Georgia Southern at Sam Houston State

Sam Houston State likely would be favored if the Bearkats hadn't lost several players to the transfer portal, and coach K.C. Keeler took the Temple job. Now they are getting points and they still have incentive as this is the first bowl game in SHSU's history. The Bearkats will still have QB Hunter Watson, who threw for 1,598 yards and 11 TDs this season. Sam Houston State finished the conference season with a 20-18 victory over Liberty and Watson threw for 202 yards and two TDs with one pick. Georgia Southern's starting QB, Dexter Williams, entered the transfer portal in early November and JC French took over behind center. The Eagles have lost their past two bowl games, including 41-21 to Ohio last year. Coach Clay Helton is 2-5 in bowl games in his career. Georgia Southern is 4-8 ATS on Thursdays, including 0-5 ATS on the road. SHSU is 6-2 ATS as an underdog and it has won eight of 10 outright overall. Take Sam Houston State.