Another very strong season for Louisiana has, unfortunately, cost them their coach. Billy Napier is the new head coach at Florida. As a result, the Ragin’ Cajuns have to go into the Sun Belt Championship Game in a state of transition.
Early in the season, it looked like Coastal Carolina would represent the Sun Belt’s East Division in the title game, but the Mountaineers beat them and went on a run to claim the division. Their only loss in Sun Belt play was a 41-13 loss to the team that they will face for the title.
This is Appalachian State and Louisiana’s third straight appearance in the Sun Belt Championship Game, as last year’s scheduled tilt between the Ragin’ Cajuns and Chanticleers was cancelled due to COVID. The Mountaineers took the first two in 2018 and 2019. Will the third time be the charm for Louisiana?
Sun Belt Championship Game: Appalachian State Mountaineers (10-2) vs Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (11-1), ESPN, 3:30 p.m. ET
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns College Football Betting Odds
Moneyline
- Appalachian State Mountaineers -142
- Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns +126
Total
- OVER 52.5 (-110)
- UNDER 52.5 (-110)
Spread
- Appalachian State Mountaineers -2.5 (-115)
- Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns +2.5 (-105)
College football betting odds for Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 2:23 p.m. ET
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Preview
App State has just two losses on the season, a two-point loss to Miami, and the aforementioned loss to Louisiana. They win with a nicely balanced offense and a defense that holds opponents to just 19 points per game.
The Cajuns and Coastal Carolina have had a lot of success, but the Mountaineers are still the bellwether program in the Sun Belt to me. They are a complete team and are the only program to have won a Sun Belt Championship Game, twice beating Louisiana. Quarterback Chase Brice just has to avoid turnovers for the Mountaineers to be champs once again.
Billy Napier had a lot of success at Louisiana, but the Ragin’ Cajuns don't have a championship game win to put on his list of accomplishments. The primary reason he is gone is that the Cajuns had yet another strong season, with their only loss coming to Texas in their season opener.
Louisiana ran the table in Sun Belt play, though there were definitely some close calls. Five of their wins were by a touchdown or less, so perhaps this program peaked last season despite this season’s gaudy record. It says a lot that they are not favored at home in the title game. These teams are pretty even, and the fact that QB Levi Lewis is less mistake-prone might be the difference.
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Best Bet
Over 52.5
This total is interesting. Louisiana losing their coach is one of those factors that is hard to quantify. In my opinion, it only loosens things up though and that is generally a good thing for offense and totals.
During the season, when these programs met, we had a total of 57.5 for a game that had 54 points scored. I am surprised the number has come down under the actual game score and thus I like the over. The game is in Lafayette, but I am expecting a better performance from Appalachian State in this one. The way they play might chew up the clock, but that running game can be dominant.
