The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves 55-19 on Saturday evening inside Cajun Field. The win moves Louisiana to 8-1 overall, still unbeaten in Sun Belt play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cajuns and Red Wolves both traded punts to begin the game. However, the Cajuns were able to force an interception to get the ball back right away. Then, a seven play, 71 yard drive was capped off by a 20-yard touchdown connection from Ben Wooldridge to Harvey Broussard III. That gave an early 7-0 lead to Louisiana.
The Cajuns’ defense continued to stand tall against the Arkansas State attack. A turnover on downs ended the possession, and Louisiana turned it into a field goal. Kenny Almendares made it, and the kick tied him for the school’s all-time scoring record.
After another punt, the Louisiana offense converted again. This time, Dre’Lyn Washington busted a 46-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0. With the extra point, Almendares passed former Cajuns’ running back Elijah McGuire for the scoring record. McGuire was honored during the game as he was inducted into the Ragin’ Cajuns Hall of Fame.
The first half dominance continued, as Louisiana forced another punt and converted it into points again. This time, Zylan Perry punched it in on a four yard touchdown, making it 24-0. Another score after that gave Louisiana a 31-0 lead before the final two minutes of the half.
The Red Wolves did put together a nice drive right before the half. Jaylen Raynor found Adam Jones for a 16-yard score to make the halftime score 31-6.
The Cajuns added a field goal out of the half to make it 34-6, but Arkansas State answered with an impressive scoring drive to make it 34-12. That was the point in the half where Louisiana decided to put it away.
Back-to-back touchdown drives with an interception to help out defensively made it 48-12, with Bill Davis and Dre’Lyn Washington adding scores for the Cajuns.
The backups got plenty of work for both teams in the fourth quarter. They traded scores, with the Cajuns winning 55-19.
BIG NUMBER: 579
The Cajuns’ offense was clicking all night long. They racked up 579 yards on that side, with balance in both the passing and running game all night.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Cajuns O-Line
The big guys up front had a big day, clearing holes for running backs and protecting the quarterbacks effectively. They helped the offense along all night long.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns will remain home at Cajun Field to host the South Alabama Jaguars at 6:00 PM on Saturday, November 16th.