Carriers New Orleans Bowl 2011: TV Schedule, Streaming, Radio, Game Time & More

The Carriers New Orleans Bowl will feature the San Diego State Aztecs of the Mountain West Conference against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns of the Sun Belt Conference. 

This is the first time the Ragin’ Cajuns have made it to a bowl game since 1970, when they were in the Grantland Rice Bowl. First-year Head Coach Mark Hedspeth has this program heading into the right direction, as his team finished with an 8-4 record. 

The San Diego State Aztecs are going to their first back-to-back bowl games for the first time in their program, thanks to first-year Head Coach Rocky Long, who also led his team to an 8-4 record.  

The Carriers New Orleans Bowl will be a clash between two up-and-coming programs that look to continue their rise to football greatness. 

Where: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, LA 

When: Saturday December 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN, ESPN 3, ESPN 3D 

Listen: 104.5 FM The Team, 1470 AM Cajun Radio 

Betting Line: There are no lines up at the moment.

Key Storyline

These two programs have played very well this season and look to be on the verge of turning into very good programs. 

This also could quite possibly be San Diego State’s last bowl game representing the Mountain West Conference before they head over to the Big East in 2013.  

It does not really matter what will happen in the future for these teams, as they will look to represent their schools in this very important bowl game. 

The Aztecs and the Ragin’ Cajuns will battle it out to try and cap a wonderful first season for their respective head coaches. 

Who Might Not Play For San Diego State

Running back Walter Kazee will be out for this game as he tore his ACL in the final game of the season.  

Although he was the backup running back behind Ronnie Hillman, Kazee was a change-of-pace back who used his speed and quickness. He was also a great pass-catching back and worked well taking screen passes. He will be greatly missed.

Who Might Not Play For Louisiana

Linebacker LeMarcus Gibson was a big loss when he broke his leg against Arkansas State. The senior brought leadership and was a tackling machine for this team. His status is still up in the air, as he might be able to play in the Dec. 17th bowl game.  

What it Means for San Diego State 

San Diego State beat Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl last year in a dominating and convincing win. Winning the New Orleans Bowl would clearly show the ascension of this program, and that they are ready to take on the Big East Conference. 

Back-to-back bowl wins would help recruiting for first-year Coach Rocky Long as he looks to add another top football program in Southern California.

What it Means for Louisiana 

The Ragin’ Cajuns would love to win this bowl, as they have not even been to a bowl in over 40 years.  

The majority of the crowd in the Superdome will be rooting for their home-state team, and this program would love to give them something to cheer for.  

Louisiana is another program that is looking to make a name for itself and become the other great football program in the state of Louisiana. 

What They Are Saying

Coach Long of San Diego State was a little disappointed when hearing about the schedule of the game and having fewer practices than the other teams competing in bowl games.

The Aztecs also know that this game will be in the Ragin’ Cajuns backyard and that the Superdome will be filled with in-state fans. 

Both teams know that this is a big game, and will look to do what they can to bring this championship to their programs.

San Diego State Player to Watch: Ronnie Hillman

Hillman is one of the top running backs in the country, rushing for 1,656 yards and 19 touchdowns. At only 5’10” and 190 pounds, Hillman is an absolute beast, accumulating a lot of yards after the first initial hit.  

He is a dynamic back who can change the landscape of this game, and set up the play-action pass for quarterback Ryan Lindley.

Louisiana Player to Watch: Blaine Gautier

Quarterback Blaine Gautier has been stellar ever since replacing Chris Masson in the starting lineup. The junior has thrown for 2,488 yards and 20 touchdowns while tossing only five interceptions. These are remarkable numbers for a first-year starter at quarterback.  

He is able to stand in the pocket and deliver a strike to his receivers. Gautier is very capable of picking the Aztecs' defense apart in this bowl game. 

Key Matchup: Louisiana’s Passing vs. San Diego State’s Defense 

The San Diego State defense is solid, and they have a play-making linebacker in Miles Burris, who will be dominating offenses on Sundays in the near future. Burris is the leader of this defense, and can change the game with his tenacity and ability to cover a lot of ground with his speed. 

Burris will get his defense on track to try and stifle Louisiana quarterback Blaine Gautier. Gautier has the ability to go through all his reads if he has the time.  

It will be interesting to see if the Aztecs can get to Gautier in this game to try and throw their game plan off. 

Prediction

San Diego State 31, Louisiana 24