It was a successful homecoming for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns as they defeated the Texas State Bobcats at Cajun Field Saturday evening 31-3.

This game was really about two quarters, the second and the third. Neither team scored a single point in either the first or the fourth quarter.

Louisiana was without some of their big guns on offense Saturday as offensive lineman Robert Hunt and running back Trey Ragas both didn't play due to injuries. In addition, wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley was injured early in the game and did not return with an unspecified ailment.

Without Hunt, the offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Levi Lewis early in this one and UL also shot themselves in the foot a couple of times with undisciplined penalties.

The second quarter was a bit more fruitful for the Cajuns as they opened the scoring when Elijah Mitchell broke one on the ground for a 39-yard score.

Also, right before the half ended Louisiana was able to come away with points for the seventh time in eight games when kicker Stevie Artigue nailed a 46-yard field goal against the wind. That gave the Cajuns a 10-3 lead at the half.

The defense was stifling all game long despite the penalties which they committed 12 of for 128 yards altogether. In fact, they pitched a shutout in the second half as the offense opened things up and began clicking on all cylinders.

It began right out of the gates in the second half as they got the ball first and would put together a quick strike scoring drive of five plays culminating in a 24-yard touchdown strike from Lewis to Nick Ralston. 17-3 UL

Next, it was a more methodical drive of 12 plays that chewed up just under six minutes of the game clock that ended with another 24-yard score, this time on the ground with freshman Chris Smith. 24-3 UL.

Finally, a dagger of a swing pass from Lewis to Raymond Calais that went for a 34-yard score and the rout was on, 31-3 UL.

That's, of course, the score they would win by but getting back to the defense once more, they also picked off Bobcats quarterback Tyler Vitt twice in this ballgame. Michael Jacquet got him once as did Bralen Trahan later in the 4th quarter.

With the win, the Cajuns move to 6-2 overall and are officially bowl eligible. They also improved to 3-1 in the Sun Belt Conference.

Up next for Louisiana it'll be a short turnaround as they play at Coastal Carolina Thursday, November 7th at 6:30 p.m.

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