Two of the nation’s early-season leaders will be on display, as Matt Breida and the Georgia Southern University Eagles travel to ASUI-Kibbie Dome to meet Matt Linehan and the University of Idaho Vandals. The Vandals are 1-2 while the Eagles are 2-1. Players will take the field Saturday, Sep 26 at 2:00 p.m. ET and the game will air on the ESP3.
Idaho won in a tight one over Wofford 41-38 last week. Buck Cowan had a big game in the win, registering seven receptions for 107 yards and one TD. Dezmon Epps also had a big day, contributing 139 yards on 10 receptions. Georgia Southern was able to pick up the win last week’s performance, cruising past Citadel 48-13 in its matchup. Matt Breida had an outstanding performance on the ground for the Eagles, gaining 164 yards and two TDs on 14 carries. Chaz Thornton added 67 yards on one attempt.
Georgia Southern is a heavy 17-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable.
Heading into Week 4 of the college football season, the Vandals are 1-2 both Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS). The Vandals have an efficient passing attack that has a completion percentage of 69.8%, good enough for 16th in the country. As for the Idaho defense, there are important areas to keep an eye on. One of the keys to the game will be if the Eagles can protect the ball against Idaho’s aggressive defense. They’re 22nd in the nation in fumbles recovered with one per game.
On the other side, the Eagles have 2-1 SU and 1-1 ATS records this season. If earlier games are any indication, the Eagles will run the ball aggressively. They average 330.3 rushing yards per game, good enough for sixth in Division I. Switching gears to the Georgia Southern defense, there are certain areas where it measures up well against the Vandals. The Vandals need to hold onto the ball if they want a shot against the turnover-minded Eagles. The Georgia Southern defense generates three turnovers per game, fourth in the country. The Vandals defense usually doesn’t head in the right direction in the second quarter. They allow 12.7 points heading into the break this year, one of the worst in the nation.
Predictions: SU Winner – GaSo, ATS Winner – GaSo
Notes
Idaho is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
Idaho is 2-19 SU in its last 21 games.
Idaho is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games at home.
Idaho is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games at home.
Georgia Southern is 2-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Idaho is 1-0 SU when leading after three quarters.
Per FBS ratings, Idaho has an advantage in the passing game. Its offensive passing game (ranked 35th nationally) will face the 61st-ranked pass defense of Georgia Southern, while its 103rd-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 128th-ranked aerial attack of the Eagles.
According to overall FBS team rankings, Georgia Southern is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its sixth-ranked rushing attack will face the 126th-ranked run defense of Idaho, while its 83rd-ranked run defense will look to contain the 109th-ranked rushing game of the Vandals.
