Arkansas State Red Wolves vs UL Lafayette Ragin Cajuns

It is getting to the point of the season where a lot of these mid-major teams are thinking bowl game. UL Lafayette needs just one win to become bowl eligible. Louisiana has lost games to Georgia St. and Minnesota on the season and has an above-average offense and a defense that grades out about average. Arkansas St. has been able to move the ball in the air, but the defense is allowing 450 yards per game, and opponents have also on average run eight more plays than the Red Wolves. Louisiana has some momentum here as they beat South Alabama as a 12-point dog by 13 on the road, and I think they are poised to do it again and become bowl eligible. Make the play on UL Lafayette.

Arkansas State is 2-5 straight up, but 6-1 ATS and it has a good opportunity for an outright win this week against UL Lafayette, which had lost three straight before upsetting Marshall 23-13 last Wednesday. The Ragin' Cajuns QB Ben Wooldridge did most of the damage against the Thundering Herd throwing for 230 yards and two TDs and rushing for 45 yards on 10 carries. The Red Wolves will need to contain him to come out with a victory in this game after they blew a 19-7 fourth-quarter lead while losing 20-19 at Southern Miss last week. James Blackman had a good outing throwing for 236 yards on 25 of 34 passing with two TDs and no interceptions for Arkansas State. UL Lafayette is only #114 in the country in total offense yards and #98 in passing yards. The Red Wolves are looking to avenge a 28-27 loss in last year's meeting and they have covered their past six road games. The Ragin' Cajuns have covered just one of their past five versus teams with losing records. Take Arkansas State ATS and on the moneyline.

UL Lafayette has won five in a row after an opening loss at Texas, and the Ragin' Cajuns destroyed Appalachian State 41-13 as a four-point underdog. The Cajuns racked up 246 yards on 44 carries and held the Mountaineers to only 76 rushing yards on 29 carries. Levi Lewis finished 15 of 25 for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and Montrell Johnson rushed for 103 yards on 14 carries. UL Lafayette is averaging 30.5 points and 179.3 rushing yards per game. Arkansas State has lost five straight and hasn't beaten an FBS school yet this season. Coach Butch Jones already is on the hot seat in his first season with the Red Wolves, who are dead last out of 130 FBS teams in yards allowed (584.0 per game) and scoring defense (46.7). The Ragin' Cajuns are 9-4 ATS the last 13 meetings, and Arkansas State is 0-6 ATS following a bye week. Lay the points with UL Lafayette.