Texas State and Louisiana will take the field 10 days since their last outing.
There, both teams played in Sun Belt matchups where college football betting odds had them as the favorite. Louisiana handled business, while the Bobcats did not. ULL defeated Coastal Carolina 34-24 and Texas State fell to Old Dominion 24-14.
Now, the Ragin’ Cajuns sit alone atop the Sun Belt West at 3-0 while the Bobcats are 2-1. This is a game that, with a loss, has the potential to keep Texas State out of the Sun Belt title game. These are the two favorites to win the Sun Belt, with the Ragin’ Cajuns as a 2/1 favorite while the Bobcats are at 3/1.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
How To Watch Texas State-Louisiana
The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday and will air on ESPN2.
Texas State-Louisiana Betting Odds
Texas State is a 3.5-point college football betting favorite.
Texas State-Louisiana Coaches & Overall Records
TXST: GJ Kinne (12-8)
ULL: Michael Desormeaux (19-15)
Last meeting: Oct. 7, 2023; ULL won 34-30
The Bobcats have never beaten the Ragin’ Cajuns, who are 11-0 in this series.
Texas State Preview
I would say the first half of the season hasn’t gone exactly how Texas State anticipated. After starting 2-0, the Bobcats are 2-3 in their last five games and dropped two games where they were double-digit favorites. Texas State lost to Sam Houston 40-39 four weeks ago as an 11-point favorite and were a 10.5-point favorite against ODU.
The loss to ODU looked similar to the loss to SHSU in that Texas State’s defense wasn’t able to get off the field in the fourth quarter. The Bobcats surrendered a late fourth-quarter lead to the Bearkats and allowed the Monarchs to drive the field and extend their lead to 10 in the final five minutes of the game.
Texas State also gave up a fourth quarter field goal to Arizona State in Week 3 that was the eventual game-winner.
Texas State’s defense is usually sound but just hasn’t been able to close games when it’s needed to. It ranks second in the league, allowing just 22.6 points per game and is allowing just 342.7 yards per game.
Chances are you’re familiar with this high-powered Texas State offensive attack. The Bobcats lead the league with 460 total YPG and their 34.7 PPG rank third. They are led by quarterback and reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year Jordan McCloud. The QB leads the conference with 20 passing touchdowns and is throwing for 270 YPG. He’s added five scores on the ground. Running back Ismail Mahdi leads Texas State and is second in the league with 92.3 rushing yards per game.
The Bobcats will need all of their pieces to come together if they want to pick up a critical road victory here.
Louisiana Preview
It feels like the Ragin’ Cajuns have quietly ascended to becoming the favorite to win the Sun Belt. They aren’t creating a ton of noise, but they’ve won each game that they’re “supposed” to win and are 6-1 overall. That includes victories over Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State, as well as an upset road win over Wake Forest as a three-point underdog. Louisiana’s only loss came to Tulane in Week 3.
The Ragin’ Cajuns have been excellent at establishing a lead and maintaining it. The only time they’ve been trailing in the second half this season was against Tulane. Both their offense and defense have responded well when they’ve needed to.
Louisiana’s pass defense could pose problems for McCloud. At just 166.3 YPG, it allows the least amount of passing yards per game in the Sun Belt. It has also only given up seven passing touchdowns.
Quarterback Ben Woolridge has been efficient this season, passing for 255 YPG and 15 touchdowns to just four interceptions. The senior is also completing passes at a league-high 69.6% clip. Running back Bill Davis is fourth in the league with 72.7 rushing YPG.
One player that could have a big impact on this game is EDGE rusher Cameron Whitfield, who could be a nuisance for McCloud and the Bobcats’ offensive line.
Texas State-Louisiana Prediction
I predict Louisiana will cover the spread but Texas State will win.
I think the extended week was what the Bobcats needed and that they will come back eager to avenge the loss to ODU. McCloud is better than the rest of the QBs the Ragin’ Cajuns have faced, and I believe it will show here.
