Photo by: Ben Massey
In Week 2 of the 2024 college football season, Louisiana football traveled to face Kennesaw State and secured an impressive 34-10 victory. Coming off a dominant performance against Grambling State, the Ragin’ Cajuns leaned heavily on their ground game and resilient defense to put themselves at 2-0 for the first time since 2022.
First Quarter
The game didn’t start smoothly for the Cajuns, as Kennesaw State struck first with a three-yard touchdown run by Preston Daniels. Kennesaw’s success on third downs was a significant factor early on, allowing them to maintain control of the ball for much of the first quarter. UL struggled initially to get off the field on third downs, as acknowledged by linebacker K.C. Ossai, but remained focused knowing it would be a battle.
Second Quarter
Louisiana responded with a balanced offensive drive, highlighted by a 28-yard rush from Zylan Perry and five completions from senior quarterback Ben Wooldridge. The Ragin’ Cajuns, unable to convert in the red zone, settled for a 30-yard field goal by Kenneth Almendares to make it 7-3.
Louisiana’s ground game came alive later in the second quarter, with Elijah "Bill" Davis breaking out for a 49-yard run. Davis finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown, giving the Cajuns their first lead at 10-7. With a combined effort from Davis and Perry, Louisiana’s run game overwhelmed the Owls, racking up 257 total rushing yards.
UL’s defense began to stiffen, and special teams contributed with a blocked punt by Dalen Cambre late in the second quarter. The Cajuns capitalized with another field goal to extend their lead to 20-7 at halftime.
Third Quarter
Louisiana kept up the pressure in the second half, with Wooldridge connecting with Robert Williams for a 38-yard gain on a trick play. Wooldridge found Williams again for a short touchdown pass to make it 27-7, with the Cajuns in full control.
The defense continued to wear down Kennesaw State’s offense, while the Cajuns' relentless run game, led by Davis and Perry, added another score to make it 34-7.
Fourth Quarter
Kennesaw State finally answered back with a late drive, but UL's defense held them to a field goal after a strong stand in the red zone. Despite some early struggles, the Ragin' Cajuns defense found their footing and closed the game out strong, securing a 34-10 win.
With this victory, Louisiana demonstrated its balanced offensive attack and the ability to adjust defensively, leaving the Cajuns in good standing as they head into the rest of the season.
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