Cajuns Hammer Jags, Earn NO Bowl Bid

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns spotted South Alabama an early 7-0 lead, then took control late in the first half, en route to a 52-30 win over the Jaguars on Senior Day at Cajun Field.

After the game, Louisiana (7-4, 5-2 Sun Belt) accepted a bid to play in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl for the second straight season.  The game will be Saturday, December 22 with a kickoff time at 11am.

"On behalf of our football team, WE ACCEPT," Coach Mark Hudspeth said after invitation from executive director Billy Ferrante.

The Cajuns led only 17-16 late in the first half, but the Cajuns got a score just before halftime on a Terrance Broadway pass to Javone Lawson, covering 27 yards and giving the Cajuns a 24-16 halftime lead.

The Cajuns then took the second half kickoff and went 82 yards in four plays, culminated by a one yard run by Effrem Reed, his second touchdown of the game and the rout was on.

South Alabama (2-10, 1-7) never got closer than 15 points the rest of the way.

The Cajuns got two more scores; a six yard run by Broadway, and a touchdown pass from Blaine Gautier to Jacob Maxwell, covering eighteen yards.

It was Gautier's first appearance since September 29th when he suffered two broken bones in his throwing hand.

Lawson caught three passes for 113 yards in his first appearance since breaking a bone in his arm back on October 23.

Broadway was 11-19 for 303 yards and two scores as Louisiana rolled up 538 yards in offense.  Broadway also rushed 13 times for 65 yards and a score.  Wide receiver Harry Peoples led the Cajuns in receiving with five catches for 166 yards and a 75 yard touchdown reception.

Reed led the Cajuns in rushing with 81 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns.  Senior Yobes Walker capped the scoring with a one yard touchdown run with under five minutes left.

The Cajuns will meet an opponent to be named in their second straight bowl appearance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  The Cajuns 32-30 win over San Diego State last December 17th set a New Orleans Bowl attendance record.