Louisiana vs TCU Prediction College Football Picks 12/28/24

In this article, we will formulate a Louisiana vs TCU prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, December 28th at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the New Mexico Bowl. 

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Preview

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 10-3 (7-1) this year after they lost to Marshall by a score of 31-3 in their last game. Louisiana led 3-0 in the first quarter, but they allowed the last 31 points in the game for the loss. The Ragin’ Cajuns were outgained by a total of 410-255, lost the turnover battle 1-0, and went 2-16 on third down in the game. Chandler Fields threw for 104 yards on four completions, while Lance LeGendre caught four passes for 81 yards in the loss. 

Louisiana also has losses against South Alabama and Tulane, while picking up wins against ULM, Troy, Arkansas State, Texas State, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, Southern Miss, Wake Forest, Kennesaw State, and Grambling State. The Louisiana offense has scored 33.2 points per game with 260.5 passing yards and 170.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 23.4 points per game this season. Ben Wooldridge sounds like he is unlikely to play in this game, so Daniel Beale is most likely going to start at quarterback. Beale has thrown for 98 yards and one interception this year, while Bill Davis has rushed for 775 yards and nine scores. 

TCU Horned Frogs Betting Preview

The TCU Horned Frogs are 8-4 (6-3) this season after they defeated Cincinnati by a score of 20-13 in their last game. TCU led 20-7 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite not scoring in the second half. The Horned Frogs were outgained by a total of 373-336, won the turnover battle 3-1, and went 5-15 on third down in the game. Josh Hoover threw for 212 yards and one interception, while Blake Nowell caught three passes for 75 yards in the game. 

TCU also has wins over Arizona, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Utah, Kansas, LIU, and Stanford, while losing to Baylor, Houston, SMU, and UCF. The TCU offense has scored 33.6 points per game with 317.6 passing yards and 114.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 26.4 points per game this season. Josh Hoover has completed 66.7% of his passes for 3,697 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while Jack Bech (questionable) has caught 62 passes for 1,034 yards and nine scores this year. 

Why TCU will beat Louisiana

• TCU has won five of its last six games.
• Louisiana has lost each of its last three December games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• TCU has covered the spread in four of its last five games in December.
• Louisiana has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games against opponents from the Big 12 Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Five of TCU’s last six Bowl games have gone OVER the total points line.
• Four of Louisiana’s last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• TCU ranks 18th among FBS teams for points per game this season (33.4).
• TCU ranks T19th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (90.4).
• Louisiana ranks 5th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (93.1).
• Louisiana ranks T6th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (12.2).

Louisiana vs TCU Prediction 

Louisiana comes into this matchup after getting blown out by Marshall in their last game, and they will most likely not have their quarterback in this game. The Ragin’ Cajuns have the benefit of facing a leaky TCU defense, but I think TCU’s speed is going to be too much. The Horned Frogs have won three games in a row, but they are also dealing with some production in the portal. Both teams have some missing pieces, but I think TCU is going to win this game easily, as Louisiana will struggle to move the ball. Take the Horned Frogs.