Week eight of the college football season is here and that means there are some stellar matchups on tap in both the Sun Belt and Conference USA to kick off the week. On Tuesday, Troy travels to South Alabama for a showdown with the Jaguars. Reigning back-to-back Sun Belt Champions, Troy has had a dismal season so far with a rebuilding roster under head coach Gerad Parker. At 1-5, they are facing an uphill battle against South Alabama who also is having a down year at 2-4, but are 1-1 in conference play to date. Meanwhile, in Conference USA action that same day, Louisiana Tech squares off against New Mexico State in Las Cruces as both squads are looking to turn their years around as well. The Bulldogs enter this game at 2-3, while NMSU sits at 1-5.
For this report, SBS will be going over what to look for from each of these teams, a predicted winner in both matchups, and also some more notes about college football betting.
| NCAA Football Week Eight Games | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy at South Alabama | South Alabama ML | -441 | -441 | -441 |
| Louisana Tech at New Mexico State | La Tech ML | -430 | -430 | -430 |
Team Spotlight: Troy Trojans
Coming into this game, Troy had moderate expectations this season under coach Parker, but this has turned out to be a rebuilding year for the normally powerful Trojans. Indeed, with a record of 1-5, Troy is looking for some more bright spots in the 2024 campaign. They have had some near-misses to date (a two-point loss to Nevada at home and also a four-point defeat to UL Monroe), but this has been a tough campaign. During the course of this season, they have used different quarterbacks, with Goose Crowder being their main stats leader. However, the uncertainty in that position could be a big issue for the Trojans.
Team Spotlight: South Alabama Jaguars
Entering this contest, the Jaguars are coming off a nail-biting loss to Arkansas State on the road, 18-16. Regardless, they are sitting at 1-1 in conference play and could be poised for some momentum coming back to home and against the vulnerable Trojans. Quarterback Gio Lopez has been excellent this season with 1,308 yards through the air, 12 touchdowns, and just one interception to date. His main target has been wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett who has reeled 36 receptions to date along with 532 yards and six receiving scores. While they were demolished by LSU at the end of September, the Jaguars have been more steady against foes that are on their level.
This game definitely favors South Alabama, the Jaguars are capable of making a run at similar Sun Belt foes and are also due for a home victory.
Team Spotlight: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Similar to South Alabama, the Bulldogs sit at 2-3 overall, with a record of 1-1 in conference play to date. Quarterback Evan Bullock is the main centerpiece of the offense and has had some solid outings to date and paces the Bulldogs with six scores and 557 passing yards. La. Tech is also coming off an emphatic win at Middle Tennessee, 48-21. In that game, the Bulldogs blistered the Blue Raiders and never looked back. Bullock was masterful, throwing for 290 yards along with five touchdown scores. As a freshman, this could be a great chance to string together some back-to-back wins for Louisiana Tech.
Team Spotlight: New Mexico State Aggies
Opposing the Bulldogs this Tuesday evening is New Mexico State and 2024 has already been a season to forget for the Aggies. NMSU is coming off a 54-13 thrashing defeat to Jacksonville State. This season, the Aggies have benefited from the services of running back Seth McGowan who has been great for them this season. With 392 rushing yards and two scores, he is one to watch out for NMSU. Also, sitting at 1-5, this could be a solid “get right” game for the Aggies as they make a stand at Las Cruces.
Another game with two squads at a crossroads, take the Bulldogs to score the victory here on the road. The Aggies have looked in disarray this year and La. Tech still has a chance for a bowl berth with a win here.
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About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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