Louisiana at Arkansas State: 10/21/21 College Football Picks and Predictions

The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns and Arkansas State Red Wolves face off on Thursday in a Sun Belt Conference showdown at Centennial Bank Stadium. When these two teams faced off in 2020, Louisiana came away with the 27-20 victory. 

Arkansas State won their first game of the season against Central Arkansas, but since that point, they have lost five games in a row. In the last game against Coastal Carolina, the defense really struggled giving up 52 points and that led to the blowout loss. Each of the losses Arkansas State has given up at least 42 points. Arkansas State is averaging 30 points per game while the defense is giving up 46.67 points. Starting quarterback James Blackmon is dealing with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss this game. Getting the start will be Layne Hatcher who has thrown for 806 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. The offense will need to be good, but if the defense doesn’t stop anyone, this game is going to get ugly early. 

On the other side of this matchup is Louisiana who lost their first game of the season against Texas, but since that point, they have won five games in a row. In the last game against Appalachian State, they had one of their most dominating and impressive wins of the season knocking off Appalachian State 41-13. Louisiana is averaging 30.5 points while the defense is giving up 21.17 points per game. Levi Lewis is having a big season under center throwing for 1.305 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. Montrell Johnson, Chris Smith, and Emani Bailey have all rushed for over 280 yards.