Louisiana could have its starting quarterback back in the fold for the New Mexico Bowl, giving the Ragin' Cajuns every opportunity to battle TCU in a closer matchup than the high point spread suggests.
As part of our predictions for college games this week, our prediction for Louisiana vs TCU in the New Mexico Bowl suggests that the Ragin' Cajuns' consistent offense will use TCU's mediocre defense to keep the matchup close.
Louisiana and TCU (-9.5) will meet in the New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium in Albuquerque on Saturday at 2:15 ET (ESPN).
Our bowl game waiver tracker will bring you the latest waiver news and its impact on college bowl game odds.
Louisiana vs. TCU - predictions and top picks: New Mexico Bowl
Soccer predictions are based on odds from our top soccer betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
Against the Spread: Louisiana +10.5 (-110 via BetMGM) vs. TCU ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My top pick: Lance LeGendre over 62.5 yards (-115 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Louisiana vs. TCU ATS Matchup Prediction
Louisiana to play by a score differential: +10.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: -110 at BetMGM | Estimated probability: 52.38%
As noted by Rob Paul in the SBR Bowl Waiver Tracker, local reports indicate that Louisiana will return QB Ben Wooldridge to the New Mexico Bowl. That could present the Ragin' Cajuns as a valuable side given the lopsided nature of this spread.
Wooldridge's return could energize Louisiana's offense
The senior quarterback has missed the last few games due to injury, but Louisiana has gone 8-1 in the nine games he has played. Of those eight wins under Wooldridge, the Ragin' Cajuns have won by double-digit scores six times.
Even if Wooldridge can't return to the field as expected, TCU's defense, which is allowing 28.8 points per game (83rd in FBS), could be the element that helps Louisiana (7-6 ATS) hold up against a spread that has grown to +10.5 at BetMGM.
The Horned Frogs are off a 5-7 ATS mark this season and are missing several wide receivers due to injuries, as well as their starting running back and center due to transfer portals.
Louisiana vs TCU is the best pick
Our new soccer odds tool will help you find the best odds for any market among legal sports bettors in your area!
Lance LeGendre over 62.5 yards receiving (-115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: -115 via be365 | Estimated odds: 53.49%
The Horned Frogs' defensive efficiency is outside the top-50, and they could be susceptible to a Louisiana offense that ranks 27th nationally in efficiency. Louisiana's offense has averaged 252.0 yards passing per game this season.
One of the key elements of the Ragin' Cajuns' offense is receiver Lance LeGendre, whose 17.0 yards per reception make him a viable candidate to surpass his total on Saturday.
LeGendre has had more than 62.5 yards receiving in six of his last 10 games. In five separate games, he has used his big-play ability to generate 30-plus yards receiving, speeding his way to a productive day without needing a lot of receptions.
Odds for the start of the Louisiana vs TCU match:
Louisiana: +9.5 (-110)
TCU: -9.5 (-110)
New Mexico Bowl game information
When: Saturday, Dec. 28
Kickoff: 2:15 p.m. ET
Where: University Stadium (Albuquerque, N.M.)
How to watch: ESPN
Weather: 48 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, wind 8 mph northwest.
Favorite: TCU -9.5 (-115 on FanDuel)
