Posted at 9:00 AM ET. Odds are subject to change

Delaware +110 ML over UL Lafayette

Hancock Whitney Stadium – Birmingham, AL

68 Ventures Bowl

8:30 PM ET. This bowl matchup is being framed as experience versus inexperience, and that framing is exactly why Delaware offers value. The Blue Hens are making their first-ever bowl appearance as an FBS program, while UL Lafayette is a familiar postseason regular. Naturally, the market leans toward the team that’s “been here before.” But familiarity doesn’t decide bowl games, it just inflates the price on the more recognizable name.

If we remove the preconceived notions, this game is a toss-up at best. But the market will be quick to point out how the Hens have not been here before. But let us say that Delaware earned its bowl bid in its first FBS season by competing weekly, not by sneaking after making the jump. Delaware had to win six games to get here and the Hens clearly weren’t overwhelmed by the leap in competition; they embraced it.

The betting line itself gives away more than it hides. This game opened with the Cajuns laying less than a field goal. That’s a quiet admission from the oddsmakers that Delaware has every chance to win this outright. Bowl games magnify incentives, and Delaware’s incentive is massive. This is a historic moment for the program — a chance to secure its first bowl win ever and put an exclamation point on what has to be considered a successful debut season at the FBS level. Louisiana, by contrast, is playing another December game in a long line of them. That difference matters. When a matchup grades out as a near coin flip, the decision becomes straightforward. You don’t spot points on reputation. You take plus money on the team that isn’t just along for the ride. Delaware is capable of finishing the story the right way. We’re backing the Hens to get it done.

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