Southern Mississippi-South Alabama betting preview: Capitalize on the total

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Welcome back, college football fans. It's been a while.

Although Austin Peay and Central Arkansas got things started last weekend with a nationally televised tilt, this week is when the real fun begins. Bettors, let's feast.

Here's the best look for Thursday's non-conference, Group of 5 clash between South Alabama and Southern Mississippi.

South Alabama at Southern Mississippi

Line: Southern Miss -13.5
Total: 53.5

Early movement

Bettors laid the chalk early with the Golden Eagles, who climbed off a key number of -14 to -15. However, money rolled in on the Jaguars, who dropped down to -13.5 on the eve of the tilt.

The total saw an early bump to the over, moving from 52.5 to 53.5.

Southern Miss preview

Southern Miss' offense is a strength. Although the Golden Eagles barely surpassed the .500 mark in 2019, they were No. 35 nationally in yards per play (5.9).

Quarterback Jack Abraham has a solid arm. He threw for close to 3,500 yards with 19 touchdowns last season, a year after leading the nation in completion percentage. Pass-happy first-year offensive coordinator Matt Kubik has plenty to work with, as 70% of last season's production is back.

Defensively, Southern Miss might be in better shape this season than last, although it'll be quality over quantity. Despite returning just 58% of 2019's output, six of the top eight tacklers will suit up again for the Golden Eagles.

South Alabama preview

The Jaguars seemingly have one way to go after ranking No. 119 in the country in yards per play: Up.

Offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield desperately needs to find a way to get his spread scheme clicking. With quarterback Desmond Trotter back - as well as the bulk of last year's leading receivers - perhaps he'll start with a bang against a Southern Miss defense that was fourth worst in the country last season in yards per completion allowed (14.7).

The Jaguars figure to be a middle-of-the-road defense in the Sun Belt. South Alabama returns loads of experience in the back seven, but the team could get bullied up front in Week 1. The Jaguars are starting over on the defensive line, while Southern Miss brings back four starters up front.

Best bet - Over 53.5

Expect plenty of points in this one.

Although Southern Miss is breaking in some new players in the skill corps, Abraham will feast on a unit that allowed close to 13 yards per completion in 2019.

Trotter's a wild card, but that's sort of all you can ask for when you're betting the over on an offense that averaged just 16.7 points per game a year ago.

Buckle up, folks. This should be a fun one to get the season started on the right foot.

(Odds source: theScore Bet).

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.