The Sun Belt Conference takes the national stage in the college football world on Thursday evening. The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns visit the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the seventh game of the 2021 season for both teams. Louisiana is 5-1 this season, entering Thursday’s contest on a five-game winning streak. Arkansas State, meanwhile, is just 1-5, including an 0-2 mark in conference play.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET in Jonesboro, Ark. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Ragin’ Cajuns as 18-point road favorites, while the over-under, or total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, is 70 in the latest Louisiana vs. Arkansas State odds. Before making any Arkansas State vs. Louisiana picks, you need to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past five-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $3,700 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. It also enters Week 8 of the 2021 season on a 22-9 run on all top-rated college football side picks. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has locked in on Louisiana vs. Arkansas State and revealed its picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are the college football odds and trends for Arkansas State vs. Louisiana:
- Louisiana vs. Arkansas State spread: Louisiana -18
- Louisiana vs. Arkansas State over-under: 70 points
- Louisiana vs. Arkansas State money line: Louisiana -900, Ark. St. +600
- LA: The Ragin’ Cajuns are 2-4 against the spread this season
- ASU: The Red Wolves are 3-3 against the spread in 2021
Featured Game | Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Why Louisiana can cover
Louisiana’s offense is very strong, and it provides the stability that has led to five straight wins. The Ragin’ Cajuns are No. 3 in the Sun Belt in scoring offense, averaging 30.5 points per game, and Louisiana is a top-four team in both total offense (405 yards per game) and rushing offense (179.3 yards per game). The Ragin’ Cajuns are highly efficient on the ground, averaging 4.8 yards per carry with 15 rushing touchdowns in six games.
Through the air, Louisiana has nine touchdown passes and only two interceptions, with only nine sacks allowed in six games. Quarterback Levi Lewis leads the offense with top-five marks in the Sun Belt in completions, completion rate, passing yards, yards per attempt and passing touchdowns. Arkansas State has the Sun Belt’s worst defense this season, and the stage is set for a prolific offensive performance from Louisiana.
Why Arkansas State can cover
Arkansas State has a potent offense of its own. In fact, Arkansas State leads the Sun Belt in passing offense, generating 356.7 yards per game through the air, and the Red Wolves also rank No. 2 in the conference with 17 passing touchdowns. Overall, the Red Wolves rank No. 3 in total offense, putting up 436.2 yards per game, and No. 4 in scoring offense, producing 30.0 points per contest.
Arkansas State is reliant on its passing game, but the Red Wolves can find solace in having a pair of top-tier wide receivers. Corey Rucker and Te’Vailance Hunt both land in the top five of the Sun Belt in receptions and in the top 10 in receiving yards, putting pressure on the Louisiana defense to match their firepower.
How to make Arkansas State vs. Louisiana picks
The model says to go under the total as the teams combine for 65 points in the simulations. It also says one side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of the time. You can see which side to back at SportsLine.
So who wins Louisiana vs. Arkansas State? And which side of the spread is hitting well over 50 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine right now to see which side of the spread to back, all from the advanced model on a 22-9 run on its top-rated college football side picks, and find out.
