San Diego State Aztecs vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
Dec. 17, 9:00 pm ET
Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
Website: http://www.neworleansbowl.org/
TV: ESPN
Line: San Diego State -4.5
As the site of three games this year, the Superdome will serve as the de facto control center of the 2011 bowl season. Of course, visitors quickly learn that debauchery calls the shots in the Big Easy.
Nola serves up this little appetizer a few weeks prior to its main courses, the Sugar Bowl and BCS Championship Game.
Making This All Possible
Founder Ralph L. “Larry” Roberts started transportation services company R+L Carriers Inc. in 1965 with a truck and a dream. Today, R+L Carriers owns almost 13,000 trucks and trailers serving all 50 states, along with Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic.
Get To Know: San Diego State
Despite losing coach Brady Hoke in the offseason when he left to become the head coach at Michigan, the Aztecs kept on rolling in 2011. Talented SDSU running back Ronnie Hillman finished the regular season ranked third nationally in rushing, average almost 140 yards per game.
Get To Know: Louisiana-Lafayette
The Ragin’ Cajuns are playing in their first bowl game in more than 40 years. The man primarily responsible for ending four decades of futility: coach Mark Hudspeth. On the field, junior Blaine Gautier, the best QB in the Sun Belt Conference, leads Lafayette.
You Should Know…
Credit San Diego State for livening up the stodgy college TV ad genre with its creepily bizarre contribution, “Aztec For Life.”
If You’re Going
Hopefully you’re not relying on a college football blog to tell you how to have a good time in America’s consummate good time city. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest moseying over to Port of Call on Esplanade Avenue off of Bourbon Street. Grab the best burger in New Orleans and a loaded, foil-wrapped baked potato that might even top the burger. Wash everything down with a Monsoon, Port of Call’s signature libation.
If You’re Watching At Home
Lafayette lies 130 miles west of Abita Springs, La., home of Abita Brewing Company. You don’t have to go all the way to the Pelican State to partake of Abita’s dark brown Turbodog ale, which can be found wherever beer is sold nationwide.
Pair that with some fish tacos, a San Diego delicacy.
Prediction
San Diego State isn’t exactly known for its rabid fan base, and given that this game is taking place just a couple hours drive from Lafayette, the Ragin’ Cajuns should own the Superdome on Saturday night.
Luckily for the Aztecs, senior QB Ryan Lindley, an NFL prospect, shouldn’t rattle easily. Motivation and karma are seemingly on Lafayette’s side. When all is said and done, though, SDSU has the talent edge.
San Diego State 31, La.-Lafayette 28
