Louisiana vs. Arkansas State, Picks and Prediction for Thursday, November 20, 2025
The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns travel to Jonesboro to face off against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Centennial Bank Stadium on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET in this Louisiana vs. Arkansas State prediction. This game can be seen on ESPN. Louisiana is 4-6 and 3-3 in the Sun Belt, after a 42-39 victory over Texas State, while Arkansas State comes in with a record of 5-5 (4-6 SBC) after losing 27-21 to Southern Miss. They will become bowl-eligible with a win. The weather forecast is mid-60s but with a strong chance for rain. Louisiana has won two straight, and Arkansas State had won three of four before the loss. If you are looking for NCAAF picks, we have your top plays at Stat Salt.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Look to Stay in Mix
Louisiana has an offense centered around the running game. The Ragin' Cajuns average 186 rushing yards per game, which ranks 33rd. Zylan Perry leads the ground game with 602 yards and seven touchdowns on 110 carries. D’Wayne "Lunch" Winfield has added dual-threat capabilities at quarterback, contributing 49 yards and two rushing touchdowns last week. Through the air, Louisiana averages 159.1 yards per game. Winfield has thrown for 966 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions. Shelton Sampson Jr. is the leading receiver with 24 receptions for 442 yards and five touchdowns.
Defensively, Louisiana has struggled. The Ragin’ Cajuns allow 409.5 total yards per game and rank 124th in rushing defense at 192.6 yards allowed per game. The pass defense is allowing an average of 216.9 yards per contest. Louisiana has also had trouble getting off the field on third downs, allowing opponents to convert 45 percent of the time. Jordan Lawson leads the pass rush with 3.5 sacks, although the defense has not produced consistent pressure. Jaden Dugger leads the defense with 93 tackles.
Louisiana comes into this one off a high-scoring win against Texas State on Nov. 8. That game also involved a huge brawl and many players from both sides were suspended. Winfield threw for 192 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two more. He also had two interceptions. Sampson had 80 yards and two TD receptions. Elijah Davis added 87 rushing yards and a touchdown. The offense totaled 42 points and kept control late despite giving up 39. The Ragin' Cajuns had the ball for 38 minutes, but wound up nearly losing the game as Texas State scored three unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter after being down 42-20.
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Key Injuries and Suspensions for Louisiana
- S Collin Jacob (31 tackles, 1 INT) is out.
- S Courtline Flowers (45 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INTs) is out.
- S Tyree Skipper (52 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT)
Arkansas State Red Wolves Seek to Defend Home Turf
Arkansas State averages 377.4 yards per game of total offense. The passing game is the strength of the attack at 246.7 yards per contest. Jaylen Raynor has thrown for 2,454 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 68.2 percent of his passes. Corey Rucker leads all receivers with 656 yards on 51 catches. On the ground, Arkansas State averages 130.7 rushing yards per game. Devin Spencer leads with 428 yards on 81 carries and one touchdown.
On defense, the Arkansas State Red Wolves allow 419 total yards per game. The group gives up 241.7 passing yards per game and 177.3 on the ground. The Red Wolves allow 26.5 points per contest. Ethan Hassler anchors the pass rush with 5.5 sacks. Arkansas State creates pressure but has had issues limiting big plays against both the run and pass.
In the last game, Arkansas State fell 27-21 to Southern Miss. Raynor completed throws for 331 yards and two touchdowns, but was intercepted four times as well. Spencer chipped in with 47 yards on the ground, and Rucker led the receivers with seven catches for 123 yards. The Red Wolves moved the ball well but could not overcome turnovers.
Key Injuries for Arkansas State:
- TE Jabari Bush is out. Ha s10 catches for 70 yards.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at Arkansas State Red Wolves Pick
Spread Pick for Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at Arkansas State Red Wolves
- Arkansas State -3 (4 Units)
Arkansas State has the better passing game, and Louisiana is allowing 216.9 yards per outing against the pass. The Red Wolves should be able to move the ball through the air, particularly with Raynor coming off a 331-yard passing gem. If it rains, they can move the ball on the ground against a team that is decimated at safety due to the suspensions. Louisiana has also struggled on third downs and in run defense, which gives Arkansas State chances to score. The Red Wolves have played well at home recently, too.
Over/Under Pick for Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at Arkansas State Red Wolves
- Over 52.5 (4 Units)
Both defenses allow over 26 points per game, and each offense has shown the ability to string together long drives. Louisiana's rushing attack can produce yardage, while Arkansas State's passing game can push the total higher. The last game for each team finished above this number, and the matchup trends suggest another high-scoring result.
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