’s schedule. 

Fortunately for New Mexico, returning quarterback Devon Dampier is a unique athlete with rushing and passing ability. He fits well into offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s scheme, which thrives with athletic quarterbacks. Dampier is only a sophomore, which should give fans faith the offense could make major strides in the next three seasons. 

Unfortunately for New Mexico, there’s not a ton of returning talent and it’s the clear pick to finish last in the Mountain West. Still, Mendenhall’s track record suggests fans should be optimistic. While 2024 might not be a bowl season, Mendenhall knows how to gradually build a team into a more consistent winner. 

Part of the process of improving a program is finding players who fit the culture and scheme, which could take Mendenhall and his staff multiple seasons. 

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2024 New Mexico Football Season Prediction

I’d lean toward taking the Under for New Mexico’s season-long win total bet, as a winless season isn’t completely out of the question. The Lobos play two Power Four teams, Washington State, and they don’t have an FCS cakewalk. There’s not a single guaranteed win on the schedule. 

Major questions along the offensive line, which figures to be transfer heavy, give me pause about the unit’s ability to consistently move the ball. A potential lack of chemistry along the front could derail the offense. 

Defensively, the Lobos added USC transfer De’Jon Benton at defensive tackle. He flashed at times for the Trojans in 2023 and figures to earn playing time for New Mexico. Perhaps he could spearhead a defense that allowed a woeful 35.1 points per game last season. The Lobos will need major improvement on defense.

For optimistic fans, there’s still potential for three or more wins in 2024. Dampier is an intriguing quarterback, and Beck developed UVA’s dual-threat players like Bryce Perkins and Brennan Armstrong into elite ACC signal callers. If Dampier exceeds expectations and tests defenses with his arm and legs, New Mexico could prove to be an irritating Mountain West opponent. 

Additionally, access to an active transfer portal could speed up the process of a traditional Mendenhall rebuild. The ease of roster turnover in modern college football works in Mendenhall’s favor as he looks to completely overhaul a team’s culture. 

It’s likely going to be a long season for the Lobos, but the long-term future looks bright given Mendenhall’s hiring.

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