First Responder Bowl: UTSA vs Louisiana Picks

College football betting doesn’t always present us with the best matchups, and really, that’s the point of throwing down some cash in the first place. You need something to make the game a little more enticing, so why not try to win some money?

Well, here’s a bowl game that is the perfect example. There’s nothing especially compelling about the First Responder Bowl—unless you’re a Louisiana team that has something to prove after its highly anticipated matchup versus Coast Carolina was canceled.

For the rest of us, it’s a chance to line our pockets.

Here are our best college football free picks and predictions for Louisiana at UTSA at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. Kickoff gets underway on Saturday, December 26 at 3:30 ET.

First Responder Bowl: UTSA Roadrunners vs Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Betting Preview

Weather

It’s hard to believe, but it’s going to be in the 70s in Dallas this weekend. Look for a high of 71 degrees with wind out of the south-southwest up to 30 mph and an eight percent chance of rain. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.

Key Injuries

UTSA: Jai’ave Magalei QB (Out). 
Louisiana: Rashad Wisdom S (Questionable).
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.

Betting Trend to Know

UTSA is 5-1 ATS in its last five games against teams with a winning record. Find more NCAA betting trends for UTSA vs. Louisiana.

Against the Spread (ATS) Pick

The Ragin’ Cajuns weren’t pleased when their chance for revenge against Coastal Carolina was sidetracked because of coronavirus, so they’ll try to take out their frustration on UTSA. Three weeks ago, Louisiana escaped with a 27-24 victory against Appalachian State, a game the Ragin’ Cajuns could have very well lost. Quarterback Levi Lewis struggled mightily, going 8-23 for 101 yards, but running back Elijah Mitchell chipped in with 95 yards, and Trey Ragas added two scores on the ground. Together, the combination of both ball carriers has been a lethal one, with the team averaging 5.4 yards per carry on the season.

Like the unpredictable roadrunner, UTSA’s season has had plenty of zigs and zags. Jeff Traylor’s bunch started the year with three straight wins, then lost their next three. The Roadrunners then split their next couple of games before putting together another three-game winning streak. While Louisiana tends to split the carries on offense, the Roadrunners rely almost exclusively on Sincere McCormick. He’s rushed the ball 226 times this season for 1,345 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, quarterback Frank Harris adds a dual-threat dimension, with ten touchdowns passing and eight touchdowns rushing.

Louisiana is 9-1 and a legitimate Top 25 team, and there’s no shame in your only loss being to the Chanticleers. Still, 14 points seem far too many for a well-rested UTSA squad that hasn’t played in a month and has been rounding into form.

PREDICTION: UTSA +14 (-110)

Over/Under Pick

The weather could be a bit of a factor here with gusts of up to 30 mph expected, and both teams would prefer to run the ball in the first place.

While UTSA will have its hands full trying to stop the tandem of Mitchell and Ragas, the Roadrunners defense has given up 21 points or less in its last three. The Under is 5-0 in their last five games as an underdog, and the early money has already sent the Total in that direction.

PREDICTION: Under 57.5 (-110)

First Responder Bowl: UTSA vs Louisiana Betting Card

• UTSA +14 (-110)
• Under 57.5 (-110)

Where Can I Bet on College Football Bowl Games?

You can bet on college football bowl game odds at every online and casino sportsbooks, including NCAA football point spreads, Over/Under totals, derivative bets and even prop plays as well. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on college football odds in your area.

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