After defeating South Alabama on the road back on October 28th to get to five wins on the season, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have dropped three straight contests and now need a victory on Saturday to become bowl-eligible.
It is the second straight season, the Ragin’ Cajuns enter the regular season finale needing a win to become bowl-eligible. Last season, Louisiana defeated Texas State 41-13 to get to six victories.
Louisiana (5-6, 2-5 SBC) hosts in-state rival ULM (2-9, 0-7 SBC) on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Cajun Field.
RUN DEFENSE STRUGGLING
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have struggled to slow down the opposing team’s run offenses. For the season, teams are averaging 3.8 yards per carry and 161 rushing yards per game. But in the four of the team’s last seven games, the Cajuns’ defense has given up 200 yards on the ground four times. In the loss to Arkansas State, Louisiana gave up a season-high 232 yards and 4.46 yards per carry. The next game was just as bad as Southern Miss gashed Louisiana for 231 yards and 4.44 yards per carry. The team made strides against Troy last week giving up only 148 yards but still gave up 4.11 yards per carry. Louisiana will face ULM who enters the game averaging 145.6 yards on the ground and 4.3 yards per carry. If the Ragin’ Cajuns can slow down the run they should be able to win the game.
BATTLE ON THE BAYOU
The in-state rivals meet for the 58th time and the Ragin’ Cajuns hold a 31-26-0 series advantage. Louisiana has claimed 13 of the last 15 meetings in the Battle of the Bayou, and has won the previous two meetings in Lafayette. The series which dates back to 1951 has produced some close contests. A total of 33 games in the series have been decided by eight points or less, and 16 of those by a field goal.
CAJUN FIELD SENDOFF
The game between the Warhawks and Ragin’ Cajuns will mark the 288th game at Cajun Field, and the final one in the facility’s current configuration. The venue has served as the home for Louisiana football since 1971 and is set for a major renovation project — costing an estimated $65 million project — that will be completed for the 2025 season. It will then become known as Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.
SERIES RECORD: Louisiana leads 31-26
Previous Five Meetings:
2022: ULM 21 — LOUISIANA 17
2021: LOUISIANA 21 — ULM 16
2020: LOUISIANA 70 — ULM 20
2019: LOUISIANA 31 — ULM 30
2018: LOUISIANA 31 — ULM 28
STAT LEADERS
ULM
Jiya Wright: 101-194, 1,180 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INT
Hunter Smith: 90 carries, 497 yards, 3 TD
Tyrone Howell: 47 receptions, 550 yards, 7 TDs
Michael Batton: 74 tackles (25 solo), 2 TFL
Derek McCormick: 10-of-12, Long of 50
Louisiana
Zeon Chriss: 102-153, 1,222 yards, 11 TD, 5 INT
Jacob Kibodi: 114 carries, 674 yards, 6 TD
Jacob Bernard: 34 receptions, 421 yards, TD
Robert Williams: 29 receptions, 351 yards, 4 TD
K.C. Ossai: 70 tackles (39 solo), 2 TFL, 1 sack,
Kenneth Almendares: 12-for-13, Long of 46