The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns and the New Orleans Bowl have become synonymous with each other since Mark Hudspeth has arrived at the University. After missing out last year, the Cajuns are back where they belong and have a big matchup against Southern Miss next week. So eight days before kickoff, I’m going to rank the four bowl games they have been in. My rankings are my own personal opinion and take into account the following: crowd atmosphere, dramatics, and play on the field.
4. 2014 NOLA Bowl: Nevada Didn’t Fit
After a 1-3 start, the Ragin Cajuns were able to make it to the New Orleans Bowl with another 8-4 season. It didn’t look good for the Cajuns to do it to start, but since they pulled it off it was refreshing to see this team improve. That being said this was the absolute worst for two reasons: one is because this had next to no drama with the defense allowing only three points. The second reason was because it was a 10 am kick. Something about an early morning kick really makes it poor.
3. 2012 NOLA Bowl: No Dramatics Needed
Much like the 2014 game, this one had no dramatics. However, the thing that puts it over the top is that it was back and forth with both teams putting up over 30 points. When you look at the matchups side by side, this one will be a lot more memorable to fans because it was a high scoring affair.
2. 2013 NOLA Bowl: Home Cookin’
Over 50,000 fans packed the Dome for this one with two in-state teams facing off in New Orleans. How can you not put it this high on the list simply because of the atmosphere alone? It also ended with a missed field goal as time expired that would have sent it into overtime and we might be talking about a whole different story for the Cajuns.
1. 2011 NOLA Bowl: The Kick
You never forget your first time and in the case of the Cajuns first bowl win, this is one you will never forget. It seemed like the Cajuns winning season would end on a sour note in the final moments, but the foot of Brett Baer wasn’t going to have that when he nailed it through the uprights that would send Cajun Nation into a frenzy, both inside the Superdome and the fans watching at home.
-Clint Domingue