Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4) vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (6-6)
In a compelling New Orleans Bowl matchup in the NCAAF, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, holding an 8-4 record, are set to face the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, who stand at an even 6-6. This game, scheduled for Saturday, will unfold at the iconic Caesars Superdome and will be televised on ESPN. With both teams looking to cap off their seasons on a high note, this R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl game is a perfect scenario for those searching for NCAAF bowl free picks.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks have demonstrated both resilience and tactical acumen throughout their campaign. Malik Jackson has amassed 860 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns on only 133 attempts with an average of 6.5 yards per rush attempt average. Perry Carter is another powerful weapon for Jacksonville State; having recorded 34 receptions for 603 yards with 3 touchdowns of his own; his ability to stretch out plays by making key catches has been instrumental to their success this season.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have proven they can meet any challenge head on, notably during December games where they have gone 4-1 against the spread. Running back Jacob Kibodi led their offense with 729 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while wide receiver Jacob Bernard provided reliable targets in passing, potentially making his contribution an asset against an impressive Gamecocks defense.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Caesars Superdome |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Zion Webb QBvs. Zeon Chriss QB
Quarterback Zion Webb has been solid in his first year as a starter for Jacksonville State. He has 97 completions on 194 attempts for 1281 yards through the air. While his 50% completion rate leaves room for improvement, Webb has made some big throws downfield, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. He’s a dual threat, with 5 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing scores. However, he has been turnover prone at times, with 6 interceptions.
Meanwhile, Zeon Chriss has taken a big step forward in his sophomore season leading Louisiana’s offense. He’s completing 66.7% of his passes for 1222 yards through the air, while averaging a robust 8 yards per attempt. Chriss has shown the ability to push the ball downfield as well, with an 87 yard completion to his credit. With 11 touchdowns compared to just 5 picks, he’s secured the ball well. Chriss isn’t much of a running threat however.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Jacksonville State Gamecocks -140, Total Odds: 59
The betting odds favor the Jacksonville State Gamecocks slightly, with a spread of -2.5 and a moneyline of -140. The total of 59 points suggests expectations of a moderately high-scoring game, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends
The Gamecocks are peaking heading into bowl season, with covers in 4 of their last 5 contests overall. They also sport a sterling 5-0 ATS record in Saturday games played at home. Jacksonville State’s defense has led the way, allowing just 15.5 points per game over the last two weeks.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Trends
It’s been an up and down for Louisiana, with only 2 wins in their past 6 games straight up. However, a deeper dive shows some positives. Their defense has held 3 of those last 6 opponents to just 10 points or less. Additionally, in 5 of their previous 6 December games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have come away victorious.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 12/16/23 Betting Picks
Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, along with the betting trends, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks seem to have a slight edge, especially with their recent ATS record. However, the Ragin’ Cajuns’ December performance and their quarterback’s efficiency cannot be overlooked.
In terms of betting, a close game is anticipated. Prop bets on individual player performances, particularly the quarterbacks and key running backs, could be interesting. The over/under at 59 points offers a challenging decision, considering both teams’ recent trends. For those seeking top online casino betting options, this game presents several intriguing possibilities.
