South Alabama (1-6) travels to Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Thursday night for a Sun Belt matchup against Georgia State (1-6).
Both teams are desperate to end extended losing streaks — South Alabama fell 15-14 at Arkansas State on Oct. 14, while Georgia State was defeated 41-24 by Georgia Southern on Oct. 18.
Below, we’ll break down our South Alabama vs. Georgia State prediction and pick for tonight, and highlight the top PrizePicks player picks for this Thursday night showdown set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
With every college football game this season, you can get in on the real-money action on PrizePicks — pick your players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in when your calls are right.
South Alabama vs. Georgia State Prediction, Preview: Thursday, Oct. 23
Here’s a closer look at our South Alabama vs. Georgia State prediction and breakdown for Thursday night’s Sun Belt matchup.
South Alabama Preview vs. Georgia State
It’s been a frustrating stretch for South Alabama (1-6), which has now dropped six straight since its Week 1 win over Morgan State. The Jaguars continue to play close games — losing by a single point at Arkansas State last week on a game-winning FG — but can’t seem to finish drives offensively.
QB Bishop Davenport remains the focal point of the passing game, throwing for 1,181 yards, 9 TDs, and 4 INTs on a 66.3% completion rate. However, the Jaguars’ passing attack ranks just 75th nationally (168.2 YPG), as the offense leans heavily on its run game.
That rushing attack, led by Kentrel Bullock, has been a bright spot. Bullock has totaled 568 yards and 6 TDs on 124 carries (4.6 YPC), helping South Alabama average 199.5 rushing yards per game (20th in FBS).
Defensively, the Jags are a mixed bag. They rank 19th nationally in pass defense (177.5 YPG) but 121st against the run (199.0 YPG) — a trend that must improve against a dual-threat quarterback like Cameran Brown.
The unit allows 30.7 points per game (101st) and has held just two opponents to 21 or fewer points.
If South Alabama can establish its ground game early and keep Georgia State’s tempo in check, it has a realistic path to a much-needed win.
Georgia State Preview
The Panthers have struggled to find rhythm on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they average 335.5 yards per game (104th) and 15.8 points (126th), relying primarily on QB Cameran Brown and WR Ted Hurst to move the chains.
Brown has been a bright spot despite the record — he’s thrown for 882 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions on a 67.2% completion rate, while also adding 120 rushing yards and a touchdown last week against Georgia Southern.
However, the run game has lagged behind. RB Rashad Amos has just 242 yards on 54 carries (4.5 YPC), and Georgia State’s 91.8 rushing yards per game rank 130th nationally.
Defensively, it’s been even rougher. The Panthers are giving up 480.2 total yards (130th) and 44.5 points per game (136th) — at the bottom of FBS. Opponents are converting 47.6% of third downs (111th), per Game On Paper.
If that trend continues, South Alabama’s physical ground attack might have a field day.
Penalties have also been costly for the Panthers, who sit 4th-most in penalty yards per game (80.5). Cleaning up that issue might be critical in avoiding another late-game collapse.
South Alabama vs. Georgia State Best Picks for Thursday NCAAF
Here are the PrizePicks plays to target for Thursday night’s Sun Belt matchup between South Alabama (1-6) vs. Georgia State (1-6).
South Alabama QB Bishop Davenport Projection: 194.5 Passing Yards
- Bishop Davenport has been efficient when asked to throw, completing 66.3% of his passes with a 9-to-4 TD-to-INT ratio.
- Georgia State’s pass defense has struggled, allowing 257.0 passing yards per game (105th nationally) and a 64.97% opponent completion rate.
- South Alabama ranks 98th in scoring offense (21.0 PPG), so a balanced script may be in the cards — though Georgia State’s defensive issues could push Davenport’s passing volume up.
- The Panthers are giving up 8.7 yards per pass attempt (122nd), which could help Davenport reach this passing yards number, even on limited attempts.
Georgia State QB Cameran Brown Projection: 1.5 Pass TDs
- Brown is coming off his best game of the season — 280 yards on 76.3% passing with a touchdown against Georgia Southern. South Alabama has allowed just two QBs to hit 2 passing scores through 7 appearances.
- He’s been efficient all year, completing 67.2% of his throws with 8 TDs and no interceptions.
- The junior signal-caller also has notched 2+ touchdowns in two of his four home appearances, most recently against App State on Oct. 11.
- If Georgia State trails early, it might wind up being a pass-heavy game script — Brown has attempted 35+ passes in two straight games and handles all goal-line air work.
South Alabama RB Kentrel Bullock Projection: 84.5 Rushing Yards
- Kentrel Bullock remains the heartbeat of the Jaguars’ offense, clearing 70+ yards in five of seven games while averaging 17.7 carries per contest.
- Georgia State’s run defense is one of the worst in the country — allowing 223.2 yards per game (7th-most) and 5.7 yards per carry.
- The Panthers’ defensive success rate against the run (46.4\%) ranks 130th nationally, and opponents have logged 100+ yards in seven straight games.
- If South Alabama sticks to its run-first formula, Bullock’s volume alone could push him to double-digit carries long before the final whistle.
Make South Alabama vs. Georgia State Picks on PrizePicks
This feels like a matchup where both teams are trying to stop the bleeding — and both could find success offensively. South Alabama’s ground game should control the pace, while Cameran Brown’s playmaking gives Georgia State hope at home.
If the Jaguars’ defense holds firm against explosive plays, they’re the safer side to trust late. But this could potentially become another back-and-forth Sun Belt thriller that stays within one score.
With PrizePicks, you can cash in on Thursday night college football by targeting key players like Davenport, Brown, and Bullock.
Just pick your college football players, predict More or Less on their stat projections, and win real money when you’re right.
