Old Dominion vs Louisiana Tech Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Week 8

Louisiana Tech averages 33.3 points per game behind Blake Baker and his 9 touchdown passes against 1 interception, while Old Dominion scores 17.7 per game and leans on Devin Roche and his 373 rushing yards.

01The Matchup

Louisiana Tech brings the far more productive offense into Ruston at 4-2, averaging 392.8 yards and 33.3 points per game. The Bulldogs throw for 239.8 yards per game at 8.0 yards per attempt and complete 67.8% of their passes, and they add 153.0 rushing yards per game with 12 rushing touchdowns.

Blake Baker has gone 68 of 99 for 857 yards with 9 touchdowns against just 1 interception, Jalen Mickens leads the receivers with 32 catches for 476 yards and 3 touchdowns, and Andrew Burnette tops the ground game with 286 rushing yards. Old Dominion is 2-5 and averages 266.9 yards and 17.7 points per game, with Quinn Henicle at 54 of 98 for 656 yards, 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, Devin Roche carrying 95 times for 373 yards, and TJ Johnson leading the receivers with 262 yards and 3 scores.

02Key Factors

Old Dominion does own one loud defensive number: 15 takeaways in 7 games, plus 16 sacks, with Javen Gibson recording 5 of them. That disruption is the Monarchs path to staying close. The problem is sustaining anything on offense. Old Dominion converts 33.0% on third down against 42.3% for Louisiana Tech, runs at just 2.9 yards per carry against 4.3 for the Bulldogs, and has given the ball away 15 times.

Louisiana Tech has its own playmakers on defense, with 9 interceptions and 13 sacks, and Alonzo Jackson Jr. leads the Bulldogs with 5 sacks and 41 tackles. A road offense completing 53.0% of its passes cannot afford short fields in this spot.

03The Pick

The gap at quarterback decides how this number gets covered. Baker protects the ball, Mickens gives Louisiana Tech a proven top target at 476 receiving yards, and the Bulldogs score 15.6 more points per game than Old Dominion.

The Monarchs takeaway total argues against a blowout script, but an offense stuck at 33.0% on third down and 2.9 yards per carry will keep handing the ball back at Joe Aillet Stadium. Over four quarters, that volume of extra possessions is how a two-touchdown spread gets home. Editorial pick: Louisiana Tech -13.5.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.