Louisiana vs. TCU Bouncing Back After Big Loss and Battling Adversity to End Strong
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns vs. TCU Horned Frogs: 2024 Isleta New Mexico Bowl Breakdown
The 2024 Isleta New Mexico Bowl features a compelling showdown between the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and the TCU Horned Frogs at Albuquerque’s University Stadium this Saturday at 2:15 p.m. EST. Both teams are coming off distinct seasons with plenty to prove, but they’ll have to overcome significant hurdles to close their campaigns with a win.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Bouncing Back After Big Loss
The Ragin’ Cajuns (10-3 overall, 7-6 ATS) had an impressive regular season, clinching a spot in the Sun Belt Conference Championship. However, their appearance in the championship was a tough one, as they were defeated 31-3 by the Troy Trojans, their worst offensive performance of the season. Louisiana had been averaging 33.1 points and 431.0 total yards per game, but the Trojans’ defense stifled their attack, leaving the Cajuns to regroup for this bowl.
Key to Louisiana’s offensive success has been quarterback Ben Woolridge, who is expected to return to full health after an injury scare. Woolridge threw for 2,392 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions during the regular season, serving as a pivotal component of their passing game. The Cajuns’ ground game is another strength, as they average 170.5 rushing yards per game at 4.9 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Ragin’ Cajuns have been solid, allowing just 23.4 points and 347.0 yards per game. However, their defensive unit has shown vulnerabilities, surrendering 23 points or more in their last four games. With one of their key defensive players entering the transfer portal, the Ragin’ Cajuns will need to lean on a secondary that recorded 15 interceptions this season and held opponents to a Sun Belt-low 6.2 yards per pass attempt. Against the run, however, Louisiana must improve on the 4.6 yards per carry they allowed during the regular season.
TCU Horned Frogs: Battling Adversity to End Strong
The TCU Horned Frogs (8-4 overall, 5-7 ATS) showed resilience after a 3-3 start, winning five of their final six regular-season games. Their 20-13 victory over Cincinnati helped them enter bowl season with momentum, but TCU’s offense will face significant challenges in this matchup.
The Horned Frogs’ leading rusher Cameron Cook (460 yards, 4 touchdowns) has entered the transfer portal, which creates a hole in their ground attack. Additionally, TCU’s top two wide receivers, Jack Beck (62 receptions) and Savion Williams (60 receptions), will not play in the bowl, leaving quarterback Josh Hoover without his primary playmakers. Despite these absences, the Horned Frogs will rely on their depth to continue the offensive success they enjoyed throughout the season, averaging 33.4 points per game.
On defense, TCU has been inconsistent. They finished the regular season allowing 26.4 points per game, with seven of their 12 opponents scoring at least 27 points. While the Frogs struggled against the run, giving up 164.3 rushing yards per game at a rate of 4.3 yards per carry, their pass defense was more reliable. They allowed opponents to complete just 56.8% of passes, yielding 6.1 yards per attempt. This strength could be crucial against a Louisiana team that relies heavily on their aerial attack.
Conclusion
The Isleta New Mexico Bowl presents a fascinating clash between a Sun Belt powerhouse and a Big 12 contender. While both teams have overcome obstacles this season, Louisiana’s balanced attack and superior offensive production give them a slight edge heading into this matchup. However, TCU’s depth and defensive potential could keep them competitive. Fans of both teams can expect an exciting and hard-fought game to close out bowl season in New Mexico.
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