Louisiana vs. TCU New Mexico Bowl Betting Preview

Louisiana-Lafayette and TCU meet in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday with the Horned Frogs coming in as a -10.5 favorite.  The line on this game has dropped from -13.5.

Line Analysis, Action and Comparables

The latter line of -10.5 makes more sense based on Sagarin's number that comes in on that mark.

Comparables include the following:

• Penn State -11.5 to -10 Minnesota (Penn State 8.96 Overlay) - Dog covers.
• Miami (-12) -11.5 to -10.5 Georgia Tech (Miami 10.15 On The Money) - Dog covers.
• Louisville (+12) +11  to +10.5 Clemson - 80% plus action on Clemson - (Clemson 8.83 Overlay) - Dog covers.

Winners and Whiners Pick

From Winners and Whiners:

"The easiest way to attack Louisiana's defense is on the ground, especially with Glass gone. However, TCU only gained 3.7 yards per carry and 114.3 rushing yards per game this season. The Horned Frogs also won't have Cook, their top rusher. Trying to throw consistently on the Ragin' Cajuns is tough enough without accounting for TCU's WR injuries.

"Meanwhile, Louisiana can take advantage of TCU's shaky run defense. With Woolridge back under center, the Ragin' Cajuns are threatening enough through the air that the Horned Frogs can't stack the box. They'll bust out every trick since they're underdogs with nothing to lose. Bet on Louisiana to beat the spread this Saturday."

News and Notes

• In the first meeting between the two schools, the Ragin’ Cajuns (10-3) are playing in a seventh consecutive bowl game and looking to reach 11 or more wins for only the third time, while the Horned Frogs (8-4) can get to exactly nine wins for the first time since 1955.
• Both teams possess high-flying offenses — TCU averaged 33.4 points a game and Louisiana-Lafayette 33.1.
• Ragin Cajun's Lou Groza Award winner Kenneth Almendares is the country’s best kicker. He hit 27-of-29 attempts and did not miss inside 50 yards.