JONESBORO, Ark. — The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns overcame a disastrous start to edge out Arkansas State at Centennial Bank Stadium on Thursday night.
With the 34-30 victory over their Sun Belt Conference rival, the Ragin’ Cajuns keep their hopes alive of becoming bowl eligible with one regular-season game remaining.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Arkansas State started their second drive at the UL 36-yard line after a shanked punt, and then Jaylen Raynor completed a pass to Corey Rucker for 28 yards. Despite having the ball at the eight-yard line, Arkansas State was unable to punch it in and settled for a 21-yard field goal by Clune Van Andel.
Louisiana’s third possession ended in disaster as Lunch Winfield was stripped and sacked again, but this time it was recovered by Arkansas State’s Cody Sigler, who returned it 27 yards for the touchdown.
The Ragin’ Cajuns’ first four offensive possessions resulted in
11 yards, three fumbles, one lost for a touchdown, 5 penalties for 40 yards, and three punts.
Louisiana caught a break when Arkansas State muffed the ensuing punt. The Ragin’ Cajuns got the ball at the Red Wolves’ 18-yard line. A few plays later, Zylan Perry powered his way into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown.
Louisiana’s defense then came up with a turnover.
Maurion Eleam forced Kenyon Clay to cough up the ball, and Steven Ranel II recovered it at the 35-yard line. A couple of big runs by Winfield got the ball to the three-yard line. After two runs for no gain, Winfield appeared to power his way into the end zone. The play was reviewed, and it was ruled that he was down at the half-yard line. The Cajuns then went for it on fourth and goal, and Winfield scored that time.
After the two teams traded 41-yard field goals, the Red Wolves reclaimed the lead as Chauncy Cobb scored on a 93-yard kickoff return. The Ragin’ Cajuns nearly answered with a return for a score of their own as Ja’Corian Norris returned it 65 yards. Louisiana retook the lead six plays later as Winfield scored on a one-yard touchdown run.
Arkansas State took the lead right before the half with an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. At the break, the Red Wolves led the Ragin’ Cajuns 27-24.
Louisiana retook the lead with its second possession of the third quarter as it went 85 yards on 10 plays. The drive was capped with a 36-yard touchdown run by Bill Davis.
After stopping the Red Wolves on fourth down, the Ragin’ Cajuns went 42 yards down the field before the drive stalled. Tony Sterner came on and made the 50-yard field goal to make it 34-27 early in the fourth quarter.
Arkansas State marched down the field 69 yards on 15 plays, but Louisiana’s defense held them to a 24-yard field goal. With 6:40 left in the fourth, the Cajuns had a 34-30 lead.
The Red Wolves got the ball back and went 88 yards on 14 plays. The game came down to Arkansas State calling a quarterback run at the two-yard line with three seconds left. Raynor was stopped short. The Cajuns began to celebrate, but the play would be reviewed. The call was upheld, and Louisiana celebrated the victory for real.
BIG NUMBER: 16
With Steven Ranel II and Lake Bates starting at the two safety spots, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have now had 16 different players start their first game at the FBS level.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME: LUNCH WINFIELD & JORDAN LAWSON
Winfield overcame early miscues and led multiple touchdown drives. He completed 18-of-25 passes for 147 yards while also adding 89 rushing yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns. Lawson, meanwhile, made multiple plays on defense, recording five tackles (four solo), one tackle for a loss, and a quarterback hurry.
UP NEXT: The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (5-6, 4-3 SBC) wrap up the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 29, at home against ULM. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.