The Iowa State Cyclones may be in for a bit of a test at home against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Iowa State is projected as dougle-digit favorites, but Louisiana has everything to play for in its lone game against a Power 5 team.
Iowa State will be led by its quarterback Brock Purdy threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season, completed 65.7% of his passes with 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He will be trying to throw the ball all over the Louisiana defense, which was the best team in the Sun Belt against the pass last season.
Louisiana’s strength is in its running game as the Ragin’ Cajuns finished sixth in all of college football in 2019 in rushing yards per game. Louisiana had three running backs rush for more than 800 yards last season, and two of them return with Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas returning. Quarterback Levi Lewis returns after throwing for more than 3,000 yards with 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. If Louisiana can finished long, sustained drives with touchdowns, the Ragin’ Cajuns should be able to cover and maybe even pull off the upset.
This will be the first ever matchup between Louisiana and Iowa State.
Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming
Saturday’s game will start at noon ET at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. The game will be aired on ESPN.
Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends
Point spread: Louisiana (+12) vs. Iowa State
Point Total: O/U 57 (-110)
Money line: Louisiana (+390), Iowa State (-530)
- Iowa State finished 7-6 straight up in 2019 with a loss to Notre Dame in the Camping World Bowl.
- The Cyclones went 6-7 against the spread last season.
- In 2019, Louisiana finished the season 11-3 straight up with a Lending Tree Bowl victory over Miami (OH).
- Louisiana went 9-5 against the spread last season.
The Best Bet
Louisiana is a solid Group of 5 team and should be among the favorites to win the Sun Belt in 2019 with lots of talent coming back. The Ragin’ Cajuns might be difficult to overlook considering they won 11 games last season, but Iowa State opened last season with an overtime victory over Northern Iowa. If the Cyclones come in with that performance, they could in trouble not only covering the spread but losing the game outright.
Pick: Louisiana +12
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.