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The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will see the Houston Cougars and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns hit the field on Friday, December 23, 2022. The matchup kicks off at 3:00 PM ET and airs on ESPN.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are underdogs, but by less than a touchdown (+6.5), versus the Cougars (with an over/under of 60.5 points).
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Game Info and Betting Lines for Houston vs. Louisiana
- Game Day: Friday, December 23, 2022
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
- Stadium: Independence Stadium
| Favorite | Spread | Favorite Spread Odds | Underdog Spread Odds | Total | Over Total Odds | Under Total Odds | Favorite Moneyline | Underdog Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougars | -6.5 | -110 | -110 | 60.5 | -110 | -110 | -270 | +215 |
Houston Betting Insights
- Louisiana has gone 7-5-0 ATS this year.
- Louisiana is a 2-1 record against the spread when an underdog by 6.5 points or more this season.
- The teams have hit the over in six of Louisiana’s 12 games with a set total.
Houston Stats & Insights
- Houston sports the 20th-best offense this season in terms of total yards (463.8 yards per game), but rank 22nd-worst on the defensive side of the ball (429.9 yards allowed per game).
- While Houston ranks 15th-worst in the FBS in scoring defense with 33.5 points allowed per game, the team has been better with the ball, ranking 14th-best in the FBS in scoring (37.2 points per game).
- While Houston ranks sixth-worst in the FBS in passing defense with 285.7 passing yards allowed per game, it’s been a different story offensively, as the offensive unit ranks seventh-best in the FBS (321.1 passing yards per game).
- From an offensive standpoint, Houston ranks 77th in the FBS with 142.7 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, the defensive unit ranks 59th in rushing yards allowed per contest (144.3).
- While Houston ranks 17th-worst in the FBS in third-down efficiency on defense with a 44.3% third-down conversion rate allowed, it’s been a different story on offense, where the Cougars rank 13th-best in the FBS (47.5% third-down percentage).
- Houston owns the 100th-ranked turnover margin in college football at -7, forcing 11 turnovers (118th in the FBS) while turning it over 18 times (86th in the FBS).
Houston’s Best Players
- Clayton Tune has been a dual threat for Houston so far this season. He has 3,845 passing yards, completing 67.4% of his passes and tossing 37 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions this season. He’s rushed for 492 yards (41.0 ypg) on 117 carries with five rushing touchdowns.
- Stacy Sneed has collected 489 yards on 70 attempts, scoring five times.
- Nathaniel Dell has hauled in 103 receptions for 1,354 yards (112.8 yards per game) to lead the team so far this season. He’s found the end zone 15 times as a receiver.
- Matthew Golden has caught 36 passes for 567 yards (56.7 yards per game) and seven touchdowns this year.
- KeSean Carter has been the target of zero passes and hauled in 36 grabs for 507 yards, an average of 46.1 yards per contest. He’s found the end zone four times through the air this season.
- D’Anthony Jones leads the team with six sacks, and also has 10 TFL and 32 tackles.
- Houston’s tackle leader, Donavan Mutin, has 76 tackles and four TFL this year.
- Jayce Rogers has a team-leading two interceptions to go along with 35 tackles, two TFL, and three passes defended.
Louisiana Betting Insights
- Louisiana has a 7-5-0 record against the spread this season.
- Louisiana is a 2-1 record against the spread when an underdog by 6.5 points or more this season.
- Six of Louisiana’s 12 games with a set total have hit the over (50%).
Louisiana Stats & Insights
- In terms of total offense, Louisiana ranks 83rd in the FBS (367.8 total yards per game) and 48th defensively (361.6 total yards allowed per game).
- With 27.0 points per game on the offensive side of the ball, Louisiana ranks 77th in the FBS. Defensively, it ranks 36th, giving up 22.8 points per contest.
- Louisiana ranks 76th in the FBS with 222.1 passing yards per contest on offense, and it ranks 59th with 218.9 passing yards allowed per contest on defense.
- With 145.8 rushing yards per game on offense, Louisiana ranks 70th in the FBS. Defensively it ranks 54th, surrendering 142.7 rushing yards per game.
- Louisiana ranks 63rd in the FBS with a 39.4% third-down conversion percentage on offense, and 89th with a 41.0% third-down percentage allowed on defense.
- Louisiana has thrived in terms of turnovers, as the team’s turnover margin of +8 ranks 16th-best in the FBS, with 23 forced turnovers (10th in the nation) and 15 turnovers committed (45th in the nation).
Louisiana’s Best Players
- Ben Wooldridge has put up 1,627 passing yards, or 162.7 per game, so far this season. He has completed 56.1% of his passes and has collected 15 touchdowns with five interceptions. He’s also contributed on the ground with 18.9 rushing yards per game while scoring as a runner two times.
- Chris Smith has rushed for 581 yards on 112 carries so far this year while scoring three times on the ground. He’s also added 20 catches, totaling 151 yards and one touchdown in the passing game.
- Terrence Williams has piled up 365 yards (on 99 carries) with one touchdown.
- Michael Jefferson’s 810 receiving yards (67.5 yards per game) are a team high. He has 51 receptions on zero targets with seven touchdowns.
- Neal Johnson has caught 22 passes and compiled 275 receiving yards (22.9 per game) with two touchdowns.
- John Stephens Jr.’s zero targets have resulted in 11 receptions for 237 yards and three touchdowns.
- Zi’Yon Hill has racked up six sacks to pace the team, while also picking up 11 TFL and 38 tackles.
- Jourdon Quibodeaux, Louisiana’s top tackler, has 79 tackles and one TFL this year.
- Bralen Trahan leads the team with four interceptions, while also collecting 62 tackles and three passes defended.
