Distractions are high during college bowl season, and UL-Lafayette is dealing with losing coach Billy Napier to the Florida Gators. The Cajuns managed a terrific 12-1 season, but five of those wins were by three points or fewer. Look for a Marshall team led by Grant Wells to put up a spirited effort and cover the four.

Former Louisiana coach Billy Napier is gone to Florida, which could throw the Ragin’ Cajuns off-kilter. More importantly, they are missing too many key performers: Chris Smith, the top rusher; OT Max Mitchell, an NFL prospect; WR Peter LeBlanc, the primary receiver, and LB Ferrod Garner, another potential pro draftee are all out. Marshall need not worry much about sacks -- it permitted only 17 all year.

New Orleans Bowl -- At full strength, Louisiana is more than five points better than Marshall, but the Ragin' Cajuns are far from that. Leading rusher Chris Smith, leading receiver Peter LeBlanc, right tackle Max Mitchell, All-American linebacker Ferrod Gardner and starting nose tackle Tayland Humphrey are all out due to injury or other reasons. That's a lot of talent. I love Marshall now.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are 3-1 in their last four games against the spread and can post the first 12-win season in program history. Quarterback Levi Lewis is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country, and the Thundering Herd will have a hard time slowing him down. What’s more, the Thundering Herd will have a hard time moving the chains against an underrated defense. This will be a double-digit win for Louisiana.

Levi Lewis has been arguably the best QB in Ragin Cajuns' history, which is definitely saying something. He's leading one of the better offensive attacks into this game, along with one of the best defenses in the country. Marshall getting back QB Grant Wells is huge, but it will need to be able to protect him much better in this bowl game. I foresee this Cajuns defense being a bit of a problem for the Thundering Herd.

Louisiana no longer has Billy Napier as coach (Florida), but the new head coach, former assistant Michael Desormeaux, makes the transition smooth. Louisiana has the home edge at the Superdome and also has the edge of winning its last 12. Marshall lost two of its last three; the two losses were at home. I’m on Louisiana to win and cover.

New Orleans Bowl -- Louisiana is coming off a victory over App State for the second time this season. This seems like a flat spot after that sparkling performance. Marshall lost 53-21 at home against Western Kentucky in its final game of the regular season. The Thundering Herd average +1.3 net yards per play, while UL owns a +0.9 net yards per play. Marshall has the better offense, special teams and red-zone stats. This game will be played at the Superdome in New Orleans. It's important to know that the playing surface (Turf Nation) is completely different than UL's home stadium Cajun Field (artificial turf). The Herd are 12-4 SU & 12-4 ATS in bowl games since 1993. Marshall is 5-1 ATS in its past six games after allowing 40+ points. UL is 3-6 ATS as chalk this season and 7-16 SU against Conference USA opponents since 1993. Look for the Ragin' Cajuns fall to 0-5 ATS in bowl games of late. Take the points and try a slice on the moneyline!