The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns (5-5, 4-2 Sun Belt) finally returned home on Saturday and despite a scare early in the fourth quarter, they were able to take down New Mexico State (4-6, 2-4 Sun Belt) thanks to some solid defense to come away with a 47-34 win to get one step closer to being bowl eligible.
The Cajuns started out strong with a lengthy opening drive, highlighted by a big 30-yard pass from Jordan Davis to Ryheem Malone. That set up a wildcat run by Dion Ray to give them the early lead.
However, the Aggies tied it up with Jason Huntley running the kickoff back for 97 yards. The Cajuns got fancy late in the first quarter with a fake FG shovel pass to Ragas to convert for a first down. Davis broke the tie just a few plays later with a pass to Michael Jacquet in the back corner of the endzone.
Trey Ragas extended their lead with a 31-yard run into the endzone after breaking a tackle to make it 21-7. After a 24-yarder from Dylan Brown, Jordan Davis used his legs to go on a big 43-yard run into the endzone to make it 28-10.
Just before the half wrapped up, New Mexico State cut into the lead once again with a quick march down the field that was capped off by a two-yard run from Larry Rose III to make it 28-17. Artigue’s chip shot at the end of the first half made it 31-17.
The Aggies started to build some momentum in the second half with Tyler Rogers connecting with Rose on a touchdown pass to make it a one-score game. The Cajuns responded with a lengthy 14-play drive that was capped off by another field goal made it 34-23.
However, Rose wound up making it a little more competitive late in the third quarter with a short run into the endzone. Brown tied the game up early on in the fourth quarter with another chip-shot.
The Cajuns responded quickly with a slant pass to Malone that went 33 yards for the score and the lead right back. Jacques Boudreaux grabbed an interception in the final six minutes of the ballgame that set up another touchdown for Ragas to put the final nail in.
The Cajuns will return to action on Saturday when they take on Georgia Southern (1-9. 1-5 Sun Belt) with kickoff set for 4 pm.
-Clint Domingue