#23 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns vs Marshall Thundering Herd 2021 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Our Louisiana vs Marshall prediction for the 2021 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl is our sixth and final pick for December 18, 2021. The #23 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (12-1) finished atop the Sun Belt Conference West with a record of 8-0. They won the Sun Belt Conference Championship by beating Appalachian State 24-16. This season, the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-5) finished second in C-USA East with a 5-3 record. After going on a four-game winning streak that started October 9 and ended with a loss on November 13. They finished the season by going 1-2.

Marshall comes to the New Orleans Bowl as a five-point underdog. They can be found at +5.0 (-116). Louisiana is listed at -4.0 (-110). The over/under is 55.5 with the over at -111 and under at -106. The 2021 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl will be played at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA with kickoff at 9:15 pm ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Ragin’ Cajuns vs Thundering Herd Pick - Stats

Louisiana is scoring 30.7 PPG and allowing 18.3, while Marshall is recording 34.0 PPG and permitting 22.8. The Ragin’ Cajuns are rushing for 191.9 YPG and, overall, 405.9 YPG. At the same time, the Thundering Herd is putting up 310.7 passing yards per game and 470.8 overall offensive yards.

Our Louisiana vs Marshall prediction notes that the Ragin’ Cajuns are allowing 40 fewer defensive yards per game than the Thundering Herd. Although both teams are permitting opponents 199 YPG in the air, Louisiana is holding teams to 145.9 rushing YPG. However. Marshall is giving up 188.6 YPG to opponent rush attacks.

Louisiana vs Marshall Prediction - Key Players

Running backs Chris Smith and Montrell Johnson equally share rushing duties for the Ragin’ Cajuns.Together, they’ve rushed for more than 1,600 yards and 19 TDs. Plus, QB Levi Lewis has run for five score while tossing 19 TD passes and just four picks. Wideout Peter LeBlanc’s 37 catches is tops for the UL, while Michael Jefferson and Kyren Lacy have four and five TD receptions. On defense, LB Chauncey Manac and DL Zi'Yon Hill have recorded 10.5 and 5.5 sacks respectively. Linebacker Ferrod Gardner and safety Percy Butler offer solid pass defense.

Dual-threat running back Rasheen Ali is the dynamo on Marshall’s offense. With over 1,200 rushing yards and 20 ground scores, he’s a massive weapon. On the other hand, QB Grant Wells has had issues with picks, tossing a dozen while hitting for 16 scores. Corey Gammage leads the receiving corps with 69 catches and 828 yards. For the Herd, LB Eli Neal (92 TKLs, 5.5 SCKs, 3 PD, 1 INT), DB Steven Gilmore (7 PD, 3 INTs), and safety Nazeeh Johnson (4 PD, 2 INTs) provide premium defense.

Louisiana vs Marshall Prediction

We like the Ragin’ Cajuns for various reasons. First, they are deeper on offense, and at quarterback, they are more disciplined. Also, their offense is more balanced than that of the Thundering Herd. In creating our Louisiana vs Marshall prediction, we found that both teams possess solid pass rushers and solid secondaries. We like UL’s ground D better than that of the Herd’s. Take Louisiana at -4.0 (-110). With a projected final score of 32-27 take the over 55.5 at -111.

As a quick note, Sports Betting Smarts is predicting every one of this season’s 41 college football bowls. For today, please consider our Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented by Stifel Utah State vs Oregon State prediction.

2021 New Orleans Bowl - Louisiana vs Marshall Summary

Spread - Louisiana at -4.0 (-110)

Over/Under - Over 55.5 (-111)