Louisiana vs. Texas Predictions, Odds, Preview

Sept. 4, 2021

Jonathan Willis
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Louisiana Ragin Cajuns vs. Texas Longhorns Predictions

(T&C's Apply, 21+, Only in NJ, IA, CO, IN, MI, VA, TN, DC)

Score Prediction - Texas 34 Louisiana 20

Pundits and cheeky football fans alike have circled the September 4 showdown between the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and Texas Longhorns as a potential upset since January. The Ragin’ Cajuns have won double-digit games for two straight seasons and opened 2020 with a road win over Iowa State. Texas has been underwhelming for over a decade now, and a season opening loss to the Steve Sarkisian era would be an ominous start.

Billy Napier has built himself a powerhouse in southern Louisiana. Napier is easily the best recruiter in the Sun Belt, and he has supplemented his roster with several SEC transfers over the last few years. That has led to increased speculation that he will eventually get an SEC job, and he was linked to a couple different openings last cycle.

Levi Lewis emerged as a mobile threat in 2020. Lewis hadn’t shown a lot of mobility in his first three seasons on campus, but he averaged 6.1 YPC when he decided to tuck it and run last season. That helped him overcome a downturn in his accuracy, as he wasn’t as good of a passer in 2020 as he was in 2019.

Texas will have a new signal caller under center. Sam Ehlinger has finally moved on after four years in Austin, opening the door for Hudson Card and Casey Thompson. Steve Sarkisian has announced that Card will start, and Thompson will see some playing time, as these two continue their quarterback competition on Labor Day Weekend.

Fortunately for the Longhorns, Bijan Robinson is one of the most explosive running backs in the country. Robinson averaged 8.2 YPC in 2020, and he is running behind a beefy offensive line with two very good players in Derek Kerstetter and Denzel Okafor. They have the potential to open big holes against this Louisiana front seven.

Louisiana has won seven straight games and 10 of its last 11 games. (AP)

Louisiana Ragin Cajuns vs. Texas Longhorns Best Bets

• Texas -8
• Under 58

Louisiana Ragin Cajuns vs. Texas Longhorns Game Odds

• Louisiana +240
• Texas -300
• Louisiana (+8) -110
• Texas (-8) -110
• Over 58 -110
• Under 58 -110

Odds per BetMGM - Subject to Change

Louisiana Ragin Cajuns vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Resources

• Venue: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
• Location: Austin, Texas
• TV-Time: FOX - 4:30 p.m. ET

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Louisiana Ragin Cajuns vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Analysis

It’s tempting to fall into the trap of thinking that Louisiana can pull off the upset. After all, the Ragin’ Cajuns did knock off Iowa State in Ames last season, and the Cyclones were better than the Longhorns. However, Louisiana only had 272 total yards of offense and 14 first downs in that game, and they benefited from two turnovers and two special teams touchdowns. Texas has too much talent and depth to fall into the same trap this year.

Louisiana Ragin Cajuns vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Trends

• Texas has won two straight games when facing Texas.
• Louisiana has won 11 of its last 12 games.
• Louisiana has won four straight games when facing a school from Texas.
• Louisiana has won five straight non-conference games.