Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4) vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (6-6)
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns December 16, 2023 – The 8-4 Jacksonville State Gamecocks take on the 6-6 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Saturday. With only one loss in their last five games, the Gamecocks come into this matchup as 3-point favorites. Let’s break down the game and see if we can find some value with the NCAA Football bowl games latest picks.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns December 16, 2023 Game Info
When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2:15 PM ET |
Where: | Caesars Superdome |
TV: | ESPN |
Stream: | Sofascore |
Zion Webb QB vs. Zeon Chriss QB
Jacksonville State quarterback Zion Webb has struggled in his first year as a starter. While flashing potential with his running ability, compiling 107 rushing yards and a score, Webb has been inconsistent in the passing game. He’s completed just 50% of his passes for 1,281 yards, 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while taking 9 sacks. Webb will need to avoid turnovers and keep drives alive against Louisiana’s 91st ranked passing defense.
Louisiana quarterback Zeon Chriss has taken a big step forward in year two as starter. Chriss has completed 66.7% of his passes for 1,222 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5 picks while taking 8 sacks. He’s developed strong chemistry with top target Jacob Bernard. Chriss will look to expose a Jacksonville State pass defense that allows 236 passing yards per contest.
Gamecocks Rushing Attack Could Be Difference
Jacksonville State’s best player is running back Malik Jackson. Jackson has rushed 133 times for 860 yards (6.5 YPC) and 7 touchdowns this season. His vision, tackle breaking ability and long speed make him a challenge to bring down. If Webb struggles, expect a heavy dose of Jackson running behind an offensive line that clears holes.
Ragin’ Cajuns Need Big Game from Kibodi
While quarterback Zeon Chriss has taken a step forward, the Ragin’ Cajuns will still rely heavily on top running back Jacob Kibodi. Kibodi has rushed 129 times for 729 yards (5.7 YPC) and 7 scores. He has the strength to run inside and the speed to get outside. Kibodi must keep drives moving against a Jacksonville State run defense allowing 143 rushing yards per game.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Jacksonville State Gamecocks -155, Over/Under: 56.5
The odds favored Jacksonville State 3-point with a moneyline of -155, making them solid favorites. Meanwhile, the total is set at 56.5 points. With two capable quarterbacks and strong run games, expect a close matchup that could come down to the final possession.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends
Jacksonville State are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
Gamecocks State are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Jacksonville State’s last 7 games played on a Saturday.
Jacksonville State are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games played on a Saturday when playing at home.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Trends
Louisiana-Lafayette are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
Ragin’ Cajuns are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games played in December.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisiana-Lafayette’s last 6 games played on a Saturday.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Louisiana-Lafayette’s last 8 games played on a Saturday when on the road.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Picks
This matchup presents a fascinating contrast in styles and strengths, making it a compelling prospect for bettors. Jacksonville State’s defensive solidity against Louisiana’s balanced offensive strategy forms the crux of this encounter.
For those exploring legal betting sites, considering the Gamecocks’ ability to perform better than the spread and their recent trend of lower-scoring games could be key. Conversely, the Cajuns’ December performance and their tendency for higher-scoring games on the road add an interesting dynamic to the over/under bet.
Expect a closely fought contest with Jacksonville State’s strategic gameplay narrowly overpowering Louisiana’s offensive rhythm in a relatively high-scoring game. This prediction aligns with the Gamecocks’ recent form and their ability to cover the spread, while the total points are expected to be just around the 56.5 mark.