FBS Newcomer Jax St. Out to Prove it Belongs in New Orleans Bowl
2023 New Orleans Bowl Odds: Total of 56.5 Highest on Slate
The New Orleans Bowl kicks off this upcoming Saturday. We’ve got the latest updates on lines, injuries, departures and weather right here:
Louisiana opened as 1.5-point favorites, but within the span of less than 24 hours, the line flipped in Jacksonville State’s direction. The Gamecocks, who are bowl-bound in their first year as an FBS program, quickly took over as 1-point favorites and climbed as high as -4. While the line was bet back down to -1.5 at the beginning of this week, Jacksonville State had settled in as 2.5-point favorites on the eve of kickoff. The Gamecocks have also climbed to -142 on the moneyline, with Louisiana coming in at +120.
The line shift is worth noting. For the most part, both teams have avoided players transferring out. Thus, their rosters should be close to whole come kickoff.
Louisiana is, however, dealing with a few injuries that could tip the scales in Jacksonville State’s favor. Ben Woodridge began the season as Louisiana’s starting quarterback, but he hurt his foot in the third game of the year. In stepped freshman Zeon Chriss, who played well during seven games as a starter. But he too got injured, leaving the Ragin’ Cajuns to turn to fifth-year junior Chander Fields. While Fields has been productive (914 yards, 7 TD, 3 INT), the Ragin’ Cajuns have gone 1-3 in his four starts. As such, the majority of bettors are siding with the steadier option in Jacksonville State.
The Over/Under, meanwhile, has risen from 56.5 to 58.5, making it one of the highest projected totals of bowl season.
Now, check out the rest of the New Orleans Bowl preview, originally published on December 5:
FBS newcomer Jacksonville State will make its bowl debut against Louisiana in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for Dec. 16 at the Caesars Superdome.
The Gamecocks are 3-point favorites (-112) and -162 on the moneyline, while the Ragin’ Cajuns are +3 (-108) on the spread and +136 to win outright. Meanwhile, the Over/Under is 56.5 (-110 Over, -110 Under), one of the higher projected totals on the bowl slate. *Note (game has dropped to a pick em at some sites).
The New Orleans Bowl has been played annually since 2001. Last year’s edition saw Western Kentucky beat South Alabama defeat 44-23.
What can bettors expect? Read on as we break down the 2023 New Orleans Bowl odds.
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Information
Jacksonville State vs Louisiana 
Day/Time:
Location: Caesars Superdome; New Orleans
Stream: ESPN / ESPN+
Quick Rise for Jacksonville State
Jacksonville State beat expectations in its first year at the FBS level, going 8-4. While FBS transition rules typically prohibit newcomers like Jacksonville State from postseason play, an exception was made for both the Gamecocks and 11-1 James Madison because of a shortage of six-win teams in the NCAAF standings.
For that same reason, Jacksonville State was ineligible to compete for a Conference USA title. The Gamecocks wound up finishing third in the conference with a league record of 6-2, behind No. 18 Liberty and New Mexico State. They’re coming off a 20-17 loss to the Aggies on Nov. 25.
Jacksonville State distinguished itself as one of the most profitable teams for bettors this season, going 8-3-1 against the spread. The Gamecocks’ 72.7% cover rate was tied with three other schools for the fourth highest in FBS. When favored, the Gamecocks were 4-2 ATS and 5-1 SU. They weren’t nearly as proficient against the Over/Under, covering the total in just five of their 12 games.
While that may have discouraged some bettors, it’s hard to find much fault in Jacksonville State’s resume. The Gamecocks’ four losses came against Coastal Carolina, Liberty, South Carolina and New Mexico State, teams with a combined record of 35-16. Those teams are all going bowling with the exception of 5-7 South Carolina, Jacksonville State’s lone Power Five opponent.
After needing some help to qualify, Jacksonville State will be plenty motivated to prove it belongs on the NCAAF bowl schedule. This seems like just the start for Rich Rodriguez’s team.
Departures & Injuries
Senior Zion Webb has gotten the bulk of work at quarterback recently, succeeding junior Logan Smothers. Webb is just a 50% passer but has been formidable with his legs, rushing for 638 yards and seven touchdowns on 116 carries (5.5 yards per carry). That’s the second most on the team behind Malik Jackson (860 yards).
No stranger to the postseason, Rodriguez will be making his 12th bowl appearance and the first since 2017 with Arizona (Foster Farms Bowl). Rodriguez, now in his 17th season of coaching, also qualified with West Virginia and Michigan.
Ragin’ Cajuns Fading Down the Stretch
After three straight losses to start November put Louisiana’s postseason hopes in peril, the Ragin’ Cajuns cashed in on their last chance to qualify. They beat Louisiana-Monroe 52-21 in their regular-season finale on Nov. 25 to reach the six-win threshold.
This will be the sixth straight bowl appearance for Louisiana (6-6, 3-5 Sun Belt Conference). Last season, the Ragin’ Cajuns went 6-7 and lost 23-16 to Houston in the Independence Bowl. It’s also the third consecutive trip under head coach Michael Desormeaux.
Louisiana went just 5-7 ATS, but 3-1 (2-2 SU) as an underdog. It’s covered each of the last two games, so perhaps the best is still to come. The Ragin’ Cajuns have also gone Over the projected total in three straight games and seven times overall.
Of course, that’s partly a product of Louisiana’s shortcomings on defense. The Ragin’ Cajuns are 84th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 28.1 points. Three of their last four opponents have topped 30 points. Keep that in mind when assessing the 2023 New Orleans Bowl odds.
Departures & Injuries
It’s been a juggling act at quarterback for Louisiana. Three different quarterbacks have attempted at least 69 passes this season, led by freshman Zeon Chriss (1,222 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT). But junior Chandler Fields has been the guy of late. Fields was 18 of 20 for 246 yards and two touchdowns against Louisiana-Monroe and is a 70.9% passer on the season. He’s also been sacked 11 times in five games.
Oddsmakers Backing Jacksonville State
Louisiana has won the New Orleans Bowl a record five times, most recently in 2021 when it defeated Marshall 36-21. The Ragin’ Cajuns finished that season ranked 16th in the AP poll. Jacksonville State, meanwhile, is a newcomer to the postseason.
The 2023 New Orleans Bowl odds don’t reflect that. Jacksonville State is favored for the fourth time in five weeks. Bettors may be skeptical of the Gamecocks because of their relatively seamless transition to FBS competition. But if nothing else, they’ve proven difficult to play.
For NCAAF odds, betting news, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine
