The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns defeated the Lamar Cardinals 38-7 on Saturday night inside Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. The win starts the season off with a 1-0 record for the Cajuns and sets up a trip to face a top 15 opponent in USC next week.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Despite heavy rain in the area throughout pregame and the early stages of the contest, this game kicked off on time just after 7:00. Lamar got the football first and drove towards midfield before stalling and having to punt.
The Louisiana offense capitalized on their first offensive drive of the season, driving down the field behind Lunch Winfield and the Cajun running game. After a 10 play, 74 yard drive, Darrell Smith punched it in the end zone to give Louisiana a 7-0 lead.
The score remained 7-0 through the end of the first, but Louisiana doubled it early in the second. Again it was Smith, this time on a 25-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0.
The Cajuns would add two more touchdown drives in the half, scoring on 31 and 80 yard drives. The 80 yard drive came in the two-minute drill and ended with a Lunch touchdown run.
With a 28-0 lead at the half, Louisiana continued their shutout through the third. On the last play of the third quarter, the Cajuns extended their lead as Steven Blanco Jr found his way into the end zone to make it 35-0.
Lamar found their way on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter against the Cajuns’ reserves. Daniel Beale had entered at quarterback, but he was picked off by Lanar Kelly who returned it for a touchdown to make it 35-7.
BIG NUMBER: 0
The Cajuns’ defense was excellent, allowing 0 points. Lamar only found the scoreboard via the pick six. Additionally, the UL defense forced four turnovers on the night including three interceptions.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Caden Jensen
The Louisiana tight end led all receivers with five catches for 77 yards. With an inexperienced receiver group, Jensen may have a big role in the passing game this season.
UP NEXT: Louisiana will travel to Los Angeles to face the USC Trojans next Saturday night at 10:00 PM.