The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns fell to the Eastern Michigan Eagles 34-31 on Saturday evening in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The Eagles converted a game-winning field goal to grab their first win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cajuns got the ball first and took full advantage. They went seven plays and 75 yards for a touchdown, capped by Zylan Perry’s 23-yard touchdown run. That put Louisiana up 7-0.
After the teams traded three and outs, Eastern Michigan answered. Eight plays and 54 yards later, Noah Kim ran for a three yard touchdown to tie it at 7.
The Cajuns would retake the lead on a Tony Sterner field goal. Then, both teams put together impressive touchdown drives back to back. After the dust settled it was a 17-14 Cajuns lead.
That lead was short-lived as the Eagles got another score. This time Kim threw a touchdown pass on a short drive that was set up with good field position. After a missed field goal at the end of the half, EMU led 21-17 at the half.
Back to back punts started the second half, then the Cajuns defense stepped up. Courtline Flowers delivered a pick-6 to put Louisiana back on top 24-21.
EMU again responded with an impressive drive. 11 plays and 75 yards led to Tavierre Dunlap scoring from six yards out to make it 28-24.
The Eagles later added a field goal to make it 31-24. Multiple times it looked like the Cajuns were out of it as they turned the ball over on an interception. Then, on 4th down, they threw an interception that would have ended the game. However, roughing the passer kept the drive alive.
Perry cashed that in for the game-tying touchdown with under a minute left. At 31-31, EMU got one more chance.
Kim led them into field goal range, and Rudy Kessinher delivered the game winning field goal. EMU won 34-31.
BIG NUMBER: 85
The Cajuns had 85 yards worth of penalties in this game, with many of them coming in critical moments for the offense.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Noah Kim
Kim was effective, going 21-31 for 226 yards and a touchdown passing. He also added 12 rushing yards and a rushing score in the win.
UP NEXT: Louisiana will return home for their Sun Belt Conference opener against Marshall on Saturday September 27th at 7 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.