Louisiana heads to Charlotte to take on the 49ers and the Cajuns won’t be the only the thing that’s Ragin’, the score will be too. These 2 teams may not be household names, but this matchup has the potential to quietly produce one of the more entertaining games on the board this Saturday.
Louisiana enters the game averaging 29.7 points and 389 total yards per contest, including an impressive 204.7 rushing yards per game. The Ragin' Cajuns have already scored 30 points against USC, ranked #14 in the nation, and 38 against Lamar, proving they can move the ball against a variety of opponents. Meanwhile, Charlotte is allowing 36.7 points per game and over 418 total yards per contest, numbers that suggest Louisiana should have opportunities to generate sustained drives and to put a lot of points on the board.
The 49ers have their own reasons for optimism offensively. Despite their 0-3 record, Charlotte is averaging 23.7 points and 369 total yards per game, led by quarterback Cole Gonzales' 661 passing yards through three contests. I watched a couple of their games, and Gonzales looks like a complete competitor, one who isn’t afraid to use his legs as well. Louisiana's defense has been respectable, allowing 23.3 points per game, but it has also surrendered 49 points in its toughest test of the season against USC. Considering the matchup, it arguably could have gone worse for the Cajuns, but it also showed their defense has vulnerabilities.
If Louisiana approaches its season average and Charlotte contributes somewhere in the low-to-mid 20s at home, this game has a realistic path to finishing above 48.5 points. A scoreline in the neighborhood of 31-21 or 34-17 feels well within reach, making the over a very reasonable position to take.
Charlotte vs Louisiana prediction: Over 48.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 49.5 -115.
