Ohio Defeats Cajuns 31-23

For the second week in a row, the Cajuns made untimely penalties and turnovers in the red-zone, costing them scoring opportunities. And the defense was unable to come up with key stops, allowing several long drives and big plays in the secondary. Mental lapses on Cajun offense and defense allowed a very good Ohio team to overcome a 20-10 half time deficit, outscoring the Cajuns 21-3.

You couldn’t have asked for a better script to a Cajun first half Saturday. The Cajuns struck first with a seven-play, 80-yard drive. The drive’s big play came with a 37-yard pass from Desormeaux to Smith. Five plays later, wide receiver Richie Falgout took the handoff and proceeded to toss a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jason Chery. Edmiston missed the extra point to keep the Cajuns lead 6-0.

But the Cajun defense looked much like it did against South Carolina in the first quarter, allowing Ohio to answer in just five plays. Bower completed two passes, covering most of the drive, including a screen pass to running back McRae that turned into a 44-yard touchdown. The Ohio extra point was good by Michael Braunstein, giving the Bobcats a 7-6 edge.

The Cajuns took the next possession 92 yards in just seven plays, with Desormeaux connecting with Jordan Jackson ona 16-yard touchdown pass to put the Louisiana back on top 13-7. The Cajun drive was adided by several big plays, including a 44-yard run by Tyrell Fenroy.

The Bobcats would cut into the Cajun lead 13-10, thanks to a blown coverage in the secondary allowing Brad Bower to hit a wide-open Justin Fitzgerald for a 64 yard play down the sidelines. Fitzgeralds long gain set up a 27-yard field goal by Mic Braunstein.

The Cajun defense came up with a big turnover on the next Ohio drive, on a Jerrett Jones interception at the Cajun 19-yard line. Ohio had moved the ball down to the Cajun 32-yard line before Jones camp up with the overthrown ball from Bowers.

The Cajuns would then extend their lead to 20-10, with a seven-play drive that covered 81 yards. Desormeaux connected with Abdule Levier for a 12-yard scoring strike on third down. The highlight of the scoring drive was a 41-yard pass from Desormeaux,that advanced the ball into Bobcat territory.

The Cajuns would take the 20-10 lead into half-time.

The Cajuns opened the second half with 20-10 lead, but Ohio made it a three-point game late in the third quarter.

After gaining possession in Cajuns territory, the Bobcats moved 43 yards in nine plays. Kalvin McRae scored his 29th career rushing touchdown to trim the Cajuns lead to 20-17 with 3:32 to play in the third quarter. Ohio converted all three third down attempts on the drive, including a third-and-10.

UL responded with a nine-play, 52-yard drive, ending with a 28-yard field goal by Drew Edmiston. During the drive, Tyrell Fenroy had three runs for 44 yards, becoming the all-time leading rusher – by a running back – in Ragin Cajun history.

Cajun penalties and poor field position stalled the Cajun offense in the fourth quarter. The Cajun defense could not come up with key stops to slow down the Bobcat offense.

The Bobcat offense used the running of tailback Kalvin McRae on the final 54-yard drive that consumed 5:34 of the fourth quarter. McRae scored his third rushing score of the game and sealing the victory for the Bobcats.

McRae ended with 84 yards on 20 carries, including three rushing and one receiving touchdown. Quarterback Brad Bower finished 17-of-28 for 264 yards passing.

The Cajuns were led by a pair of 100-yard rushers. Fenroy finished with 136 yards on 24 carries, while quarterback Michael Desormeaux had 101 yards on 19 carries. Desormeaux was also 16-of-25 passing for 234 yards and two touchdowns. Derrick Smith led all receivers with four receptions for 99 yards.