LendingTree Bowl Prediction
The LendingTree Bowl features one of the biggest spreads of the bowl season as Louisiana-Lafayette takes on Miami (Ohio). Who will get the cover tonight at 7:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
LendingTree Bowl
279 Miami (Ohio) vs. 280 Louisiana-Lafayette
Monday, January 6, 2020
7:30PM ET – Ladd-Peebles Stadium
TV: ESPN
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NCAAF Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Louisiana is the clear favorite in this game, as the Ragin Cajuns are getting odds of -14 points against Miami. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 55 points. The public betting currently has 57 percent going on Louisiana as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Miami the MAC champs
Miami closed out its season by winning six of its last seven games, including a 26-21 victory over Central Michigan in the MAC Championship Game. The RedHawks are 8-5 on the year, 7-6 against the spread and 7-6 with the under.
The RedHawks really struggled to move the ball this year, putting up just 24.7 points and 307.4 yards per game. Defensively, Miami gave up just 19.9 points and 373.4 yards per contest. Brett Gabbert has thrown for 2,163 yards and 11 touchdowns to lead the offense, but also has eight interceptions. Jaylon Bester is the team’s leading rusher with 689 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jack Sorenson is the top receiver with 34 catches for 461 yards.
Lafayette with 10-win season
Louisiana is coming off a strong season where it won 10 games, but the Cajuns did suffer a 45-38 loss at Appalachian State in the Sun Belt Championship a month ago. The Cajuns are 10-3 on the season, 9-4 against the spread and 7-6 with the under.
The Cajuns have one of the best offenses in the nation, putting up 38.8 points and 501.3 yards per game this season. Defensively, Lafayette is allowing just 19.9 points and 373.4 yards per contest. The Cajuns have a great ground attack, as three backs have nearly 800 yards or more and have combined for 32 touchdowns. Elijah Mitchell is leading the way with 1,092 yards and 15 scores while Raymond Calais has 867 yards and six scores. Trey Ragas is adding 796 yards and 11 touchdowns. Levi Lewis has thrown for 2,804 yards and 24 touchdowns with just four interceptions.
College Football Betting Trends
Miami
The RedHawks are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games as an underdog, but 2-10 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
Louisiana
The Cajuns are 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 games as a favorite and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games on a neutral field.
Prediction:
The spread is large, but Miami tends to lose big when it loses. The RedHawks lost by 14 at Ball State, by 22 at Western Michigan, by 71 at Ohio State, by 22 at Cincinnati and by 24 at Iowa. I think it’s going to be hard for the RedHawks to compete with this Louisiana offense. The Cajuns have the ability to pick up chunk plays frequently and Miami doesn’t have a shutdown defense to stop it. I also don’t see Miami having enough offensive firepower to get into a shootout. This game could get ugly.
LendingTree Bowl Prediction: Louisiana -14
Related: LendingTree Bowl Total Prediction