Coastal Carolina vs Louisiana Tech prediction and analysis

Matchup Overview

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers will take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in a college football showdown that presents a compelling betting scenario. Both teams have experienced contrasting trends entering this contest, which could heavily influence the final outcome and betting lines.

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Recent Team Form and Trends

• Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs have demonstrated strong home (in-Lousiana) form, winning 4 of their last 5 games within the state and covering the spread in 6 of the last 7. However, as favorites against unranked non-AP teams, they have struggled, losing 3 of their last 4 such games. Additionally, they have failed to cover the spread in 3 of the last 4 games against Sun Belt opponents.
• Coastal Carolina: The Chanticleers enter with a losing streak, dropping each of their last three games. They have also struggled to cover the spread in December, missing in 6 of their past 7 games during this month. On a positive note, Coastal Carolina has won 4 of their last 5 games when playing teams from Louisiana, indicating some comfort against Louisiana-based opponents.

Statistical Insights

• Louisiana Tech’s offense is relatively low-powered in terms of second-quarter scoring, ranking 124th nationally with just 4.7 points per game. Conversely, they excel in finishing strong, boasting a top-15 average point differential in fourth quarters (+3.9), which could make them tough to beat late in games.
• Coastal Carolina’s defense has been porous, ranking 133rd in yards allowed per game (456.7), which could present opportunities for Louisiana Tech’s offense despite its modest scoring.
• Coastal has also struggled early in games this year, with a -6.1 average point differential in first quarters, suggesting they tend to start slow.

Betting Angles and Totals

• The underdog has covered the spread in 3 of Louisiana Tech’s last 4 games, a notable fact if Coastal Carolina is the underdog in this matchup.
• Each of Coastal Carolina’s last five games as underdogs has gone OVER the total points line, highlighting potential for a high-scoring affair if they are underdogs again.
• On the other hand, Louisiana Tech’s last five games at neutral venues have gone UNDER, signaling the possibility of a more defensive, lower-scoring game.

Prediction Summary

This contest pits a defensively vulnerable Coastal Carolina against a Louisiana Tech team that has been strong at home but inconsistent as favorites. Coastal’s recent losing streak and poor first-quarter performances suggest they will start slowly and face an uphill battle. However, their track record against Louisiana teams and the tendency of underdogs to cover spread against Louisiana Tech may keep them competitive.

Expect a closely contested game with Louisiana Tech eking out a victory due to their stronger finish capability and home-state advantage. The total points may trend lower given Louisiana Tech’s neutral venue games going under, but Coastal’s recent games suggest the potential for scoring spikes.

Final Prediction

Louisiana Tech to win by a narrow margin, 24-20. Expect a tight game with Louisiana Tech covering the spread as favorites.