New Mexico

Louisiana vs. TCU: Predictions, latest odds for New Mexico Bowl

Published

10 months ago

December 28, 2024

Louisiana vs. TCU: Predictions, latest odds for New Mexico Bowl

The college football bowl season continues in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the Isleta New Mexico Bowl featuring the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns facing off against the TCU Horned Frogs in a first-time matchup for these two programs.

Louisiana finished the season with a record of 10-3, marking the first time since 2021 that they achieved ten wins. The team only lost to Tulane, South Alabama, and Marshall in the Sun Belt Conference Championship. The Ragin’ Cajuns offense is led by Ben Woolridge, who boasts an impressive completion rate of 68.3%, amassing 2,392 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions this season. Woolridge is supported by a solid running back, Bill Davis, who led the team in rushing yards with 775 and scored nine touchdowns.

TCU, with a season record of 8-4, has seen some outstanding individual performances. Sophomore Josh Hoover, in particular, has had a standout season, achieving an impressive 66.7% completion rate, totaling 3,697 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, along with an additional four rushing touchdowns.

Here is everything to know about the New Mexico Bowl.

New Mexico Bowl predictions: Louisiana vs. TCU

USA TODAY: TCU is the unanimous pick

Scooby Axson: TCU
Jordan Mendoza: TCU
Paul Myerberg: TCU
Erick Smith: TCU
Eddie Timanus: TCU
Dan Wolken: TCU

ESPN: TCU 36, Louisiana 29

Adam Rittenberg writes: “TCU quietly ended the season with wins in five of its final six games, finding greater consistency with its run game and in other areas. Louisiana won 10 games for the first time since 2021 but fell 31-3 to Marshall in the Sun Belt title game. The two teams have never met and make their first appearances in the New Mexico Bowl. TCU will be without top wide receiver Jack Bech, who injured his knee in the regular season finale, and the Horned Frogs will need a strong defensive performance to contain a Louisiana offense not overly reliant on any one player. The Ragin’ Cajuns have a solid bowl history but not against Power 4 opponents. The Frogs find a way.”

College Football Network: TCU 34, Louisiana 16

Staff writes: “If Wooldridge is good to go, it certainly adds intrigue. The Ragin’ Cajuns will have their top two running backs and two of the five top receivers available. So, the cupboard’s not empty, but it’s starting to look bare. I’m monitoring Wooldridge’s final status here. If he’s healthy, I think Louisiana can do enough in the passing game to open up running lanes for Bill Davis. I still wouldn’t take them to win, but I’d feel better about a Ragin’ Cajuns cover. As it stands, though, I have to go with the available information. So, if I have to make a prediction, it’ll be the Frogs by a lot.”

Tickets to the Isleta New Mexico Bowl with StubHub

New Mexico Bowl odds, lines: Louisiana vs. TCU

The TCU Horned Frogs are favorites to defeat the Louisiana Ragin’ Caguns, according to the BetMGM college football odds.

Odds as of afternoon on Friday, Dec. 27.

Spread: TCU (-10)
Moneylines: TCU (-360); Louisiana (+280)
Over/under: 58.5

How to watch Louisiana vs. TCU in the New Mexico Bowl

Date: Saturday, Dec. 28
Time: 2:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Stream: Fubo
Where: University Stadium (Albuquerque, NM)

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New Mexico

This Uncrowded New Mexico Beach Is A Hidden Gem Nestled In An Underrated City – Islands

Published

6 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Press Room

This Uncrowded New Mexico Beach Is A Hidden Gem Nestled In An Underrated City – Islands

New Mexico’s famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park draws about 400,000 visitors each year, and is home to the largest accessible cave chamber in North America. Before or after a visit to the caves, the underrated city of Carlsbad makes a perfect base to recharge. With a peaceful setting along the Pecos River, Carlsbad entices visitors with river walks and wildlife. In the center of this metropolitan city is a rare gem: a riverfront beach park with soft sand, swimming areas, and even a small waterpark.

Formed by a dam on a portion of the Pecos River, the unique public space has an array of activities for park goers, ranging from beach volleyball to kayaking and boating. Spanning 125.6 miles, the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area provides an urban oasis for residents and visitors alike, just steps away from all the attractions and dining options in Carlsbad. For a perfect combination adventure, visitors can spend time at Lake Carlsbad, or explore a nearby golf course, zoo, and both state and national parks.

Attractions in and around the Carlsbad Recreation Area

The Carlsbad Recreation Area has something for everyone, including five miles of walking paths lined with pecan trees for a relaxing stroll while soaking in the river views. Families can gather in picnic areas with barbecue pits, or take in a game of racquetball or mini golf. There’s also a beach and pavilion, swimming areas, and boat launches for a full day spent on the water. Kids will love the playgrounds, hockey rink, and skatepark. The city-run waterpark within the recreation area has six different small waterslides, a lazy river, children’s play areas, and lounge areas for a nominal entry fee of $5.

Less than five miles from the lake park is the Living Gardens Desert Zoo and State Park, which features hiking trails with amazing views of the valley, wildlife viewing, and educational tours. There are several lodging options for visitors, including tent and RV sites or rustic cabins at the Carlsbad RV Park or camping at Brantley Lake State Park. Right in the city, the Trinity Hotel offers an elegant stay in a historic building that dates back to 1892, or the highly-rated Fiddler’s Inn provides charming accommodations and a cozy atmosphere.

To get to Carlsbad, the Cavern City Air Terminal has a small number of commercial flights to Albuquerque and Phoenix. Or, for more flight options, the El Paso International Airport is the next best option, and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Carlsbad. For further exploration of under-the-radar attractions, about 50 miles outside of Carlsbad is the breathtaking Guadalupe Mountains, which is somehow one of the least-crowded national parks.

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