Louisiana Ragin Cajuns (5-1, 3-1 SBC) vs Arkansas State Red Wolves (3-4, 1-3 SBC)

Date/Time: Saturday, November 7th, 11:00 a.m.

TV: ESPNU (Play-By-Play: Dave Neal/Analyst: D.J. Shockley)

Radio: ESPN 1420AM (Play-By-Play: Jay Walker/Analyst: Gerald Broussard/Sideline: Cody Junot)

Location: Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA

Betting Line: O/U 68 Louisiana-14

All-Time Series Record: Louisiana leads 25-20 (won last two)

Louisiana Preview

Homecoming is special for every college football team, and Homecoming in Cajun Country is no different. Saturday’s kickoff against conference rival Arkansas State will be a day full of reunions and great football. Billy Napier looks to get back to winning ways at home after not being at home since the Coastal Carolina loss. Now, with 3 straight games in the friendly confines of Cajun Field, Louisiana looks to stake their claim at the head of the proverbial table that is the Sun Belt West.

Louisiana had a big win last week against Texas State, compiling over 600 yards of total offense. However, four turnovers and 123 yards in penalties are two stats they would love to get past. Levi Lewis had his best performance of the season, going 22-32 for 332 yards, 3 touchdowns and one interception. Trey Ragas also had his coming out party, getting 119 yards and 3 touchdowns on 19 carries.

In the receiver corps, Kyren Lacy and Errol Rogers Jr have been great assets to the offense in their rookie campaign, both having combined for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns in their freshman seasons.

Defensively for Louisiana, Lorenzo McCaskill, Ferrod Gardner, Joe Dillon, Percy Butler, and Bralen Trahan are just a few names to look for. McCaskill is currently averaging nine tackles a game (46th nationally). Bralen Trahan has three interceptions on the year, which leads the country (with 18 others). Eric Garror comes in second nationally with two interceptions. Louisiana is currently 42nd nationally in total defense.

Arkansas State Preview

Arkansas State has struggled mightily this season. After being in nine straight bowl games, they have started 2020 at 3-4. Defensive struggles have been the biggest problem for the Red Wolves, allowing nearly 500 yards of offense a game and 40 points a game. Blake Anderson fired their defensive coordinator and defensive passing game coordinator halfway through this season because of their struggles and are now looking to rebuild.

Offense is not an issue in Jonesboro. Logan Bonner and Layne Hatcher are two excellent quarterbacks, which is probably why they can’t pick one to be the starter. Also, the Red Wolves might have one of the best receiving corps in the country with Johnathon Adams Jr, Dahu Green, and Brandon Bowling.

Prediction

Look for Louisiana to thrash the weaker Red Wolves defense. Using both ground and air attacks, the Cajuns will be able to score points almost at will for Homecoming. Defensively for the Cajuns, slow down the passing attack that Hatcher/Bonner put together with the three-headed receiver monster.

For the Red Wolves, you have to find a way to slow down the high-powered Cajuns offense. Look for ways to pressure Levi Lewis and get him out of his rhythm early. Offensively, attack the weak side of the Louisiana secondary and force them into penalties and needless mistakes.

Prediction: Louisiana rolls 42-17.