WHAT: Jacksonville State (8-4) vs. Louisiana (6-6) in R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

WHEN: 1:15 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

SERIES: Jax State leads 1-0

TV: ESPN

LINE: Jax State by 2.5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: If Jacksonville State can record at least nine victories for the third time in four years.

RELATED: Jacksonville State set to cap historic debut FBS season with New Orleans Bowl

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Will Gamecocks’ running game take advantage of Ragin’ Cajuns?

Jax State averages 232.3 rushing yards per game, fifth nationally. Louisiana allows about 160 yards per game on the ground, which is in the middle of the pack in the Sun Belt. The Gamecocks generally pass only when they need to, so look for them to pound the rock with Malik Jackson, Ron Wiggins, Anwar Lewis and quarterback Zion Webb — all of whom average at least five yards per carry — until the Ragin’ Cajuns prove they can stop it.

2. Will Superdome continue to be Louisiana’s home away from home?

The Ragin’ Cajuns are in the New Orleans Bowl for the second time in three years and seventh time overall, and have won all but one of those games. Overall, Louisiana is 5-2 in the Superdome since moving up to the FBS level, with the only losses to Southern Miss in the 2016 New Orleans Bowl and to Mississippi State in a neutral-site opener in 2019. Jax State should bring a healthy contingent of fans to its first FBS bowl game, but is likely to be outnumbered by Cajun fans and “neutral” observers.

3. How much will Jax State miss Alen Karajic?

The Gamecocks had four games this season decided by one score, including two they won by a field goal. Karajic entered the NCAA transfer portal at the end of the season, however, and won’t play in the New Orleans Bowl. That leaves kicking in the hands (or foot) of freshman Garrison Rippa, who has not attempted a field goal or extra point all season.

KEY MATCHUP

Louisiana offensive line vs. Jax State defensive line — The Gamecocks have an extremely active defensive front, led by All-CUSA end Chris Hardie. The Ragin’ Cajuns are solid up front on offense, led by All-Sun Belt guard AJ Gillie, though star left tackle Nathan Thomas is out due to injury.

BY THE NUMBERS

22-19 — Jacksonville State’s all-time postseason record, including Division II and Division I-AA/FCS playoffs. The Gamecocks won the 1992 Division II national championship and reached the title game in 1989, 1991 and 2015 (the latter in FCS).