The Old Dominion Monarchs take on the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens on Wednesday in the 68 Ventures Bowl. The game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET in Mobile, Alabama.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are listed as three-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 59.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction, and best bet for the 68 Ventures Bowl.
Louisiana vs. Delaware prediction, preview
Louisiana Preview
After starting the season 2-6, the Ragin’ Cajuns won four straight games to get to six wins and qualify for a bowl game. That extends Louisiana’s streak to eight straight seasons with a bowl appearance, the tenth-longest active streak in the nation. This team wants to run the ball as often as possible. Quarterback Lunch Winfield is a dual-threat who can create magic with his legs. Meanwhile, the running back duo of Bill Davis and Zylan Perry is dangerous on the ground as well. This team is full of experienced players who have been to bowl games in the past. They showed real pride to win four straight games and should ride that momentum into this game.
Delaware Preview
It has been a great first season at the FBS level for Delaware. The Fightin’ Blue Hens came up from the FCS level and immediately competed in Conference USA. They started the season particularly strongly and got a great win over UConn before losing some steam down the stretch. The extended break before this game should have done Delaware a lot of good. In their first season at the FBS level, the increased physicality may have taken a toll on them as the season progressed. So, this time off has given them a great chance to rest and recover from a long season. Quarterback Nick Minicucci has been fantastic all season long and should perform in his first career bowl game.
Louisiana vs. Delaware pick, best bet
My best bet for this game is for the total to go over 59.5 points. Delaware has one of the most fast-paced, pass-heavy offenses in college football. Nick Minicucci finished the season fifth in the nation in passing yards and third in passing attempts. Delaware should move it through the air against a Louisiana defense that ranks 100th in the nation in defensive EPA/play and 127th in defensive success rate. This Delaware defense also has major issues, ranking 130th in the nation in defensive EPA/play. This time off was also valuable for Lunch Winfield to get healthy, and he should be able to generate big plays in this game. Both of these teams should be motivated and keep trying to score touchdowns until the final whistle. This could easily turn into a shootout with both teams getting into the 30s.
