The stage is set for an exciting matchup as the 23rd edition of the New Orleans Bowl takes place at the Caesars Superdome in The Big Easy. This year's game will feature the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns from the Sun Belt Conference squaring off against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks from Conference USA. While these teams may not be widely known to the average viewer, a familiar face will be leading one of the sidelines.

Rich Rodriguez, the former coach at West Virginia, Michigan, and Arizona, is at the helm of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. In his second season with the team, Rodriguez played a key role in transitioning the program to the FBS level after winning a conference title in the FCS last season. On the other side, Michael Desormeaux leads the Louisiana team, which is making its sixth consecutive bowl appearance.

The game will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, a familiar venue for both teams. It marks Jacksonville State's first-ever bowl game, an impressive achievement considering that programs typically need to wait two years after moving from the FCS to the FBS level to become eligible for postseason play. However, special exceptions were granted this season due to a shortage of bowl eligible teams. Jacksonville State finished third in their Conference USA campaign with a 6-2 record, behind Liberty and New Mexico State.

For Jacksonville State, the success of their dynamic offense revolves around their dual-threat quarterback, Zion Webb. Under the guidance of Rodriguez, Webb has been a force to be reckoned with, both through the air and on the ground. With 1,281 passing yards and 638 rushing yards this season, Webb has accounted for a significant portion of the Gamecocks' offensive production. Notably, the team has won all four games in which Webb rushed for over 100 yards.

On the other side of the field, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns arrive at the New Orleans Bowl with a wealth of experience. This marks their 11th bowl trip, with their bowl appearances dating back to 2011. The Cajuns have only missed the postseason twice in that period, in 2015 and 2017. New Orleans holds a special significance for Louisiana, as this will be their seventh appearance in the New Orleans Bowl. The team boasts an impressive 5-1 record in their previous six appearances, including a convincing 36-21 victory against Marshall in 2021.

As the game approaches, predictions favor Jacksonville State to come out on top. A combination of their stellar performance throughout the season, a formidable defense, and the electrifying skills of Zion Webb make the Gamecocks a strong contender. While the "homefield advantage" of playing in New Orleans cannot be ignored, it remains to be seen if it will deter Jacksonville State. With odds favoring Jacksonville State as 3-point favorites, they are expected to deliver a solid performance.

In what promises to be an exciting clash between these two teams, football fans can look forward to witnessing the prowess of Jacksonville State's dynamic offense and the experience of the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. The New Orleans Bowl is set to be a memorable event, with both teams vying for victory in front of a passionate crowd at the Caesars Superdome.