App State’s tough 2024 continues as the Mountaineers (2-3) travel to the Bayou to take on the Ragin’ Cajuns (4-1). Kickoff will take place at 7:30pm ET on ESPN+.
In the latest edition of the fun cross-division rivalry, Louisiana is trailing by 10.5 points at home with a total of 65 points.
These two programs have met in three of the past six Sun Belt championships. Although there is no postseason matchup scheduled this year, both coaches know each other well.
Louisiana’s highly productive ground game will test a generous App State defense in this game. So let’s dive into my thoughts App State vs. Louisiana Prediction and Saturday’s college football contenders.
Appalachian State vs. Louisiana Prediction
- State of App v. State of Louisiana Choice: Louisiana -10.5
According to the NCAAF live odds page, my App State vs. Louisiana bet is the Ragin’ Cajuns spread, which is currently the best line available at bet365.
Appalachian State vs. Louisiana Odds
Saturday, October 12th
7:30pm ET
ESPN+
| Appalachia odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| spread | total | money line |
|
+10.5 -110 |
65 -110o / -110u |
+310 |
| louisiana odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| spread | total | money line |
|
-10.5 -110 |
65 -110o / -110u |
-390 |
- Appalachian State vs. Louisiana Point Spread: Appalachia +10.5 (-110) · Louisiana -10.5 (-110)
- Appalachian State University vs. Louisiana Total: Over/under 65 years old
- Appalachian State vs. Louisiana money line: Appalachia +310 · Louisiana -390
Appalachian State vs. Louisiana Preview
App State Mountaineers Betting Preview: Defense Collapse
It was a tough season for Boone.
The defense, once the hallmark of this proud program, has fallen apart after several years of decline. Coordinator Scott Sloan should be proud of his past work, but his 2024 unit ranks 117th nationally in Defensive SP+. It’s hard to find a metric that isn’t near the bottom of FBS.
They can rush or pass against App State as the Mountaineers are inferior in both areas. The rush defense has been particularly abysmal, ranking last among FBS programs in EPA per rush allowed (0.26).
They forced opponents to dance up and down the field while forcing Havoc to zero (ranked 127th nationally) and failed to stand up in the red zone (ranked 90th on defensive finishing drives).
They just allowed 50 burgers to a generally lackluster Marshall offense.
Their offensive power has also declined from last year. Quarterback Joey Aguilar is a sensational playmaker, and his metrics remain solid (1,523 yards, 8 touchdowns). Still, the offense has been mediocre overall, ranking 87th nationally in success rate.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Preview: Off to a Great Start
After stalling for the first few years of the post-Billy Napier Lafayette era, Michael Desormeaux is off to his best start as head man.
The Cajuns went 4-1, with their only loss coming by a touchdown to in-state rival Tulane. They had wins over Wake Forest and Southern Miss. First win in Hattiesburg since Brett Favre was the center for the Golden Eagles (seriously).
The three-year quarterback seesaw game has finally come to an end. It looks like Ben Wooldridge has finally taken the job from Chandler Fields. The two have been going back and forth since 2022. Wooldridge completed 69% of his passes for 10 touchdowns with a 77.7 QBR and just three picks. His final grade ranks him 26th in the nation among eligible quarterbacks.
The Cajuns boast a balanced attack, ranking 38th nationally in EPA per dropback and 9th in EPA per rush. The Cajuns will rely on their running back trio to get through with a hot hand. Sophomore Bill Davis (6.8 yards per carry) is joined by Zylan Perry (7.6 yards) and Dorelin Washington (5.7 yards). Each has led the team in rushing for games at least once so far this season.
Parker Fleming’s ECKEL rate measures how often a team creates scoring chances, defined as first downs within 40 points of the opposing team. Louisiana’s offense ranks 5th nationally in creating such productive drives, while App State’s defense ranks 102nd in allowing ECKELs.
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Appalachian State vs. Louisiana
Matchup analysis
Toggle the dropdown below to hide or show how Appalachian State and Louisiana match up statistically.
Appalachian State Offense vs. Louisiana State Defense
Louisiana Offense vs Appalachian State Defense
Pace of play/other
 |
||
| PFF Tackle | 95 | 84 |
| Scope of PFF | 121 | 76 |
| Special Team SP+ | 111 | 61 |
| middle school 8 | 72 | 80 |
| seconds per playback | 25.3 (29) | 30.1 (124) |
| rush rate | 44% (116) | 53% (63) |
Appalachian State vs. Louisiana Picks and Predictions
With a veteran and efficient offense taking over a battered defense, Louisiana has a huge advantage.
App State’s outage department was struggling until a natural disaster struck their hometown. There’s no telling how difficult things are for mountaineers.
For Louisiana, the seasons were the other way around. After years of searching for answers, things are starting to settle down, driven by the stability and productivity of the offense under Coach Desormeaux. They have already exorcised the demons of Southern Miss and will now move on to another former tormentor in the previous conference championship game.
As Game On Paper’s radar chart shows, the Cajuns have an advantage off the field and a big advantage when they have the ball.
-13 or higher to line up with Louisiana.
choose: Louisiana -10.5 (Play to -13)
Appalachian State vs. Louisiana start time, channel, streaming and how to watch
| position: | Cajun Field, Lafayette, Louisiana |
| date: | Saturday, October 12th |
| Kickoff time: | 7:30pm ET |
| tv set / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
App State and Louisiana State will meet in Lafayette, Louisiana on Saturday, October 12th at 7:30pm ET on ESPN+.
Appalachian State vs. Louisiana Betting Trends
- Louisiana is 4-1 SU, 2-3 ATS.
- Against Louisiana, the under is 3 wins and 2 losses.
- App status is 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS.
- App State’s game is under with 3 wins and 2 losses.
Appalachian State vs. Louisiana Weather
