Texas Longhorns (0-0) vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 4:30 pm (Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium/Jamail Field)
Betting Odds: Texas Longhorns -8.5 -- Over/Under: 58 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The 23rd ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will travel to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium to take on the 21st ranked Texas Longhorns this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The 23rd ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns finished last season with a 10-1 overall record which included a 31-24 victory over the UTSA Roadrunners in the First Responders Bowl. Offensively, Louisiana averaged 33.6 ppg on 421.5 total yards per game (208.5 passing yds/g; 213.0 rushing yds/g). Louisiana returns 10 starters including their star QB Levi Lewis who completed 59.6% of his passes for 2,274 yards, 19 TD, & 7 INT while also rushing for 335 yards & 5 TD. The Ragin’ Cajuns return their top WR’s in Kyren Lacy (28 rec, 364 yards, 4 TD), Jalen Williams (20 rec, 360 yards, 4 TD), & Peter LeBlanc (23 rec, 334 yards, TD). Louisiana no longer has RB Elijah Mitchell, however, they have high expectations in Chris Smith (62 att, 350yards, TD) who should be able to find success be an offensive line that returns all five starters.
Defensively, Louisiana held their opponents to an average of 22.0 ppg on 355.4 total yards per game (170.6 passing yds/g; 184.7 rushing yds/g). The Ragin’ Cajuns return 9 starters from last years team led by DE Zi’Yon Hill & LB Lorenzo McCaskill.
The 21st ranked Texas Longhorns finished last season with an overall record of 7-3 and although they didn’t make it to the Big 12 Championship, the Longhorns ended their season with some momentum after defeating the Colorado Buffaloes, 55-23, in the Alamo Bowl. Offensively, Texas averaged 42.7 ppg on 475.4 total yards per game (280.1 passing yds/g; 195.3 rushing yds/g). Texas had a solid season, however, still decided to bring in Steve Sarkisian to replace Tom Herman. Offensively, Texas will be led by RB Bijan Robinson who finished last season with 703 rushing yards & 4 TD’s while averaging over 8 yards per carry. Texas announced that redshirt Freshman will start Hudson Card will start under center after beating out Casey Thompson for the job. The top receiving threats for the Longhorns will be WR Joshua Moore (30 rec, 472 yards, 9 TD), WR Jordan Whittington (21 rec, 206 yards), & TE Cade Brewer (15 rec, 169 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, Texas allowed their opponents to average 28.5 ppg on 406.6 total yards per game (266.4 passing yds/g; 140.2 rushing yds/g). Texas lost a bunch of talent from last year’s team and will be led by LB DeMarvion Overshown.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road underdog and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games. The Longhorns are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games, however, are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 home games.
I liked Texas hiring Steve Sarkisian as I think he will be able to get Texas back into the National Championship conversation, however, I just don’t think he has enough this season to have a great team. Louisiana showed how impressive they were last season, especially with a road win at Iowa State to start the season and between the fact that I think their defense will be able to contain the Longhorns Bijan Robinson and that the Ragin’ Cajuns Levi Lewis will have some success on the offensive end, I think the play here is to take Louisiana and the points.
Brett’s Pick Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns +8.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
