Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo in Camellia Bowl: Prediction, picks, players to watch, more
Led by first-year head coach Clay Helton, this will be the Georgia Southern's fifth bowl appearance in eight years of eligibility. The Buffalo Bills, led by head coach Maurice Linguist, seek their third consecutive bowl victory. Here's what to know about the matchup.
Who plays in the Camellia Bowl?
When and where is the Camellia Bowl?
Tuesday, Dec. 27, Noon ET at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama.
What channel is the Camellia Bowl on?
ESPN is airing the game.
Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo prediction
Both teams have fun and dynamic offenses. Expect Vantrease to make a play to lift the Eagles. Prediction: Georgia Southern, 38-35.
Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo expert picks
Scooby Axson: Georgia Southern
Jace Evans: Georgia Southern
Paul Myerberg: Georgia Southern
Erick Smith: Georgia Southern
Eddie Timanus: Georgia Southern
Dan Wolken: Buffalo
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What are the odds and spread for Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo in the Camellia Bowl?
Get the latest betting info from Tipico Sportsbook here.
Who is Georgia Southern's starting quarterback?
Kyle Vantrease. He elected to use a sixth season allowed because of COVID-19 regulations and transferred to Georgia Southern from Buffalo. His experience carries the Eagles and he’s racked up 3,901 passing yards this season, which ranks fifth in the country.
Vantrease played for Buffalo from 2017 to 2021 and started the majority of games his last three seasons there, including that 2020 bowl win against Marshall. Now he pilots a high-powered Eagles offense averaging 33.67 points per game, and he has the fifth-most passing yards in the country. He’s thrown for 3,901 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
How many bowl games has Georgia Southern been to?
The Eagles became bowl eligible with a thrilling double-overtime 51-48 victory against Appalachian State. Led by first-year head coach Clay Helton, this will be the program’s fifth bowl appearance in eight years of eligibility.
How has Buffalo played this season?
The Bulls, led by head coach Maurice Linguist, seek their third consecutive bowl victory. But it could be a tough night for the Bulls defense, which is allowing 391.5 yards per game and has given up 157 points in its last five. Bulls redshirt freshman running back Mike Washington has 606 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The Eagles allow 5 yards per carry.
Who are the players to watch?
Keep your eye on this trio.
LB Marques Watson-Trent, Georgia Southern
The redshirt sophomore has led the Eagles defense with 105 total tackles. He has five games with 10 or more tackles, including a 16-tackle performance against South Alabama. Watson-Trent is a second-team All-Sun Belt honoree.
QB Cole Snyder, Buffalo
The Rutgers transfer has completed 59% of his passes for 2,765 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Buffalo will need to protect Snyder; he has been sacked 30 times this season.
PK Alex McNulty, Buffalo
McNulty was named the Mid-American Conference special teams player of the year. He made 21 of 25 field-goal attempts and was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist. McNulty could have a big impact in a close game.
College football bowl game expert picks
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo Camellia Bowl: Time, prediction, picks
