San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Dec. 17, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Aztec running back Ronnie Hillman tore through Fresno State for 178 yards and four scores, helping the Aztecs turn a 21-0 deficit into a 35-28 victory on Dec. 3. The workhorse should have a similar night while going against a Ragin’ Cajun defense that allows nearly 400 yards and 30 points per game.
When Hillman isn’t going about his business, senior quarterback Ryan Lindley, who has passed for 12,227 yards and 87 touchdowns in his SDSU career, needs to be wary of a feast or famine Louisiana-Lafayette defense that’s returned seven interceptions for touchdowns this season, which has only been done once before in NCAA history.
After opening with a 61-34 loss to Oklahoma State, the Ragin’ Cajuns reeled off eight wins in their next nine games, but seemed to run out of gas while dropping a pair to close out the regular season.
All four of Louisiana-Lafayette’s losses occurred away from Cajun Field this year. Meanwhile, the Aztecs traveled well, going 4-1 on the road, with the only loss coming versus Michigan at the Big House.
Opening point spread: San Diego State by 5 1/2
The pick: San Diego State 34-24
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