San Diego State vs. LA-Lafayette: Spread Info and More for New Orleans Bowl

The New Orleans Bowl is going to be one of the best games on the early slate of bowl season games, as the 8-4 San Diego State Aztecs square off against the 8-4 LA-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns in what is sure to be an entertaining matchup.

The Aztecs finished off their regular season with impressive wins over UNLV and Fresno State and are led by senior quarterback Ryan Lindley, who posted up 2,740 yards 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions on the season.

Louisiana-Lafayette on the other-hand backed into this bowl game even though they suffered two losses at the hands of Arkansas State and Arizona to end their season.

This may seem like a game matching up two teams going in different directions, but this bowl game gives them both a ton of time to prepare, and a clean slate.

That alone should lead to a very interesting game:

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome: New Orleans Louisiana

When: Saturday Dec. 17. 9 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN, ESPN 3D, ESPN3

Listen: KOGO 95.7 FM 600 AM San Diego; 1420 KPEL AM 107.9 KHXT FM Lafayette

Betting Line (Bovada.com): San Diego State -4 1/2

This is a good bet considering the Aztecs are coming into this game hot.

Key Storyline: As stated earlier, San Diego State is coming into this game on a two game win streak, while LA-Lafayette has lost two in a row.

Will momentum play a factor in this game? Also consider the fact that the game is in New Orleans, which gives the Ragin' Cajuns an unofficial but very big home field advantage.

Who Might Not Play For San Diego State: Defensive back Brandon Davis probable (head), defensive lineman J.J. Autele probable (elbow), tight end D.J. Shields questionable (foot).

Who Might Not Play For LA-Lafayette: Cornerback Dwight Bentley probable (shoulder), linebacker Le'Marcus Gibson questionable (leg), kicker Hunter Stover out (knee), defensive end Aaron Thibodeaux out (spine), long snapper Matt Rosenbalm out (knee).

What It Means For San Diego State:

This will be the first time SDSU will be playing in back-to-back bowl games, which represents a huge accomplishment for the program. Winning it would be taking a big next step.

What It Means For LA-Lafayette:

This is the Ragin' Cajuns' first bowl game since 1970, so you could imagine what snapping this bowl drought with a win would do for the program.

What They're Saying: Tim Buckley reports that Aztecs' coach Rocky Long is reminded of Wyoming when he looks at the Ragin' Cajuns. This isn't a good reminder though, considering Wyoming beat the Aztecs 30-27 this year

Nakia Hogan writes about the Ragin' Cajuns unofficial home field advantage. Even though the game is being played at a neutral site, one would be naive not to see the natural home field advantage the proximity of the Bowl Game gives Louisiana-Lafayette.

Aztecs Player To Watch:

Keep an eye on sophomore running back Ronnie Hillman, who put up 1,656 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He has the ability to break this game wide open really quick, and can cause damage in the passing game as well.

Ragin' Cajuns Player To Watch:

This game is going to be on junior quarterback Blaine Gautier, who posted 2,488 yards 20 touchdowns and five interceptions on the season.

If he can get his team driving early and get the crowd behind them, they have a chance to win this game.

Key Matchup:

The Ragin Cajuns give up 129.3 yards per game on the ground and the Aztecs rush for an average of 194.2.

If the Aztecs can get running, they have a great shot to win.

Prediction: 

That last stat will be the determining factor in this game. The Aztecs running game will play a big factor in taking over the game.

San Diego State: 24 LA-Lafayette: 17