With a 52-21 victory over in-state rival UL Monroe in Saturday’s regular-season finale, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are bowl-eligible for the sixth straight year. It was also the final game at Cajun Field before the multi-million dollar renovation project transforms the facility into Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After forcing a three-and-out by ULM, Louisiana took its first drive 50 yards on nine plays and capped it with a five-yard rushing touchdown by Chandler Fields. The Warhawks answered with a 14-play, 77-yard scoring drive as Jiya Wright scored on the ground from two yards out.
Louisiana wasted little time in responding with a seven-play, 58-yard drive which ended with a three-yard touchdown run by Zylan Perry.
After forcing another three-and-out by the Warhawks, the Ragin’ Cajuns went 47 yards and would add a 27-yard field goal by Kenneth Almendares.
Louisiana forced another ULM punt but the offense would cough it up as Perry had the ball knocked out by Adin Huntington and Dylan Howell scooped it up and ran it in from 24 yards out.
Louisiana’s offense got the ball back and went 11 plays, 86 yards and Jacob Kibodi finished it off by scoring a three-yard touchdown run.
Louisiana’s defense gave the ball back to the offense as Jalen Clark picked off Blake Murphy. The Ragin’ Cajuns took advantage of the turnover and scored another touchdown as Fields found tight end Neal Johnson for a 24-yard score.
At the break, Louisiana led 31-14.
The Ragin’ Cajuns needed only four plays to extend their lead as Fields found Johnson for a second touchdown, this time 28 yards. Louisiana would add a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Elijah Davis in the third quarter.
ULM added only its second offensive touchdown of the game midway through the fourth quarter when Murphy found Luke Alred open in the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown.
Louisiana would add one more touchdown to cap the game as Davis powered his way into the end zone from two yards out late in the fourth quarter.
BIG NUMBER: 4
Louisiana’s defense held ULM to only four yards passing in the first half as Blake Murphy completed 2-of-5 passes and one interception.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME: CHANDLER FIELDS & NEAL JOHNSON
Louisiana’s starting quarterback closed out the season with a strong performance as he completed 18-of-20 passes for 246 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 38 yards and one score on the ground. Johnson meanwhile had a game-high 67 yards on three receptions while scoring a career-high two touchdowns.
UP NEXT: Louisiana (6-5, 3-5) awaits to find out what bowl game they will be playing in this year. The bowl selections will be made official a week from Sunday.