The University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (4-4, 2-3 SBC) play host to the Troy University Trojans (6-2, 4-1 SBC) at Cajun Field on Saturday for a matchup that pits one of the Sun Belt Conference’s best passing defenses against one of its most potent aerial offenses. The Trojans are 5.5-point favorites, and the total is 43.
Troy is coming off a 10-6 win over South Alabama at Hancock Whitney Stadium on October 20, their fifth straight victory. Jarret Doege threw for 84 yards and an interception. DK Billingsley ran 19 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. Tez Johnson caught four passes for 57 yards.
Louisiana lost 39-24 to Southern Miss at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium last Thursday. Ben Wooldridge was 22 of 47 for 370 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Chris Smith carried 11 times for 47 yards. Michael Jefferson scored once. He hauled in six receptions for 179 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Ragin’ Cajuns won the only game between the teams last season, a 35-21 victory in November. Levi Lewis threw three touchdowns for Louisiana.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Trojans are averaging 22.5 points per game for the season, 105th in FBS, and they are facing a Ragin’ Cajuns defense that has surrendered 21.5 PPG (30th). Meanwhile, Louisiana has scored 26.6 points a game this season, 83rd in the nation, and Troy is allowing 17.6 PPG (16th).
The Trojans rank as one of the country’s worst teams in rushing yards per game (93.3, 120th), while they are 22nd in passing yards (290.9). The Ragin’ Cajuns are 47th in passing yards allowed per game (215.5) and 43rd against the run (126.5).Louisiana is 62nd in the nation in passing yards per game (245.5) and 105th in rushing (121.6).
Troy’s defense is likely to present a challenge on the ground, as the Trojans are 14th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (101.3). Against the pass, the Trojans are 61st (227.9).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through seven games, Gunnar Watson has thrown for six touchdowns (7 INT) and 249.3 yards per game to lead Troy in passing. In four away games this season, he has one TD (3 INT) and an average of 208.2 yards passing.
DK Billingsley leads the team in rushing with an average of 59.0 yards a game over eight games. He has four touchdowns on the ground. Tez Johnson is the Trojans’ leading receiver with 76.6 yards a game and three TDs.
Ben Wooldridge has 12 passing touchdowns (4 INT) with 169.5 yards per game through eight games to lead Louisiana. In four home games this season, he has thrown for eight TDs (1 INT) and an average of 160.8 yards.
Chris Smith has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 52.0 yards a game through six games. He has two touchdowns. Michael Jefferson has been a key target in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ aerial attack. He has five touchdowns and a 70.8 yard per game average through eight appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
Troy (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
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