Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4) vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (6-6)
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 12/16/23 – The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4) take on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (6-6) in an intriguing R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl matchup on Saturday, December 16th. This game features two inconsistent but talented teams looking to finish their seasons strong with one final win. Free NCAAF bowl games parlay picks available for this game between two offenses capable of catching fire at any time. Read on for a full breakdown of the contest including analysis, betting trends, predictions and more.
Despite their 8-4 record, Jacksonville State displayed plenty of inconsistencies this season. However, dual-threat quarterback Zion Webb provides an explosive element with his arm and legs. Webb threw for 1,281 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding mobility outside the pocket. Running back Malik Jackson enjoyed a strong campaign as well with 860 yards on the ground and 7 rushing touchdowns. The Gamecocks will look to ride their two-game winning streak into this matchup. If Webb and Jackson get going, this offense can put up points in a hurry.
The Ragin’ Cajuns also dealt with ups and downs this year, yet quarterback Zeon Chriss helped guide the offense with efficiency. Chriss completed 66.7% of his passes for an excellent 1,222 yards, 11 touchdowns and 150.9 passer rating. He mixes quality pocket presence with accuracy and decision-making. Running back Jacob Kibodi provides further support having racked up 729 rushing yards and 7 scores. Louisiana clearly boasts weapons on offense as well. But if Chriss faces heavy pressure, it could unravel this attack.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Caesars Superdome |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
Zion Webb QB vs. Zeon Chriss QB
Zion Webb has experienced difficulty with his accuracy this season, completing just 50% of his passes. But his superior athleticism and running ability set him apart as an elite quarterback. His mobility enables him to avoid sacks, scramble for first downs, and keep plays alive – using legs as compensation for inconsistent passing accuracy. Unfortunately, his decision-making remains inefficient as evidenced by six interceptions and nine sacks taken; how he responds under pressure while avoiding mistakes will be key.
Meanwhile, Zeon Chriss has put together an outstanding season statistically. He has completed 66.7 percent of his passes while throwing 11 touchdowns and five interceptions against just eight picks while taking eight sacks. Chriss exhibits excellent pocket presence and progressions well for a college quarterback; his accuracy and ball placement stand out among his many strengths; however, Chriss’ lack of mobility could hinder him and impact how often he gets time to throw.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Jacksonville State Gamecocks -155, Total Odds: 56.5
The odds favor the Jacksonville State Gamecocks slightly, likely due to their superior record and offensive prowess. The total of 56.5 points suggests expectations of a high-scoring game, indicating confidence in both teams’ ability to put points on the board.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have an impressive 4-1 against the spread (ATS) record over their last 5 games. Additionally, they boast a perfect 5-0 ATS record over their previous 5 home games played on a Saturday. Meanwhile, the total has finished UNDER in 5 of Jacksonville State’s last 7 Saturday matchups. These trends indicate that the Gamecocks tend to play well against the number when catching points at home, while their games also trend towards lower-scoring affairs recently on Saturdays.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Trends
Despite struggling down the stretch with just a 2-4 straight up record over their past 6 contests, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have enjoyed success in the postseason. The Ragin’ Cajuns sport a strong 4-1 straight up mark over their previous 5 games played in December. Additionally, Louisiana has seen higher-scoring affairs recently away from home on Saturdays, with the total finishing OVER in 6 of their last 8 road matchups played on Saturdays. These trends suggest Louisiana plays well in bowl games late in the year, while their road games on Saturdays tend to turn into shootouts.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 12/16/23 Betting Picks
The matchup between Jacksonville State and Louisiana promises to be a closely fought contest. While the Gamecocks have the edge in overall performance, the Ragin’ Cajuns have shown they can step up in crucial games, especially in December.
For the final pick, the Gamecocks’ stronger record and consistent performance make them a solid choice. However, bettors should consider the Ragin’ Cajuns’ resilience in December games. Prop bets might include individual performances like Malik Jackson’s rushing yards or Zeon Chriss’s passing touchdowns. The over/under is a tough call, but the Gamecocks’ trend towards lower-scoring games suggests the under might be a wise choice.
Best sports handicappers would likely advise a balanced approach, considering both teams’ strengths and recent trends. This game is not just about statistics, but also about momentum and adaptability in a high-stakes bowl environment.
Free Pick and Prediction: Jacksonville State Gamecocks 31, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 27