The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and the Minnesota Golden Gophers meet Saturday in college football action from TCF Bank Stadium. Louisiana just finished up against Buffalo last weekend. In that game the Cajuns got their third win of the year by a touchdown margin. As for Minnesota, their most recent matchup was against Northwestern last Saturday. The Gophers went on to lose a close one in OT. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 

The Cajuns didn’t have too much trouble versus Northwestern State in their first matchup this year, cruising to a 38-13 blowout win. Game two versus Old Dominion was troublesome however, and turned into a 38-31 defeat to push the team back to .500 on the year. Louisiana managed a 41-21 victory over UAB in game three to get back into the win column. 

In the Buffalo game last Saturday, the Cajuns scored points in every quarter and survived a wild second half in a 45-38 win. QB Zeon Chriss posted 249 yards with a score and two picks (and two rush TDs). Dre’lyn Washington had 103 rush yards, and Charles Robinson caught four balls for 58 yards to pace the receivers. 

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Team Facts

Louisiana has won each of its last three September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
The underdog has covered the spread in each of Louisiana’s last four games.
Louisiana has won the first quarter in nine of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
Louisiana has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Six of Louisiana’s last seven September games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Minnesota Golden Gophers 

Over on the Gophers’ side, they were able to eke out an opener victory over Nebraska, taking it 13-10. Game two versus Eastern Michigan was a 25-6 win, but Minnesota would fall in their next matchup 31-13 versus North Carolina. In the Tar Heels loss, Gophers QB Athan Kaliakmanis finished with 133 yards and a pick off 11-of-29 passing. 

Minnesota took on Northwestern in their fourth game of the year. In that one the Gophers were cruising on a 31-10 lead in the fourth quarter but eventually fell 37-34 in overtime after an epic late collapse. Minnesota got 191 yards and two scores from Kaliakmanis, and Darius Taylor was the lead rusher on 198 yards and two touchdowns of his own. 

Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Facts

Minnesota has won 17 of its last 18 games against non-conference opponents at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
Minnesota has won the first half in 15 of its last 16 games against non-conference opponents at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Minnesota has won the first quarter in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Each of Minnesota’s last six games against non-AP-ranked teams at Huntington Bank Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Minnesota ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (2.8).
Minnesota ranked 1st among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (6.1).
Louisiana was one of only two FBS teams to lose 4+ games when leading at HT last season.
Louisiana ranked T4th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.692).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to take a stab on Louisiana. Probably not touching this one, though. The Cajuns had some major difficulties putting away a pesky (and winless) Buffalo team over the weekend, but ultimately got the job done. Louisiana posted 518 total yards (249 passing) but also went just 5-of-12 on third-down tries and had three turnovers (two picks). The Cajuns have given up 21 or more points in each of their last three games so they’re going to have to tighten things up, but I think they can stay in range. Minnesota gave up a whopping 400 passing yards to Northwestern in their last matchup, and they’ve surrendered 68 points in the last two games. If the Cajuns play well I think they can keep up a cover pace here, but I’m staying away.