The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4) are set to face off against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (6-6) in a captivating New Orleans Bowl showdown. With both teams looking to cap their seasons with a victory, the stage is set for an intense battle at the Caesars Superdome. Let’s run through our Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana predictions below.
Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana Odds
- Moneyline: Jacksonville State -146 (FanDuel) / Louisiana +130 (BetMGM)
- Spread: Jacksonville State -3.5
- Total: 60.0 / Over -113 (BetRivers) / Under -110 (BetRivers)
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 16
- Time: 02:15 PM ET
- Location: Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, LA
- TV: ESPN
Jacksonville State Betting Trends
- On the road, Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 3 and 3 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 9 and 3.
- Against the spread on the road, Jacksonville State Gamecocks are 4 and 2.
Louisiana Betting Trends
- At home, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 4 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 5 and 7.
- Against the spread at home, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 2 and 4.
Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana Predictions
The 2023 New Orleans Bowl presents an intriguing matchup between the Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Jacksonville State enters the game with a solid 8-4 record and a winning streak that they’re eager to extend. The Gamecocks have been particularly strong against the spread this season, boasting a 9-3 record, which suggests they’ve consistently outperformed expectations. Their offense has been a key factor in their success, with a total of 358 points scored over the season.
On the other side, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have had an even season with a 6-6 record, but they’ve shown resilience and the ability to compete in close games. The Ragin’ Cajuns will rely heavily on their home-field advantage and the support of the local crowd to energize their play. They will be looking to their defense, which has allowed 338 points against, to step up and contain Jacksonville State’s offense.
Key player matchups to watch include the battle in the trenches, where Louisiana’s offensive line will need to protect their quarterback against a formidable Jacksonville State defensive front. The game could very well be decided by which team can establish control of the line of scrimmage and set the tone for their offensive play. With both teams motivated to end their season on a high note, this New Orleans Bowl is poised to be a memorable clash filled with strategic plays and standout performances.
Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana – New Orleans Bowl Pick
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have demonstrated a strong ability to cover the spread this season, with a 9-3 record against the spread (ATS) overall and an even more impressive 4-2 ATS record on the road. Their performance has consistently exceeded expectations, and they enter the New Orleans Bowl with a solid 8-4 record. The Gamecocks’ offense has been a significant factor in their success, scoring a total of 358 points over the season, which could pose a challenge for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns’ defense which has allowed 338 points. With the Gamecocks favored by 3.5 points and the momentum from their recent performances, it’s reasonable to expect them to cover the spread in this matchup.
While the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have the advantage of playing at home, where they are 4-2 this season, their ATS record is less convincing at 5-7 overall and 2-4 at home. The Ragin’ Cajuns have had an even season with a 6-6 record, suggesting some inconsistency in their play. Considering Jacksonville State’s strong ATS trend and Louisiana’s less impressive record in this regard, the Gamecocks are the more reliable pick against the spread. Additionally, there is no significant historical head-to-head data to suggest a deviation from these trends, making Jacksonville State the prudent choice for this game.
The Pick: Jacksonville State Gamecocks -3.5 (FanDuel)