Sun Belt Conference Championship Preview: Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Louisiana Rajin Cajuns – Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024

The Sun Belt Conference Championship game is coming up Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 PM ET between the Marshall Thundering Herd (9-2) and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (10-2) at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Ragin’ Cajuns are favored to win at home, with a point spread at -5.5 (-110).

Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Preview

The Thundering Herd are currently riding a six-game win streak, so momentum is on their side heading into the championship game. Their latest success was a 35-33 double-overtime thriller against the James Madison Dukes.

Tychaun Chapman had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second overtime that set up the extra points. Braylon Braxton then completed a pass to Charles Montgomery for the two-point conversion to seal the win. Braxton overall had 13 of his 24 passes totaling 120 yards and a touchdown.

They put up 261 yards, 17 first downs, and had one turnover. However, their defense was a bit concerning since they allowed 382 yards, 22 first downs, and forced one turnover.

The Thundering Herd have been accumulating 31.9 points per game, ranking 39th in the country. Defensively they have allowed opponents to average 24.8 points a game, which ranks 67th. This spread is a little volatile, especially if their defense is not up to par.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Preview

The Ragin’ Cajuns have found success in their last two games, with their latest being a 37-23 outing over the UL Monroe Warhawks. This win booked their ticket to the Sun Belt Championship game, marking their fifth time in the last seven years.

It was tied 13 at the half, but the Ragin’ Cajuns would come out strong in the second half. They put up 17 points in the fourth quarter alone to push to victory. Chandler Fields was accurate with 17 of 26 completions totaling 188 yards, two touchdowns, but did have an interception.

They put up 411 total yards, 21 first downs, and committed two turnovers. Their defense stood out by allowing 335 yards, 20 first downs, and caused three turnovers.

The Ragin’ Cajuns have been getting 35.6 points per game, which ranks 15th-best in the nation. Their defense has been solid at allowing 22.8 points per game from opposing teams, making this an appealing margin of error.

Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick

MyBookie has the Sun Belt Championship odds ready to go, with the Ragin’ Cajuns favored by 5.5-points. Market research has shown that the Ragin’ Cajuns have a 60.4 percent chance at winning this matchup.

The Thundering Herd should make this a close game since they stack up well with the Ragin’ Cajuns. But, the Ragin’ Cajuns are appealing at home and have had excellent offense in their last two games to give them a boost to cover the spread.

Final Pick: Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns -5.5 (-110)