SAN ANTONIO – In a clash of Sun Belt Conference teams, Texas State (3-5) is set to face Louisiana (3-6) on Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. EST. Both teams are looking to improve their standings as the season progresses.
Louisiana’s offense has been averaging 340.8 yards per game, ranking 105th in the FBS. Their passing game has struggled, with just 155.4 yards per game, placing them 125th, while their rushing attack is more robust at 185.3 yards per game, ranking 36th. The Ragin’ Cajuns score an average of 24.3 points per game, which is 90th in the nation. Defensively, Louisiana allows 396.3 yards per game, ranking 99th, with a stronger pass defense at 201.0 yards per game (40th) but a weaker rush defense at 195.3 yards per game (125th). They concede 29.3 points per game, also ranking 99th.
Texas State, on the other hand, boasts a more potent offense, averaging 470.9 yards per game, which ranks 15th in the FBS. Their passing game is 40th with 253.8 yards per game, and their rushing game is 14th with 217.1 yards per game. The Bobcats score 34.1 points per game, ranking 31st. However, their defense has been less effective, allowing 418.1 yards per game (116th), with 244.9 passing yards (105th) and 173.3 rushing yards (103rd) per game. They allow 33.9 points per game, ranking 125th.
A key matchup to watch will be third-down conversions, where Texas State ranks 20th offensively, converting 49.2% of the time, while Louisiana’s defense ranks 124th, allowing opponents to convert 46.3% of the time. Turnovers could also play a crucial role, as Texas State has a -8 turnover margin, ranking 125th in the FBS.
Team leaders for Louisiana include quarterback D’Wayne Winfield, who has thrown for 774 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions, and running back Zylan Perry, who has rushed for 543 yards and seven touchdowns. Shelton Sampson Jr. leads the receiving corps with 362 yards and three touchdowns.
For Texas State, quarterback Brad Jackson has passed for 2,016 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Lincoln Pare leads the rushing attack with 648 yards and nine touchdowns, while Beau Sparks has 741 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
In their last outing, Louisiana secured a 31-22 victory over South Alabama on Nov. 1. Winfield had an impressive performance, completing 14 of 15 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards and a touchdown. Sampson was a standout receiver with 138 yards and two touchdowns on six catches.
