The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET during the 2022-23 College Football Bowl Season. The game is held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) from Conference-USA takes on South Alabama Jaguars (10-2) from the Sun Belt in this year’s game. Below, we’ll look at New Orleans Bowl odds and bowl history.
New Orleans Bowl participants will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 4, following the reveal of the College Football Playoff.
New Orleans Bowl odds
To place a bet on the New Orleans Bowl, click on the odds in the table below. Toggle between spread, moneyline, total, or a blended view using the dropdown menu.. For college bowl odds for every game go here.
What a matchup that landed in the New Orleans Bowl between Western Kentucky and South Alabama. Starting QB Austin Reed hit the transfer portal, but withdrew his name and will return to the school. In response to the initial move, South Alabama jumped from a 2.5-point favorite up to . However, expect that number to come down to some degree.
Reed finished the season with 4,249 passing yards (second most) and 36 passing TDs under Ben Arbuckle– a product of the Zach Kittley system. However, WKU goes against a stiff South Alabama passing defense that’s held opponents to the 14th-lowest success rate and 15th-lowest EPA per pass in the nation. They’re also 23rd in passing efficiency allowed, ahead of Clemson and just behind NC State.
South Alabama surpassed all expectations this season, easily clearing their preseason win total (six). That’s chiefly thanks to an all-around aggressive defense that ranks 14th nationally in points per drive. They’ve forced 1.5 turnovers per game (41st), but also commit the fifth-most penalty yards in the country.
Running back La’Damian Webb is also a prolific player for the Jags, clearing 1,000 yards this season.
Notable Opt Outs
Western Kentucky: WR Daewood Davis, OL Rusty Staats, OL Gunner Britton
South Alabama: None
New Orleans Bowl betting
Last year, Sun Belt Champion Louisiana squared off against future conference opponent Marshall and won 36-21. The Ragin’ Cajuns and Thundering Herd would square off in Huntington the following season, where Louisiana again got the best of Marshall. Louisiana covered the four-point spread and the point total went over 55.5 points.
Marshall back Rasheen Ali rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns in a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Louisiana’s 36 points.
Previous Years
Favorites have covered in this bowl game in six of the last seven games, with UAB (+17) being the lone underdog to cover in 2019. Overs have cleared in four of the last five years, as well. The 2020 New Orleans Bowl between Georgia Southern and Louisiana Tech ended in a 38-3 finish, which fell short of the 48.5-point over/under that year.
In the first 14 editions of the New Orleans Bowl, underdogs covered nine times with six outright wins.
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are no strangers to the bowl game, having won four straight from 2011-14.
History
Below are historical results of the New Orleans Bowl.
The first New Orleans Bowl was played in 2001, where Colorado State beat North Texas 45-20.
| Score | Winner | Score | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 21, 2022 | Western Kentucky | 44 | South Alabama | 23 |
| December 18, 2021 | No. 16 Louisiana | 36 | Marshall | 21 |
| December 23, 2020 | Georgia Southern | 38 | Louisiana Tech | 3 |
| December 21, 2019 | No. 20 Appalachian State | 31 | UAB | 17 |
| December 15, 2018 | Appalachian State | 45 | Middle Tennessee | 13 |
| December 16, 2017 | Troy | 50 | North Texas | 30 |
| December 17, 2016 | Southern Miss | 28 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 21 |
| December 19, 2015 | Louisiana Tech | 47 | Arkansas State | 28 |
| December 20, 2014 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 16 | Nevada | 3 |
| December 21, 2013 | Louisiana-Lafayette (vacated) | 24 | Tulane | 21 |
| December 22, 2012 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 43 | East Carolina | 34 |
| December 17, 2011 | Louisiana-Lafayette (vacated) | 32 | San Diego State | 30 |
| December 18, 2010 | Troy | 48 | Ohio | 21 |
| December 20, 2009 | Middle Tennessee | 42 | Southern Miss | 32 |
| December 21, 2008 | Southern Miss | 30 | Troy | 27 (OT) |
| December 21, 2007 | Florida Atlantic | 44 | Memphis | 27 |
| December 22, 2006 | Troy | 41 | Rice | 17 |
| December 20, 2005 | Southern Miss | 31 | Arkansas State | 19 |
| December 14, 2004 | Southern Miss | 31 | North Texas | 10 |
| December 16, 2003 | Memphis | 27 | North Texas | 17 |
| December 17, 2002 | North Texas | 24 | Cincinnati | 19 |
| December 18, 2001 | Colorado State | 45 | North Texas | 20 |
FAQ
When is the 2022 New Orleans Bowl?
The 2022 New Orleans Bowl will be played on Dec. 21, 2022 at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Where is the New Orleans Bowl?
Caesars Superdome in New Orleans hosts the New Orleans Bowl.
Who is playing in the 2022 New Orleans Bowl?
South Alabama takes on Western Kentucky in the 2022 New Orleans Bowl.