The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (6-6, 5-3 SBC) are set to face the Delaware Blue Hens (6-6, 4-4 C-USA) in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Louisiana had an adversity-filled season, dealing with numerous injuries on its way to a disappointing 2-6 start. However, they righted the ship in the second half, rattling off four straight wins to get to 6-6 and become bowl eligble.
Delaware is the new kid on the block. The former FCS-level team is playing in their first season as FBS members, and they found a way to get to bowl eligibility themselves.
Kickoff between Louisiana and Delaware at Hancock Whitney Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 PM on Wednesday, December 17th.
LUNCH TIME EXTENDED
One of the main reasons Louisiana found its way back into the mix this season was the emergence of Lutcher product Lunch Winfield at quarterback. He started the season third on the depth chart, but injuries and poor performance ahead of him gave him his shot, and he made the most of it.
Winfield dealt with multiple injuries himself this year and had to be removed from the season finale for Walker Howard, who came in and led the Cajuns to victory. Despite those injury concerns, it appears Winfield will be good to go in this bowl game. Howard may also get some snaps as well, per Coach Michael Desormeaux.
REINSTATED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD
Tyree Skipper was suspended after the on-field altercation that took place between Louisiana and Texas State. The suspension was for the remainder of the regular season and any postseason opportunities the Cajuns earned.
With this being Skipper’s last season, that ruling was effectively going to end his Cajuns’ career. He remained at every practice and meeting despite that, and even earned “Scout Team Player of the Week” for UL as he did everything possible to help them continue to win.
After the season, Coach Des reached out to SBC Commissioner Keith Gill, who agreed to reinstate Skipper for this game with the blessing of Texas State’s administration as well. Skipper will start at safety for the Cajuns on Wednesday.
EXCITED TO BE HERE
Having just transitioned to FBS football, Delaware will be playing in their first-ever bowl game. They actually were only allowed to play in this game due to not enough bowl eligible teams making it to six wins.
The Cajuns faced a similar opponent a few years ago when they matched up with Jacksonville State in their first bowl appearance in the New Orleans Bowl. That game was a wild one, with the Cajuns falling in overtime on a game-winning field goal.
Louisiana will try to spoil the party this time around and make the Blue Hens wait a while longer to get their first bowl trophy.
SERIES RECORD: First Ever Meeting
STAT LEADERS:
Louisiana
Lunch Winfield: 106-180, 1,324 Yards, 10 TD, 6 INT
Bill Davis 148 Carries, 743 Yards, 6 TD
Shelton Sampson Jr: 29 Catches, 495 Yards, 5 TD
Jordan Lawson: 5 Sacks
Jaden Dugger: 118 Tackles (59 Solo)
Courtline Flowers: 2 INT
Tony Sterner: 18-of-25 Field Goals, Long of 51, 37-of-37 PAT
Delaware
Nick Minicucci: 302-481, 3,505 Yards, 22 TD, 7 INT
Jo Silver 105 Carries, 536 Yards, 4 TD
Sean Wilson 59 Catches, 787 Yards, 2 TD
Trace Scott III & Keyshawn Hunter: 3 Sacks
Gavin Moul 104 Tackles (45 Solo)
Mysonne Pollard 4 INT
Nate Reed 16-of-21 Field Goals, Long of 51, 37-of-37 PAT