Troy vs Louisiana Prediction, Odds and NCAAF Picks for Today

The Sun Belt will feature an interesting matchup between two solid teams in the conference when the Troy Trojans travel to take on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Troy is 1-0 in conference games after they put 55 points on the board against Southern Mississippi in their last game. The offense totaled 662 yards, with 437 of those yards coming on the ground. Quarterback Goose Crowder is the engine to this offense, throwing for 225 yards and two touchdowns while also running for another 145 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Louisiana is 1-1 in conference after dropping their previous game against Louisiana Tech in a high-scoring 32-31 contest. Louisiana led this game by double digits in the 4th quarter but ended up losing after Louisiana stormed back and won with a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the game. The Ragin’ Cajuns will get the opportunity to bounce back on their home field as they attempt to slow down Crowder and Troy.

Troy loves to move the football on the ground. The Trojans have succeeded all season, rushing for an average of 220.4 yards per game on the ground. Crowder’s ability to scramble and pick up yards with his legs makes defenses have to game-plan for both his arm and his legs. Crowder also has a trio of running backs behind him that have all rushed for 250 yards or more so far this season. Louisiana’s game plan needs to revolve around containing Crowder and making him one-dimensional. Earlier this season, both Missouri and Utah State succeeded at limiting Crowder’s rushing yards. As a result, Crowder only completed around 50% of his passes and threw four interceptions in those two games. The good news for Louisiana is its defense has excelled against the rush this season. The Ragin’ Cajuns have surrendered an average of 100 rushing yards per game this year, and their big men have been winning at the line of scrimmage. Troy has not won on the road this season so far, going 0-for-2, and I don’t believe it will get its first win this weekend in this bounce-back spot for Louisiana.

Troy vs Louisiana prediction: Louisiana -4 (-108) available at time of publishing. Playable to -4.5 (-110).