It’s a crossover battle in the Sun Belt as a pair of conference rivals take the field to do battle down in the Mountaineer State. The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are on the road as they make the trip to take on the Marshall Thundering Herd Wednesday night. Louisiana came up on the wrong end of a 20-17 decision to South Alabama at home in their previous contest October 1. Marshall knocked off FCS program Gardner-Webb 28-7 at home in their most recent game on October 1. These programs have met just once as FBS opponents in their history with Louisiana claiming a 36-21 triumph in the New Orleans Bowl at the Caesars Superdome on December 18, 2021.
Louisiana battled back against South Alabama only to fall on a Diego Guajardo field goal at the buzzer to send them to defeat. The Ragin’ Cajuns dropped to 2-3 on the season overall and stand 0-2 in the Sun Belt with the loss, leaving them at the bottom of the conference’s West Division. Against South Alabama, Louisiana led 7-0 after the opening quarter, stood tied at seven at the half and trailed 10-7 after three quarters. The deficit was 17-7 with 12:53 to play before the Ragin’ Cajuns scored 10 unanswered points to knot the game at 17 with 42 seconds to play only to allow the Jaguars to cover 49 yards in eight plays to set up the winning kick. Louisiana was outgained 361-274 in total offense, gave up 20 first downs while recording 17 and lost the time of possession by a 30:18 to 29:42 margin. For good measure, the Ragin’ Cajuns turned the ball over three times while recording only two takeaways in the loss. 3;
On the season, Louisiana is 102nd in the FBS in passing offense with an average of 209.6 yards per game while they are 105th in rushing with 117.6 yards per contest to date. The Ragin’ Cajuns stand 92nd in scoring offense as they put up an average of 25.6 points per game while they are a solid 36th in scoring defense by allowing 20.6 points per contest this year. Quarterbacking duties have been split this season with Chandler Fields (54 of 95, 608 yards, seven TD, three INT, 18 rushing yards, TD) and Ben Wooldridge (48 of 74, 440 yards, three TD, INT, 66 rushing yards) both seeing extensive action. Chris Smith is the lead running back in the system as he contributes 47 carries for 264 yards and two scores on the year. Terrence Williams (35 carries, 119 yards) and Jacob Kibodi (20 carries, 102 yards) have also been in the mix. When Louisiana goes to the air, Michael Jefferson is the team’ ;s top target as he’s hauled in 20 passes for 280 yards plus a pair of scores. Smith (15 receptions, 107 yards), tight ends Johnny Lumpkin (11 catches, 100 yards, team-high three scores) and Neal Johnson (10 grabs, 98 yards, TD) along with wide receiver Errol Rogers Jr. (10 catches, 66 yards) are sold contributors. Preston Stafford has hit all 15 extra point attempts and is two of four on field goal attempts this season with a long of 36. Kenneth Almendares is two of two on extra points but one of three on field goal attempts with a long of 51.