The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns defeated the UAB Blazers 21-14 on Saturday night inside Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. With the win, Louisiana moves to 2-1 on the season ahead of their final non-conference matchup next weekend.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Louisiana got the football first and made a statement with their opening drive. They marched 14 plays and 80 yards, converting on a touchdown to Steven Blanco.
The Cajuns dominated the first quarter of play, and punched it in for their second touchdown early in the second. This time it was Lunch Winfield on a nine yard score.
The Blazers were not moving the ball on offense, but they scored on defense. A fumble recovery returned for touchdown put them on the board and made it 14-7.
Louisiana answered again, scoring before halftime. This time it was Lunch again, running it in from 11 yards out. The Cajuns led 21-7 at the half.
All of the Louisiana offensive success was slowed in the third quarter. The Cajuns could not extend their lead, and UAB took advantage early in the fourth.
After a long punt return, the Blazers punched it in from nine yards out, making it 21-14. Louisiana put together a nice drive but fumbled, and UAB recovered giving them a chance to drive down the stretch.
The defense held in the end, forcing a fourth down stop to preserve the lead and win the game 21-14.
BIG NUMBER: 218
The Cajuns’ defense held UAB to just 218 yards of offense in this contest. They also only allowed 7 points, as the other 7 came from a defensive score for UAB.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Conor McPherson
The Cajun linebacker racked up 11 tackles in the win. He also had two tackles for loss and a sack, helping to anchor a Cajuns’ defense that carried them in the second half of this win.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns will be on the road next week as they travel to face the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday night at 5:30 PM.