For the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, Louisiana Salutes Night is always a special event.
For the team, it’s an opportunity to thank the men and women of our military that fight for the opportunity for these young men to play college football.
For the fans, it’s the same chance and also a great way to bring people together for a fall Saturday afternoon of football.
Lastly, the Cajuns always break out the all-black look for the game. However, this season, a new helmet decal will dawn the black lids. It’s the traditional Ragin Cajuns wordmark with the Stars and Stripes filling in to make the helmet truly stand out.
On the field, Louisiana is riding high after their big road win over Marshall last week to bring them back to a .500 record. The Cajuns were able to get 338 yards of total offense, including 230 in the air in Ben Wooldridge’s first career start.
Louisiana will once again be without the services of Chandler Fields as he is still banged up with that upper body injury. Chris Smith will be back however for the Vermilion and White, which should bring a boost the Cajuns rushing attack.
On the other side, Arkansas State is coming in with a 2-5 record after dropping four of their last five. Butch Jones has the team buying into what they can be, with a lot of their losses being closer than last year.
James Blackman is having a great year under center, throwing for nearly 1700 yards with 11 touchdowns and only one interception. Their rushing attack has also been solid, averaging 110 yards a game. The biggest problem for the Red Wolves will be their defense, ranked 83rd nationally in total defense giving up 392 yards per game to their opponents.
This rivalry matchup is always a close game, with the Cajuns winning the last four matchups. Three of the last four matchups have been decided by seven or less points, with last year’s game being a one-point margin. Regardless of the teams’ performances, this game will always be close.
Louisiana needs to win this game to keep their chances of a potential Sun Belt West championship in tact and Arkansas State wants to do everything in their power to rain on the Cajuns’ parade.