How and what to watch for Louisiana vs. Appalachian State

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will travel to Boone, NC to face the Appalachian State Mountaineers for a battle of two of the best teams in the Sun Belt Friday night. But as good as their overall records are at 15-3 combined, both teams are struggling at what matters most - covering spreads. They’re a combined 6-12 vs. the number.

Louisiana checks in with an 8-1 overall record, and clinched the West Division title. The Ragin’ Cajuns are coming a dominant offensive performance in a 70-20 win over winless Louisiana-Monroe. Louisiana has been impressive statistically this season, with the No. 16 offense in yards per play and No. 19 in that category defensively. The Ragin’ Cajuns rank favorably in SP+ as well at 31st.

Appalachian State is a 7-2 team this season, including 5-1 in the East Division. But they won’t be competing for the conference title, as Coastal Carolina already clinched that spot. After the loss to the Chanticleers, the Mountaineers blew out Troy last week 47-10. App State ranks 31st in yards per play offensively and 25th defensively, checking in at No. 21 in the latest SP+ rankings at 21st.

Appalachian State has won all eight games between these two teams including last year’s Sun Belt title game, a 45-38 Mountaineers victory.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch Louisiana vs. Appalachian State on Friday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2, or you can stream it via the ESPN app with a cable or streaming service login.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Louisiana vs. Appalachian State (-2.5)
Point Total: 52
Money line: Louisiana (+112) vs. Appalachian State (-136)

• Louisiana is 5-0 straight up in its last five games, while Appalachian State has won 13 of its last 15 games.
• Louisiana is 4-8 against the spread in its last 12 games, and Appalachian State is 2-8 ATS in its last 10.
• The point total went under in 13 of Louisiana’s last 18 games, and Appalachian State unders cashed in six of its last nine.

Betting splits

Louisiana: (18% of handle, 19% percent of bets)
Appalachian State: (82% of handle, 81% percent of bets)

The Best Bet

These teams are so evenly matched that it could go either way, but a few things are going in Appalachian State’s favor. First this will be Louisiana’s second consecutive road game, while Appalachian State is playing at home two weeks in a row, and it’s Senior Night. And with this game being on a Friday, that typically favors the home team in a short week. Let’s go Mountaineers by a field goal or more.

Pick: Appalachian State -2.5

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.