6 Group of Five contenders for New Year’s Six Bowls
By Andrew Tineo
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Similar to Liberty, Louisiana was one score away from perfection in 2020. A three-point loss to Coastal Carolina on October 14 was the lone blemish. Louisiana made noise with a 17 point upset win at Ames against Top-20 ranked Iowa State.
The Ragin’ Cajuns coasted through the rest of their Sun Belt slate and finished with a 31-24 bowl win over UTSA in the First Responders Bowl.
Quarterback Levi Lewis has 63 career touchdowns, and will be his fourth season under center in Lafayette. The Louisiana offense was efficient in keeping the ball and finishing drives at a good pace.
The leading receiver from last years team was a freshman. Wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who finished with 364 yards and four touchdowns, returns. The biggest hole on the team resides in the backfield, next to Lewis.
Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas, both declared for the NFL. Leaving the running back room for Chris Smith and Texas A&M Transfer Jacob Kibodi.
Louisiana’s key to success was turnover margin. With a +10 margin, the Ragin’ Cajuns finished second in the Sun Belt and 13th in the country. Louisiana had 16 interceptions, with junior safety Bralen Trahan leading the way with four.
No rest for the weary, as they travel to Austin to play Texas in Week one. Their lone competitive game the rest of the way should be a November 20 matchup at Liberty.
With the returning production and Billy Napier rapid rise in the CFB coaching ranks, the Ragin’ Cajuns should be in the thick of the race and among the top contenders to play in January.