Jacksonville State vs Louisiana Prediction, Pick, Odds: Do Zion Webb, Gamecocks Have Edge at New Orleans Bowl?
Jacksonville State takes on Louisiana for their first ever bowl game this Saturday. Do Zion Webb and the Gamecocks have the edge at the New Orleans Bowl? Jason Radowitz provides his Jacksonville State vs Louisiana prediction.
Jason Radowitz - December 11, 2023, 9:35 AM EST
5 minJacksonville State vs Louisiana Prediction, Pick, Odds: Do Zion Webb, Gamecocks Have Edge at New Orleans Bowl?
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks joined the Conference USA in all sports to start the 2023-24 academic year.
Because the Gamecocks left the FCS to join the FBS, they couldn't compete for the Conference USA Championship. They were also not bow eligible unless the FBS had enough teams with six wins.
Jacksonville State lucked out. The NCAA needed a few more teams to play in Bowl games. Therefore, the Gamecocks got the call to play in its first Bowl game against Louisiana in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
Jacksonville State earned an 8-4 record, while the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns went just 6-6.
Louisiana needed its win against UL Monroe in late November to earn this bowl invitation. Does Louisiana have the edge with the game being played in New Orleans?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's matchup between the Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 16, 2023
- Game Time: 2:15 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana Odds
- Spread: Jacksonville State -3 (-110), Louisiana +3 (-110)
- Total: Over 56.5 (-110), Under 56.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Jacksonville State (-150), Louisiana (+130)
Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana Injury Report
Jacksonville State
None
Louisiana
Questionable: RB Dre'lyn Washington (Personal)
Out: QB Ben Wooldridge (Foot), QB Zeon Chriss (Leg), TE Jonathan Caldwell (Undisclosed)
Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana Prediction
The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns are onto their third quarterback of the season.
Ben Wooldridge began the season as the starter as a senior. However, he injured his foot three games into the season and passed the starting job to Zeon Chriss.
Chriss only threw for 1,222 yards, but he also ran for 492 yards before he fractured his leg in early November.
Eventually, the Ragin' Cajuns turned to Chandler Fields, who stayed patient and waited for his opportunity. In his three starts to close out the season, Louisiana lost two games by one score and earned a win over UL Monroe, 52-21.
Fields threw seven touchdowns and one interception in his three starts for Louisiana.
While Jacksonville State's run defense is electric, the secondary and pass rush isn't as good. Fields has played well and should continue playing at a high level, as Louisiana hasn't lost any offensive player to the transfer portal.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville State won't have Jabari Mack and Jaylen Swain, who are two dominant defensive players. Those two didn't play in the last game either. But that's only positive news for Fields and the Louisiana offense.
On the other hand, Zion Webb will get the start for Jacksonville State. He's only thrown for 1,281 yards and has completed just 50% of his passes this season. Webb is a legitimate threat on the ground, as he earned 638 yards on the ground on 116 attempts.
Louisiana allowed 197 yards in the air but about 160 yards on the ground.
Malik Jackson of Jacksonville State rushed for 6.5 yards a carry on 133 attempts this season. He should have another big game against Louisiana.
With Louisiana's Fields confident and the potential of the Jacksonville State running game, I'll ride the Over 56.5 in this game.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Pick
- PICK: Over 56.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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