New Orleans Bowl 2022 Betting Guide

Live from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the 2022 New Orleans Bowl will include the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and South Alabama Jaguars. 

The bowl season typically includes many players opting out as they prepare for the NFL Draft or transfer portal, but there are no opt-outs to report for the Jaguars as of this writing. 

Here, we’ll examine the best bets in this New Orleans Bowl 2022 betting guide. 

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New Orleans Bowl 2022 Teams and News

The New Orleans Bowl has been around since 2001 and in its history, it has had two ranked teams play in the game.

This year's matchup might not feature ranked teams or even big name teams, but it could be fun to bet on, with a couple of unpredictable schools that could score some points. Check out the best sports betting sites in the US and get in on the betting action today!

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The Hilltoppers enter this game without their starting quarterback Austin Reed, tight end Joshua Simon, and two starting linemen, Rusty Staats and Gunner Britton. All four players have entered the transfer portal, leaving more questions than answers. It’s not entirely clear if the Hilltoppers will start Darius Ocean or Caden Veltkamp at quarterback, but either way, it’ll be an inexperienced starter as they have a combined 16 passes all season. 

Whoever suits up at quarterback, though, will have a solid running back to assist them in Kye Robicheaux, who only has 73 carries this season but averaged nearly seven yards per carry. 

The starting quarterback will also have a dependable option out of the slot in Malachi Corley. He saw 123 targets this season and caught 90 for 1,168 yards and nine touchdowns. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hilltoppers have some talent, particularly with defensive lineman Lorenzo Hernandez who’s played well against the run, and cornerback Kahlef Hailassie who’s allowed just two touchdowns this year. 

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While the Hilltoppers head into this one with several notable opt-outs, the Jaguars have none to report. 

The Jaguars have excelled defensively this season, allowing just 302.8 yards per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. 

Their offensive line hasn’t exactly been the most protective of quarterback Carter Bradley who’s been sacked 21 times this year. 

Bradley has been competent this yea, completing 63.6% of his passes for nearly 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. He does have a relatively high turnover-worthy play rate at 3.4%, though. 

In this one, he’ll have running back La’Damian Webb to lean on, who rushed for 1,017 yards on 197 carries and 13 touchdowns. 

One of Bradley’s most dependable options this year has been slot receiver Caullin Lacy who has 57 catches for 756 yards and six touchdowns. 

We mentioned the strength of this Jaguars defense, and a lot of that comes from players like cornerback Yam Banks, safety Jaden Voisin, and defensive lineman Wy’Kevious Thomas.

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Who won the New Orleans Bowl in the Past

Beginning in 2002, the New Orleans Bowl agreed to have teams from the Sun Belt and Conference USA.

While that meant the game would rarely have big name schools, last year's winner Louisiana, was coached by Billy Napier who led the team to a No. 17 ranking before he left to coach the Florida Gators of the SEC.

While the Rajin Cajuns have made the most New Orleans Bowl appearances, it's Southern Miss with the most win, as the Golden Eagles have a 4-1 record. 

Before placing a bet on any college football bowl game this season, check out the odds from multiple online sportsbooks.

Below are all of the best sports betting apps listed with the odds attached.

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New Orleans Bowl Line Tips

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New Orleans Bowl Predictions: Moneyline Betting Pick

In terms of moneyline betting, more than a touchdown favorite almost everywhere, the uncertainty at the quarterback position for the Hilltoppers, coupled with the Jaguars defense this season, leaves little optimism for a Hilltopper upset. 

Pick: South Alabama -300 at the BetMGM sportsbook

New Orleans Bowl Predictions: Point Spread Betting Pick

Beyond the quarterback issues for the Hilltoppers, they’re without two starting linemen who would be beneficial in stopping the Jaguars' pass rush. 

The Hilltoppers have some solid players on defense. Still, there’s seemingly not enough here to stop the Bradley/Lacy connection or Webb out of the backfield. 

There’s a chance that the Hilltoppers and their new starting quarterback surprise us, but we’ll side with the defense that’s played well respective to their conference all season.  

Pick: South Alabama -7.5 at Caesars sportsbook

New Orleans Bowl Projections: Over/Under Betting Pick

Getting a point more at FanDuel than elsewhere, we’ll side with under here because of the Jaguars' defense, but the Hilltoppers are far from destitute defensively. 

Yes, they rank seventh in the nation in terms of total yards allowed per game, but they do have some solid run defenders who may not be able to stop Webb totally but should prevent him from completely taking over the game. 

Pick: Under 54.5 at FanDuel sportsbook

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