SE Louisiana Lions vs Northwestern State Demons Predictions

Why SE Louisiana should win

SE Louisiana quarterback Kyle Lowe has thrown at least two touchdown passes in each of the Lions' four games. Northwestern State University Athletics reports that he leads the Southland with nine touchdown passes while completing 61.8% of his attempts. That consistency gives the 2-2 Lions a clear advantage over an 0-4 Northwestern State team.

The Lions also average 138.8 rushing yards per game behind an offensive line that averages 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds. That balance supports an SE Louisiana win, but it doesn't by itself justify a 38.5-point spread.

Why the spread is a pass

Northwestern State produced 389 yards in last week's 49-20 loss at Weber State. Zach Wilcke threw three touchdown passes in his first start for the Demons, giving Northwestern State a plausible way to score enough points to threaten such a large spread.

The Demons also forced two turnovers in each of their past two games and returned three of those four takeaways for touchdowns. SE Louisiana created three takeaways and scored two touchdowns from them in its 38-35 win over ULM, so turnover-driven scoring could make the margin volatile.

SE Louisiana is the likely winner, but Lions -38.5 is a pass. The total is 60.5 at -111 on either side, and the available scoring and defensive evidence doesn't support an over or under wager.