The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns entered Saturday’s season opener in Austin looking to pull off an upset against a ranked team from the Big 12 Conference for the second straight season.
The No. 23 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns fell short of that goal after suffering a 38-18 loss at No. 19 Texas.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After the two teams exchanged punts to start the game, the Ragin’ Cajuns got on the scoreboard with a 8-play, 42-yard drive but the possession stalled in the red zone.
With the ball spotted at the 12-yard line, Montrell Johnson ran for two yards on first down. Levi Lewis would be tackled for a one-yard loss on second and then took a eight-yard loss on third down after being sacked by Luke Brockermeyee and DeMarvion Overshown.
Louisiana settled for a 37-yard field goal by Kenneth Almendares.
Texas responded with an 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive as Hudson Card found Bijan Robinson for a 18-yard touchdown.
While the Ragin’ Cajuns managed only 20 yards on their next two possessions, which both resulted in punts, the Longhorns were able to put together back-to-back long drives.
After the first of those drives ended in a missed 45-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker, Texas found the end zone on the second possession as Card threw a 6-yard touchdown to Cade Brewer on third and goal.
Louisiana managed to score before halftime with a 48-yard field goal by Almendares.
Texas opened up the second half with an eight-play, 65-yard scoring drive which was capped with a seven-yard touchdown run by Robinson.
The Ragin’ Cajuns answered with a 27-yard touchdown run by Chris Smith. The extra point was blocked and Louisiana trailed 21-12 with six minutes to go in the third quarter.
Louisiana tried an on-side kick but Nate Snyder’s kick was recovered by Texas’ B.J. Foster.
Texas needed only six plays to find the end zone again as Card ran it in from three yards out.
After a three-and-out by the Ragin’ Cajuns, the Longhorns extended their lead with a 14-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Casey Thompson to Jordan Whittington.
Louisiana answered as Lewis threw a 19-yard touchdown to Kyren Lacy to make it 35-18 but Texas put the finishing touches on the victory with a 49-yard field goal by Dicker.
BIG NUMBER: 435
The Ragin’ Cajuns veteran defense surrendered 435 yards, including 170 on the ground, to the Longhorns in Saturday’s season opener.
BIG NUMBER II: 10-of-15
The Longhorns offense kept drives alive by converting 10-of-15 third-down conversions.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: BIJAN ROBINSON
The Heisman Trophy candidate led all rushers with 103 yards on 20 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and one rushing touchdown. Robinson also had four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown.
UP NEXT: Louisiana (0-1) will host Nicholls State on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.