After a critical road win last Saturday over South Alabama, the 5-3 Louisiana Ragin Cajuns will once again be on the road to battle a Sun Belt West rival in Arkansas State. Jonesboro has typically been a tough town for Louisiana, struggling even in victory inside Centennial Bank Stadium.
Can the Cajuns keep the win streak and put themselves in an even better position with a short week on the horizon? Or will the chances of a Sun Belt Championship diminish with a bad loss on the road?
TOUGH TO WIN IN JONESBORO
Louisiana has struggled to find success in Jonesboro, winning their last game 28-27 during their magical 13-1 season. Since 2000, the Cajuns have only won in Jonesboro four times, with two of the four settled by three points or less.
Whether it’s something in the air in Northeast Arkansas or just a bitter rivalry between two division rivals, Louisiana hopes they can be on the right side of history on Saturday with a big win on the road.
CHRISS VS RAYNOR
It’s no secret that both offenses have had special moments throughout the season, but it’s even more impressive when you look at the roster and discover that both starting quarterbacks are freshmen. Jaylen Raynor is a natural freshman who stepped in earlier in the season and the offense found a new groove with him on the field. Meanwhile, Zeon Chriss is a redshirt freshman for Louisiana who stepped in after Ben Wooldridge’s injury on the first drive against UAB and hasn’t looked back since.
Both players are dual-threat guys and will look to find ways to make explosive plays for their respective offenses this weekend as both teams look to gain ground in the West.
DIVISION RACE GETS TIGHTER
The Sun Belt West division is full of talented programs, as Troy and South Alabama held their own for the division title last year. Now in 2023, Louisiana has entered that conversation as well as Arkansas State and Texas State in their first year under new head coach GJ Kinne. The SBC West is still incredibly tight, even after Troy’s 28-10 win over South Alabama Thursday night. Now, Troy is in sole possession of first place with Louisiana, Texas State, and Arkansas State right behind with just 2 conference losses.
This matchup will go a long way for either the Cajuns or the Red Wolves in their quest to win the division, as Louisiana will head to Troy in two weeks and the Red Wolves still have matchups with South Alabama and Texas State after this weekend.
SERIES RECORD: Louisiana leads 28-20
Previous Meetings:
2022: 38 Louisiana-Arkansas State 18
2021: 28 Louisiana-Arkansas State 27
2020: 27 Louisiana-Arkansas State 20
2019: 37 Louisiana-Arkansas State 20
2018: 47 Louisiana-Arkansas State 43
STAT LEADERS
Louisiana
Zeon Chriss: 90-136, 1,051 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs
Jacob Kibodi: 87 carries, 585 yards, 6 TDs
Robert Williams: 23 receptions, 294 yards, 3 TDs
K.C. Ossai: 50 tackles (26 solo), 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked kick
Kenneth Almendares: 9-for-10, Long of 46, 31-32 XP
Arkansas State
Jaylen Raynor: 84-144, 1,454 yards, 13 TDs, 4 INTs
Ja’Quez Cross: 70 carries, 412 yards, 3 TDs
Corey Rucker: 22 receptions, 443 yards
Javante Mackey: 63 tackles (39 solo), 4.0 TFL, 2 sacks
Dominic Zvada: 10-of-14, Long of 53, 22-22 XP
Kickoff from Centennial Bank Stadium is set for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and the game can be viewed on ESPN+.