Motivation for teams in low-level bowls is difficult to gauge, but there can be little doubt about Jacksonville State's. The first time for anything is special, and the newcomers to FBS are sure to treat this as a big deal. It's a bonus that the Gamecocks' coach, Rich Rodriguez, is a bowl veteran, having coached in 11. His success rate is spotty, but he brings a seasoned hand. The Ragin' Cajuns' defensive strength on defense is the pass rush, which is fine with Jax State -- the No. 5 rushing team in FBS. The Cajuns are on their third QB this year, Chandler Fields. Another feather in the Gamecocks' cap is a significant advantage in turnover margin.

Louisiana is playing in the New Orleans Bowl for the 7th time in the last 12 years while Jacksonville State is in its first-ever bowl game as an FBS program. Throw in the coaching edge for Jax State with Rich Rodriguez on the sideline as well as the playmaking of quarterback Zion Webb and I think the Gamecocks are the play.

Who would've ever thought that a RichRod team would boast a fairly good defense? Jacksonville State is only giving up 20.3 points per game this season and has allowed 31 or more points once, to South Carolina. Louisiana is 6-0 when they score 31 or more points and 0-6 when they don't. I hope I don't regret this, but I'll trust RichRod's defense once again. Jacksonville State 30, Louisiana 24.

The Gamecocks have been one of the best stories of the season as they made a bowl game in their first year in FBS. How did they do it? With a rock solid defense that finished second in Conference USA at 361.6 yards per game. That’s the same path that the Ragin’ Cajuns took to make the New Orleans Bowl as they finished fourth in the Sun Belt in total defense (374.2 yards per game). We’ve seen wild things happen in the New Orleans Bowl in the past, but this one will be an old-school slugfest.