| MATCHUP | SE Louisiana Lions | South Alabama Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +12.5 -108 | -12.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +440 | -600 |
| Total | Over 52.5 (-108) | Under 52.5 (-112) |
| Where | Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL | |
| When | Saturday, September 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Southeastern Louisiana Betting Preview
The Lions had a pretty solid season overall in 2025, finishing at 9-4 overall when all was said and done. Southeastern LA added a nice 7-1 record in Southland Conference games, putting them behind only a spotless Stephen F. Austin team in the standings. Unfortunately for the Lions however, they were bounced from the FCS playoffs with an NCAA Division I First Round loss versus Illinois State 21-3.
This year the Lions kicked off their campaign versus Houston Christian. In that one Southeastern Louisiana gave up 17 points in the second quarter and 14 more in the third during a 34-28 loss. Kyle Lowe threw for 150 yards, two TDs and a pick on 17-of-27 while Lawson Dixon hauled in four passes for 46 yards and two scores.
South Alabama Jaguars Betting Preview
Over on the South Alabama side, they could only muster a 4-8 run in their 2025 campaign. The Jags ended up going just 3-5 in Sun Belt games along the way, putting the team ahead of only LA-Monroe in the West Division. A six-game losing streak in the early-going buried South Alabama, but they did manage to win three of their final five outings.
Moving on to 2026, the Jaguars will be under the supervision of head coach Major Applewhite in his third season. He’ll have a new defensive coordinator in Todd Orlando as well. South Alabama does retain starting quarterback Bishop Davenport as the team attempts to rebound from last year’s sketchy campaign. Things are pretty cut-and-dry here. If South Alabama has a good year they’ll have a winning record; if not, they’ll have a losing record.
Southeastern Louisiana Lions @ South Alabama Jaguars Betting Trends: Week 1
Why the South Alabama Jaguars will win
- South Alabama has won each of its last 11 home games against non-FBS teams.
- South Alabama has covered the spread in three of its last four home games against teams from Louisiana.
Why the Southeastern Louisiana Lions will win
- South Alabama has lost four of its last five games as a home favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in seven of South Alabama’s last eight games at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
- South Alabama has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games as a favorite in Alabama.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of South Alabama’s last nine home games have gone OVER the total points line.
South Alabama Jaguars Player Prop Facts
- Bishop Davenport ranked T6th in the Sun Belt Conference for rushing touchdowns (9) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- South Alabama ranked 18th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game last season (199.7).
- South Alabama ranked T118th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game last season (15.1).
Southeastern Louisiana vs South Alabama Prediction
I’m going to try South Alabama in this one but the line is a little thicker than I’d like. The Jaguars were a better team than their 4-8 record would indicate last year, and they’ll take a big step forward in 2026 if they can get their defense in order. South Alabama’s D allowed 73 percent (19-of-26) on fourth-down conversions last season, so they can start there. On offense, the receivers need to help Davenport keep that completion percentage high.
As for Southeastern LA, they gave up 361 total yards (200 passing), 6.0 yards per play and 8-of-15 on third downs in their loss to Houston Christian. The Lions’ offense had 248 yards rushing but also committed three turnovers. It was a highly uneven game and I don’t know if Southeastern LA will clean it up ahead of this matchup.