Northwestern State vs South Alabama Prediction & Betting Tips - September 12 | College football Week 3

Week 3 of the 2024 college football season is set to kick off on Thursday. One of the games tonight is Northwestern State on the road to play South Alabama at 7:30 p.m. ET. The matchup will be shown on ESPN+.

Northwestern State is coming off a 37-31 home loss to Prarie View. Meanwhile, South Alabama dropped a 27-20 road loss to Ohio in Week 2.

Northwestern State vs South Alabama: Prediction

Northwestern State is a massive 36.5-point underdog to South Alabama on Thursday. The over/under is set at 60.5 points.

The Demons and the Jaguars are both looking for their first win of the 2024 season, and the Jaguars are poised for a blowout win.

The Demons were blown out by Tulsa in Week 1 before a competitive home loss to Prarie View. However, Northwestern State's defense has been a major issue for them, as the Demons struggle to get off the field.

Meanwhile, South Alabama played well against Ohio but fell short on the road. However, the Jaguars could get starting quarterback Gio Lopez back tonight. Lopez didn't play in Week 2 due to an injury after setting South Alabama's program record with 432 passing yards and 497 yards of total offense in a 52-38 loss in Week 1 to North Texas.

“He’s doing just like he did last week,” coach Major Applewhite said. “He’s practicing as he can and our hope is to have him for the game on Thursday. If not, we’ll have to wait another week.”

However, like Northwestern State, the Jaguars' defense has also been a major issue. In two games, South Alabama has given up 79 points.

Ultimately, even if Lopez can't go, South Alabama's offense is much better than Northwestern State and the Jaguars should be able to cruise to a lopsided win but won't cover the 36.5 points.

Prediction: South Alabama 41, Northwestern State 17

Northwestern State vs South Alabama: Betting Tips

Tip 1: Northwestern State +36.5 (-110)

Tip 2: Under 60.5 (-110)