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Through 3 Quarters
The experts predicted a win for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, but it's no sure thing at this point. After three quarters neither squad has the matchup in the bag, but Louisiana leads 28-27 over the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
The Ragin' Cajuns have been riding high on the performance of RB Chris Smith, who has rushed for two TDs and 186 yards on 16 carries. Smith has put himself on the highlight reel with a 74-yard TD scramble in the third quarter.
Arkansas State has been led by QB Layne Hatcher, who so far has passed for three TDs and 295 yards on 28 attempts.
Arkansas State hasn't lost 100% of the games in which they were down heading into the final period this year, so a victory here would be refreshing.
Who's Playing
Louisiana @ Arkansas State
Current Records: Louisiana 5-1; Arkansas State 1-5
What to Know
The Arkansas State Red Wolves haven't won a game against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns since Oct. 19 of 2017, but they'll be looking to end the drought Thursday. The Red Wolves will take on Louisiana at 7:30 p.m. ET at Centennial Bank Stadium after a week off. Allowing an average of 46.67 points per game, Arkansas State has been asleep on the defensive side of the ball and will need to wake up before the matchup.
Arkansas State suffered a grim 52-20 defeat to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers two weeks ago. Arkansas State was in a tough position by the half, with the score already sitting at 24 to nothing. A silver lining for them was the play of WR Te'Vailance Hunt, who caught six passes for one TD and 138 yards. One of the most thrilling moments was Hunt's 63-yard TD reception in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Louisiana ran circles around the Appalachian State Mountaineers last Tuesday, and the extra yardage (464 yards vs. 199 yards) paid off. The Ragin' Cajuns made easy work of Appalachian State and carried off a 41-13 victory. Louisiana's success was spearheaded by the efforts of RB Chris Smith, who punched in two rushing touchdowns, and RB Montrell Johnson, who rushed for one TD and 103 yards on 14 carries.
Louisiana's defense was a force to be reckoned with, as it collected two interceptions and three fumbles. The picks came courtesy of CB Eric Garror and S Brandon Bishop.
Arkansas State is the clear underdog, so they're hoping it's the size of the fight that determines this one. Now might not be the best time to take Arkansas State against the spread since they've let down bettors for the past two consecutive games.
The Red Wolves are now 1-5 while the Ragin' Cajuns sit at a mirror-image 5-1. Louisiana is 4-0 after wins this year, and Arkansas State is 0-4 after losses.
How To Watch
- When: Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Centennial Bank Stadium -- Jonesboro, Arkansas
- TV: ESPN University
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $21.67
Odds
The Ragin' Cajuns are a big 18-point favorite against the Red Wolves, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Ragin' Cajuns as a 17.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -111
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Series History
Louisiana have won four out of their last six games against Arkansas State.
- Nov 07, 2020 - Louisiana 27 vs. Arkansas State 20
- Oct 17, 2019 - Louisiana 37 vs. Arkansas State 20
- Oct 27, 2018 - Louisiana 47 vs. Arkansas State 43
- Oct 19, 2017 - Arkansas State 47 vs. Louisiana 3
- Nov 26, 2016 - Louisiana 24 vs. Arkansas State 19
- Oct 20, 2015 - Arkansas State 37 vs. Louisiana 27
