Louisiana vs Houston Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for Independence Bowl 2022 (No Shortage of Offense in Shreveport)

Louisiana vs Houston Game Info

2022 NCAA College Football Game — Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (6-6) vs. Houston Cougars (7-5)
Date: Friday, Dec. 23, 2022
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Independence Stadium — Shreveport, LA
Coverage: ESPN

The 2022 NCAA college football bowl game matchups have been revealed, including the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. Taking place at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA, this year's matchup features the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns taking on the Houston Cougars.

After experiencing a lack of success for a bit, Lousiana picked up its second win in the last three outings with a 41-13 blowout over Texas State on Nov. 26. Meanwhile, Houston aims to end its campaign on a high note after picking up a 37-30 loss to Tulsa in its last outing.

Can Louisiana continue its winning ways when it matters the most? Or will Houston win its second consecutive bowl appearance?

Louisiana vs Houston Odds & Spread

All NCAAF betting lines, odds and prop bets are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Moneyline: UL: (+235) | HOU: (-295)
Spread: UL: +7 (-104) | HOU: -7 (-118)
Total: 56.5 — Over: (-115) | Under: (-105)

Houston enters this contest as a clear favorite on the spread and moneyline. This Independence Bowl clash also features a total of 60.5, which is slightly above average compared to this year's bowl games.

Louisiana vs Houston Prediction & Pick

Houston enters this matchup with one of the best offenses in the country, clicking at a 37.2 PPG rate (No. 13). The majority of the Cougars' offense stems from an aerial attack that averages 321.1 passing yards, which increases to a 343.7-yard average whenever they're away from home.

Though Louisiana's offense is solid (27.3 PPG), the Ragin' Cajuns average nearly eight fewer points when they aren't home than they do at Cajun Field. Louisiana's opponents have also averaged a 45.6% third-down conversion rate over the last three games, indicating that the defense just isn't stepping up.

The Cougars' D is among the worst in the country, but at least it's stopped opponents on 39.6% of third downs over that same span. Assuming that trend continues in a positive direction, it's going to be tough for the Ragin' Cajuns to keep up — especially if Houston's offense is clicking.

Final Score Prediction: Houston: 43 | Louisiana: 35

Louisiana vs Houston Betting Trends

- Louisiana is 5-3 against the spread (ATS) in its last eight games.
- Houston is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games.
- The total has hit the over in four of Louisiana's last six games.
- The total has gone over in nine of Houston's last 12 games.

Louisiana vs Houston Best Bet

All NCAAF betting lines, odds and prop bets are available on FanDuel Sportsbook.

For those out there who love an old-fashioned shootout, you're going to want to turn into this one. Louisiana has experienced the over in four of its last six games, whereas Houston has seen it in all but three of its 12 games this season. Neither defense is anything special, anyway, highlighted by both units giving up 30-plus points multiple times this season.

With the projected total being above average and the over being favored, back the prospect of a shootout at the Independence Bowl.

Bet: Over 56.5 Points (-115)

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.