LendingTree Bowl Total Pick
The final “bowl” of the 2019-20 bowl season takes place on Monday night when Louisiana and Miami (Ohio) meet up in the LendingTree Bowl at 7:30PM ET. Will it be a high-scoring game?
Game Snapshot & Odds
LendingTree Bowl
279 Miami (Ohio) vs. 280 Louisiana-Lafayette
Monday, January 6, 2020
7:30PM ET – Ladd-Peebles Stadium
TV: ESPN
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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 54.5 points. The public betting currently has 58 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.
Lafayette falls in Sun Belt final
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.
Miami takes the MAC
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.
College Football Betting Trends
Louisiana
The Cajuns are 6-2 with the under in their last eight games overall, but 6-2 with the over in their last eight against MAC opponents.
Miami
The RedHawks are 6-1 with the under in their last seven on a neutral field and 6-1 with the under in their last seven games following a win.
Prediction:
Lafayette has a great offense and it will be playing in Sun Belt territory on Monday against Miami. The Cajuns were able to go toe-to-toe with a good App State team in the conference championship game and have scored at least 31 in seven straight. Miami has good defensive numbers, but I think they will struggle to get stops. The RedHawks are going to have to find ways to score to win this game, which means they may get a little tricky. Miami also has a good special teams, which could create some short fields and allow them to help hit the over.
LendingTree Bowl Prediction: Louisiana/Miami Over 54.5