It may not be Wednesday Night MAC-tion but it’s the next best thing as we get a showdown of Sun Belt powerhouses when the Appalachian State Mountaineers visit the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns on Tuesday night.
The Ragin’ Cajuns finally snapped a long losing streak against the Mountaineers last December, on the way to their first Sun Belt championship, and this matchup will go a long way to determining who will return to the title game this year.
Check out our free college football betting picks and predictions for Appalachian State vs. Louisiana on Tuesday, October 12.
Appalachian State vs Louisiana odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Appalachian State hit the board for this Sun Belt showdown as 3.5-point road favorites and the Mountaineers have seen the early money, moving the line to -5. The total opened at 54.5 is as high as 56 depending on the sportsbook. Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full college football odds before placing your bets.
Appalachian State vs Louisiana picks
Picks made on 10/11/2021 at 9:22 p.m. ET.
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
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Appalachian State vs Louisiana game info
• Location: Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA
• Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2021
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN 2
Appalachian State vs Louisiana betting preview
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key injuries
Appalachian State: Nate Noel RB (Questionable).
Louisiana: No key injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Appalachian State is 10-1 ATS following a bye week. Find more NCAA betting trends for Appalachian State vs. Louisiana.
Appalachian State vs Louisiana predictions
Appalachian State -5 (-110)
Appalachian State versus Louisiana is the best rivalry going in the Sun Belt Conference. The Mountaineers had the Ragin’ Cajuns’ number for years, including in the 2018 and 2019 Sun Belt championship games, but Louisiana finally broke through last December defeating App State on the way to its first Sun Belt title.
Now, both teams enter this conference clash with 4-1 records, each losing a matchup to a Power Five program. Louisiana got throttled by Texas in its season opener, losing 38-18 as 8.5-point underdogs. Meanwhile, Appalachian State nearly pulled off an upset of Miami, falling 25-23 but covering as 7.5-point pups.
The Mountaineers have a dangerous offense this season thanks to their balance. Former Clemson backup Chase Brice, who is completing 68 percent of his passes for 1,360 yards and eight touchdowns, leads the way under center for a team that ranks 17th in total offense. And their running back duo should be back to full health with Camerun Peoples expected to return.
On the other side, the Louisiana rush offense has not been as dominant as in years past, ranking 66th in rushing yards per game. Additionally, the Cajuns' defense has been vulnerable, ranking 85th in total yards allowed per game and has had particular trouble against the run, surrendering 171.2 yards per game — and that has not come against the toughest of schedules.
The Mountaineers will want to reestablish their dominance in this rivalry after last year’s matchup and have an offensive edge, which will make it difficult for the Cajuns to keep up.
Appalachian State team total Over 29.5 (-120)
For starters, Appalachian State averages 35.2 points per game and has gone Over this number in every game this season, except the road tilt at Miami. But take that Miami game away... and the number bumps up to 38.3 ppg.
While Louisiana is allowing just 22.8 points per game this season, that has not come against the stiffest of competition. The Ragin’ Cajuns allowed 38 points in their season-opening loss to Texas. Then they allowed 24 to FCS Nicholls State. Louisiana followed that up by playing the 97th, 78th, and 103rd-ranked offenses in terms of total yards per game. App State will certainly be a step up in competition.
Bet the Over on the Mountaineers team total and feel confident.
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