Photo By : Ragin Cajun Staff
Louisiana faced a formidable challenge against Coastal Carolina in their third Sun Belt Conference matchup of the 2024 college football season. Coming off a strong win against Georgia State, the Ragin' Cajuns entered the game with momentum on their side. Meanwhile, the Chanticleers aimed to recover from a narrow defeat to Appalachian State, making this clash a critical encounter for both teams. In a battle where defense proved paramount, the Cajuns emerged victorious, securing a 27-17 win, thanks to their unyielding defense and balanced offensive attack. Leading the charge was fifth-year quarterback Ben Wooldridge, who played a pivotal role with two touchdown passes and a rushing score.
First Quarter: Promising Start
Louisiana (6-1, 3-0 SBC) began the game with a methodical drive, blending the run and pass to perfection. Wooldridge threw for 52 yards, and senior running back Chris Smith broke free for a 23-yard gain. The drive culminated with a 35-yard field goal by Kenneth Almendares, giving the Cajuns an early 3-0 lead.
Second Quarter: Coastal Carolina Strikes Back
The Chanticleers (4-3, 2-2 SBC) responded with a robust drive, relying heavily on their run game. Redshirt junior quarterback Grayson McCall led the way, capping the drive with a two-yard touchdown run to give Coastal Carolina a 7-3 lead. However, the Cajuns wasted no time in responding. Wooldridge connected with wide receiver Peter LeBlanc on a 54-yard bomb, the longest play of the game, putting Louisiana back in the lead. LeBlanc finished with 102 receiving yards on five catches.
Defensive Domination
Louisiana’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. Redshirt junior safety Percy Butler snagged two crucial interceptions, the first setting up an 11-yard touchdown pass from Wooldridge to tight end Neal Johnson. This gave the Cajuns a 17-7 lead late in the first half. Coastal Carolina managed to score a field goal before halftime, but Louisiana entered the break with a 17-10 advantage.
Third Quarter: Trading Blows
The second half opened with Coastal Carolina driving down the field, tying the game with a 47-yard field goal from field goal kicker Massimo Biscardi. Louisiana quickly responded, with Almendares hitting a 48-yard field goal to reclaim the lead.
Fourth Quarter: Securing the Win
In the final quarter, Louisiana's defense made game-changing plays. After a Chanticleers' fumble, senior cornerback Mekhi Garner returned the ball 45 yards, setting up a touchdown for the Cajuns. Another fumble recovery by linebacker Lorenzo McCaskill led to a short field goal by Almendares, extending Louisiana's lead to 27-17. Coastal Carolina made a late push with McCall's 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaivon Heiligh, but it wasn't enough. Louisiana sealed the win with a clock-consuming drive, capped by Wooldridge's one-yard rushing touchdown, finalizing the score at 27-17.
Outlook and Next Opponent
With this win, the Cajuns strengthen their hold on first place in the Sun Belt Conference and are well-positioned for a potential conference championship. Next up, they face the Texas State Bobcats at Bobcat Stadium, aiming to continue their dominant run.
Conclusion
Louisiana's victory over Coastal Carolina demonstrates their resilience and skill on both sides of the ball. With a commanding performance, the Ragin' Cajuns are proving to be a formidable force in the Sun Belt Conference. Fans are hopeful for a successful season and a deep run in the postseason, driven by a team that consistently rises to the occasion.
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