Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (5-4) vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2-7)
Game Info: Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm (Cajun Field)
Betting Odds: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns -10.5 -- Over/Under: 52.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Southern Miss Golden Eagles will play the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in a Sun Belt game on Thursday night at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana. Southern Miss is coming off of a rare win, while Louisiana has alternated losses and wins over their last five games.
Southern Miss Preview
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are 2-7 (1-5) this season after they defeated UL-Monroe by a score of 24-7 in their last game. Southern Miss led 17-0 after the first quarter and they played very well defensively in the win. The Golden Eagles out gained ULM by a total of 444-260 and forced four turnovers in the game. Southern Miss’ only other win this year came against Alcorn State. The Southern Miss offense is scoring 23 points per game with 206 passing yards per game and 163.7 rushing yards per game, while going 37.4% on third downs. Billy Wiles has thrown for 1,746 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions for the Golden Eagles this season. Frank Gore Jr. has rushed for 812 yards and seven scores, while Jakarius Caston has caught 27 passes for 460 yards and four touchdowns. The Southern Miss defense is allowing 35.8 points against per game this year.
Louisiana Preview
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 5-4 (2-3) this year after they lost to Arkansas State by a score of 37-17 in their last game. Louisiana trailed 20-10 at the half, but was only able to score seven points in the second half for the loss. The Ragin’ Cajuns were out gained by a total of 426-327 and turned the ball over two times in the game. Louisiana did defeat South Alabama by a score of 33-20 in the game prior. The Louisiana offense is averaging 31.1 points per game with 208.2 passing yards per game and 197.3 rushing yards per game, while going 41.7% on third downs. Zeon Chriss (questionable) has thrown for 1,222 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions for Louisiana this year. Jacob Kibodi has rushed for 611 yards and six scores, while Peter LeBlanc has caught 23 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns. The Louisiana defense is giving up 28 points against per game this season.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Team Facts
- Louisiana has won each of its last 10 November games as a home favorite.
- Louisiana has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games as a favorite.
- Each of Louisiana's last nine home games in November have gone UNDER the total points line.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Team Facts
- Southern Miss has lost each of its last seven games as an underdog.
- Southern Miss has covered the spread in eight of its last nine November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Each of Southern Miss' last four games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Southern Miss has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 40+ points of any FBS team this season (2).
Pick
Southern Miss is having a very bad season, but they were able to get a win last week and should have a little bit of confidence coming into this game. The Golden Eagles have allowed a ton of points this year, but the defense played great last week. Louisiana has had a disappointing season and they are dealing with quite a few injuries at the quarterback position. The Louisiana defense has been better than Southern Miss’ so far this year, but not by much. With two bad defenses going against each other here, I am going to take Southern Miss with the points.
David’s Pick Southern Miss +10.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
