It was a year of transition for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Coach Billy Napier moved to the Florida Gators last season. Correlate that Napier had led Louisiana to its best era since 2011 through 2014. Napier went 11-3, 10-1, and 13-1 in his final three College Football odds seasons. Hence he elevated the program to a national level. In his last two years, Napier produced final national rankings of 15th and 16th. Thus, rookie head coach Michael Desormeaux stepped into very big shoes. Desormeaux barely attained bowl eligibility with a mark of 6-6.
Houston Cougars vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Independence Bowl
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 23, 2022, 3 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | -6½ (-110) | 60½ (-110) | -250 |  |
| Louisiana | +6½ (-110) | 60½ (-110) | +210 | |
| ||||
Houston vs. Louisiana SBG Odds Overview
At the onset, Houston will get most of the square sportsbook support as the better-known brand from a stronger Conference. Neither team distinguished itself in the eyes of gamblers this season. Wise Guys found both teams frustrating. So that means the underdog may bring more value.
Houston Cougars Team Overview
Last game, the Houston Cougars lost 37-30 against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane as 13-point home favorites. The game went over the total of 66.5. Houston has a record of 7-5 straight up, 4-8 against the spread, and 10-2 over/under the total. Houston ranks 22nd for total offense, 7th for passing, 78th for rushing, and 14th for scoring. Defensively they rank 110th overall, 126th against the pass, 59th against the rush, and 117th for points allowed. Also, Houston ranks 97th for fewest turnovers lost and 105th for takeaways.
Namely, Dana Holgorsen must be a great guy to hang with. What else explains the Houston Cougars putting up with Holgorsen’s record? Previously, Houston bragged that they fired coaches for going 8-4. Except when it applies to Dirty Dana, that is.
In the 2022 season, the Cougars flopped out of the gate to a 1-3 start. To Holgorsen’s credit, Houston rallied with a much stronger second half. Still, the Cougars were nowhere near competing for the American Athletic Conference championship. And their atrocious defense was indicative of a program that is not a serious contender. Houston is bowl eligible. However, Houston donors coaxed Holgorsen from the West Virginia Mountaineers to do much more than go to minor bowl games.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Team Overview
Last game, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns won 41-13 against the Texas State Bobcats as 5-point road favorites. The game went over the total of 43.5. Louisiana has a record of 6-6 straight up, 7-5 against the spread, and 6-6 over/under the total. Louisiana ranks 87th for total offense, 75th for passing, 80th for rushing, and 77th for scoring. Defensively they rank 48th overall, 60th against the pass, 50th against the rush, and 37th for points allowed. Also, Louisiana ranks 56th for fewest turnovers lost and 11th for takeaways.
Chandler Fields threw two touchdown passes. Thus, Louisiana became bowl eligible. Fields gave Louisiana-Lafayette the lead for good in the first quarter. To show, he threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Chris Smith for a 7-3 lead with 5:35 left in the first quarter. Fields connected on 16 of 26 passes for 187 yards with one interception for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Houston vs. Louisiana SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Louisiana brings more potential value with the College Football odds.
Houston vs. Louisiana SBG Best Bet: Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.