Louisiana comes into this game riding high after a 41-13 dismantling of Texas State that earned it bowl eligibility. This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2006 when Louisiana picked up a 31-28 victory in Houston. As is the case with any bowl game, motivation will be a huge factor in this Independence Bowl matchup. Motivation will not be lacking for a Louisiana team that will be thrilled to be playing in its home state after securing a bowl berth in their final game of the season.
These high-level numbers against the pass ended with Louisiana finishing the season ranked 12th nationally in PFF coverage grade. Lastly, the Ragin’ Cajuns defense outpaced the Cougars defense in Finishing Drives this season, ranking 45th nationally — a full 38 spots above Houston. Look for Houston to attack Louisiana where it’s strongest: in the secondary. Louisiana will travel up Interstate 49 to play its 12th bowl game in program history on Friday. The Ragin’ Cajuns have a 7-3 record in bowls and should be highly motivated to build on this winning tradition. Louisiana brings a lot of momentum into the Independence Bowl.
3Louisiana TEs have 16 receptions in close and late situations this season– 5th most among FBS Teams Louisiana Offensive Stats & Trends Houston WRs have 38 receptions in the Red Zone this season– most among FBS TeamsHouston WRs have caught 11 touchdown passes in the 4th quarter this season– most among FBS TeamsHouston WRs have caught 34 touchdown passes in the Red Zone since last season– 3rd most among FBS TeamsHouston WRs have caught 9 touchdown passes in close and late situations this season– most among FBS TeamsHouston Skill Players have picked up first downs on 27 receptions in the Red Zone this season– most among FBS Teams Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Defensive Stats & Trends Louisiana has no interceptions (55 pass attempts) in the Red Zone since last season– tied for worst in FBS; Average: 37. 7Louisiana has no interceptions (55 pass attempts) in the Red Zone since last season– tied for worst among Non-Power 5 Teams; Average: 33.
40 Units / 35% ROI)Houston has hit the Team Total Under in 8 of their last 10 games at home (+5. 75 Units / 52% ROI)Houston has hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 22 games (+4. 25 Units / 4% ROI)Houston has hit the 1H Game Total Over in 5 of their last 6 games (+3. 90 Units / 60% ROI)Houston has hit the 1Q Game Total Over in 5 of their last 7 games (+2.
Houston vs Louisiana Odds, Prediction: 1 Independence Bowl Bet to MakeHouston vs Louisiana Odds Friday afternoon’s Independence Bowl features two teams that are looking for one final positive to take away from disappointing seasons. Houston, which was picked by many to win the American in the preseason, finished the year at 7-5. Its underperformance is reflected in a 1-7 against-the-spread record as a favorite.
Bet now on Louisiana vs Houston & all NCAAF games with BetMGM Houston vs. Louisiana Odds, Spread, Over/Under: SpreadTotal (O/U)MoneylineHouston-7 -11057 -110-275Louisiana +7 -11057 -110+220 Houston vs Louisiana Prediction: Based on recent trends, the winning team model predicts Houston will win this game with 71. 1% confidence. Houston vs Louisiana Spread Prediction: Based on recent against-the-spread trends, the model predicts Houston will cover the spread with 53. 8% confidence.
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60 Units / 33% ROI) Houston Against the Spread (ATS) Record Houston has gone 7-4 against the spread this college football season (+2. 55 Units / 20. 99% ROI). Houston is 6-5 when betting on the Moneyline for -0. 4 Units / -1. 62% ROI Houston is 6-5 when betting the Over for +0. 5 Units / 4. 13% ROI Houston is 5-6 when betting the Under for -1. 6 Units / -13.
Independence Bowl: Louisiana vs. Houston odds, picks and
Given the availability of the two passing game stars, it’s safe to say that Holgorsen will not shy away from the high passing rate the Cougars have implemented all season (12th-highest nationally). During the regular season, Houston generated consistent success through the air. The Cougars posted the 10th-highest Success Rate when passing (47. 2%) as a result of being ranked 13th nationally in EPA/Pass (. 230). In addition, Houston recorded an explosiveness ranking of 1. 55 on passing downs, which was crucial for a team that couldn’t generate any explosiveness on the ground (1.
For Houston, this motivation is less apparent after a disappointing 2022 campaign. Additionally, head coach Dana Holgorsen has been historically poor in the postseason, covering the spread in just two of his last nine bowl game appearances. If Houston can’t match Louisiana’s motivation, we could be in store for an Independence Bowl upset. The biggest storyline for the Cougars coming into Friday is the status of their NFL duo in quarterback Clayton Tune and wide receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell. As of writing, it appears that both will compete in the bowl game, which is significant for Houston’s Air Raid offense.
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The Ragin’ Cajuns put up their highest point total of the season in their finale against Texas State. They’re led by sophomore quarterback Chandler Fields, who has appeared in seven games this year after suffering an injury midseason. Fields will have every opportunity to be successful against a Houston defense that has been suspect, particularly against the pass. The Cougars rank 87th nationally in Passing Success Rate, allowing teams a 41. 7% Success Rate through the air. This inability to stop the pass has resulted in Houston giving up 2.
92 net points per drive, which is good for 119th nationally. Creating a consistent passing game will be crucial for a Louisiana team that has struggled through the air. The Ragin’ Cajuns rank 104th nationally in Passing Success Rate at just 35. 1%. With additional time to prepare for a struggling Houston secondary, I expect these numbers to improve. If Louisiana can find success through the air, it will also open up opportunities for its successful ground attack. The Cajuns rank inside the top 50 in Rushing Success Rate at 41. 5%, averaging 3.
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Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Houston CougarsThe handicapping, sports odds information contained on this website is for entertainment purposes only. Please confirm the wagering regulations in your jurisdiction as they vary from state to state, province to province and country to country. Using this information to contravene any law or statute is prohibited. The site is not associated with nor is it endorsed by any professional or collegiate league, association or team. Odds Shark does not target an audience under the age of 18. Please visit gambleaware.
22% ROI Louisiana Against the Spread (ATS) Record Louisiana has gone 4-8 against the spread this college football season (-4. 85 Units / -36. 6% ROI). Louisiana is 7-5 when betting on the Moneyline for -4. 15 Units / -9. 16% ROI Louisiana is 9-2 when betting the Over for +6. 8 Units / 51. 52% ROI Louisiana is 2-9 when betting the Under for -7. 9 Units / -59. 85% ROI Houston: Keys to the Game vs. Louisiana Louisiana is 9-3 (. 750) when sacking the QB less than 3 times since the 2021 season– tied for 3rd-best in FBS; Average:. 384Louisiana is 15-2 (. 882) when allowing less than 50% of third down conversion opportunities since the 2021 season– tied for 6th-best in FBS; Average:. 562Louisiana is 12-3 (. 706) when committing less than 60 yards in penalties since the 2021 season– tied for 11th-best in FBS; Average:. 446Louisiana is 15-3 (.
01). Because the Cougars run an Air Raid attack, there will be a spotlight on the Louisiana secondary on Friday afternoon. Fortunately for the Ragin’ Cajuns, their secondary has been their strongest unit all season. They rank 21st nationally in Defensive Passing Success Rate (35. 3%) and 17th in EPA/Pass Allowed at -0. 136.
Houston vs Louisiana Prediction, Odds, Prop Bets - BetMGM
Houston vs Louisiana Prediction, Odds, Prop Bets: Independence BowlHouston (7-5) are -6. 5 point favorites vs Louisiana (6-6) Total (Over/Under): 60. 5 points Watch the Independence Bowl game on ESPN The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (7-5) visit Independence Stadium to take on the Houston Cougars (6-6) on Dec. 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm EST in Shreveport for the Independence Bowl. Houston are betting favorites in Week 17, with the spread sitting at -7 (-110). The Houston vs. Louisiana Over/Under is 57 total points.
497Houston is 17-4 (. 739) when converting 55% or more of its red zone chances into touchdowns since the 2021 season– 12th-best in FBS; Average:. 517 Houston Offensive Stats & Trends Louisiana TEs have caught 5 touchdown passes in close and late situations since last season– tied for 3rd most among FBS TeamsLouisiana TEs have caught 4 touchdown passes in the 4th quarter this season– tied for most among FBS TeamsLouisiana RBs have rushed for 17 TDs in the 4th quarter since last season– 2nd most among FBS TeamsLouisiana Kickers have kicked off 0. 0 times per game this season– tied for 2nd worst among FBS Teams; Average: 5.
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Houston vs. Louisiana: How to watch the Independence Bowl