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Ohio vs Louisiana Odds, Spread and Prediction – September 16th

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in College Football

Updated Sep 16, 2021 · 8:21 AM PDT

Levi Lewis delivers a pass
Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Levi Lewis (1) during an NCAA college football game against the Texas, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
  • Louisiana is a 20-point home favorite over Ohio on Thursday (September 16th, 8 pm ET) at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana
  • The Ragin’ Cajuns earned a 27-24 win over Nicholls in Week 2, while Ohio fell 28-26 to Duquesne
  • Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

The NFL isn’t the only football worth sweating on Thursday (September 16th), as 1-1 Louisiana hosts 0-2 Ohio in the collegiate ranks. The Ragin’ Cajuns earned their first win of the season in Week 2, while the Bobcats suffered a heartbreaking loss on their home field.

Neither team has looked especially strong over the first couple weeks – more on that later, but despite the shaky starts for both programs oddsmakers aren’t expecting a close game.

Louisiana is a 20-point home favorite, in a game that features a total of 57.5. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm ET at Cajun Field, with ESPN providing the TV coverage.

Ohio vs Louisiana Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Ohio Bobcats +750 +20 (-110) O 57.5 (-110)
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns -1250 -20 (-110) U 57.5 (-110)

Odds as of  Sept. 13th at DraftKings.

The forecast however, does not look promising. Heavy rain is expected throughout the day and into the evening, with risk of a thunderstorm.

 

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An Underwhelming Start

Expectations were high for the Ragin’ Cajuns entering the season, but so far the team has fallen flat. They were ranked 23rd in the AP poll heading into Week 1 and were promptly waxed by #21 Texas. Last week, it looked like they had a gimme on their schedule with FCS program Nicholls in town, but Louisiana had to fight tooth and nail just to escape with a 3-point victory.

Now, they’ll face another inferior opponent on paper, but will they live up to their potential? In order to do so, they’ll need more from their offense. Louisiana is averaging only 22.5 points and 376.5 total yards per game. Senior QB Levi Lewis is completing 64% of his throws, but has just three touchdown passes to show for it.

The run game meanwhile, has been stuck in neutral. Chris Smith is the only player who’s reached 100 total rushing yards, while the team has produced just one rush TD and 3.2 yards per carry.

The Ragin’ Cajuns have been even more underwhelming on defense. They’ve allowing 475.5 yards per game, including 321 yards through the air. They’ve yielded six passing touchdowns through two weeks, and have forced just a single turnover.

Fortunately for them, Ohio is not built to expose their leaky defense.

Bobcats Declawed at Home

The Bobcats are now the answer to the question: name the first FBS team to ever lose to Duquesne? Ohio fell 28-26 to the FCS program in Week 2, failing to convert a two-point attempt in the dying seconds to force overtime.

The Bobcats started the season with a 29-9 loss to Syracuse and have scored only four touchdowns all season. They average only 326.5 total yards per game, and lack elite playmakers in the run and pass game.

Starting QB Kurtis Rourke has racked up only 310 passing yards through two weeks, and a single touchdown. The run game has been slightly better, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and features their biggest home run threat in De’Montre Tuggle. The senior scored two touchdowns in the loss to the Dukes, including this kick-off return to open the game.

Defensively, Ohio is especially vulnerable on the ground. They yield an average of 233.5 rushing yards per game, and have yet to force a turnover this season.

Ohio vs Louisiana Pick

Neither team has shown an offensive ceiling, despite each facing an FCS opponent last week. 57.5 points seems like a big number to get over on, especially if the weather ends up being as nasty as the forecast suggests.

The under is 16-5-1 in Louisiana’s last 22 games, and a contest at Cajun Field has eclipsed 57 points just once since September 14, 2019.

Pick: Under 57.5 (-110)

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