2021 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team

Last updated

2021 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns wordmark.svg
Sun Belt champion
Sun Belt West Division champion
New Orleans Bowl champion
New Orleans Bowl, W 36–21 vs. Marshall
Conference Sun Belt Conference
DivisionWest Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 18
APNo. 16
Record13–1 (8–0 Sun Belt)
Head coach
Co-offensive coordinators
Offensive scheme Spread
Defensive coordinator Patrick Toney (2nd season)
Base defense 4–2–5
Home stadium Cajun Field
Seasons
  2020
2022  
2021 Sun Belt Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
Appalachian State xy  7 1   10 4  
Georgia State  6 2   8 5  
Coastal Carolina  6 2   11 2  
Troy  3 5   5 7  
Georgia Southern  2 6   3 9  
West Division
No. 16 Louisiana xy$  8 0   13 1  
Texas State  3 5   4 8  
Louisiana–Monroe  2 6   4 8  
South Alabama  2 6   5 7  
Arkansas State  1 7   2 10  
Championship: Louisiana 24, Appalachian State 16
  • $ Conference champion
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • y Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2021 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team represented the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Ragin' Cajuns played their home games at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana, and compete in the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference. They were led by fourth-year head coach Billy Napier. The Cajuns began the season with an away matchup against Big 12's Texas and concluded their regular season at conference and in-state rival Louisiana–Monroe.

Contents

Napier was named the head coach of the Florida Gators on November 28. He announced that he would coach in the Sun Belt Championship Game on December 4 before departing. Napier led the Ragin’ Cajuns to their first outright Sun Belt championship win, defeating the Appalachian State Mountaineers, and left the Ragin’ Cajuns on a victorious note. On December 5, the same date as Napier's departure, Louisiana announced that then-offensive coordinator Michael Desormeaux would be promoted to head coach for the team's bowl game and the 2022 season. In his first game, Desormeaux defeated Marshall in the 2021 New Orleans Bowl.

Preseason

Recruiting class

College recruiting information
NameHometownSchoolHeightWeight40Commit date
Clinton Anokwuru
OLB
Richmond, TX Fort Bend Bush HS
Kansas
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)224 lb (102 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Key'Savalyn Barnes
CB
Logansport, LA Logansport HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)188 lb (85 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Jathan Caldwell
TE
Dickinson, TX Dickinson HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)214 lb (97 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Cejae Ceasar
S
Iowa, LA Iowa HS6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)187 lb (85 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Jalen Clark
S
New Orleans, LA Alabama Christian 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)190 lb (86 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
T. J. Fiailoa
OL
Lawton, OK MacArthur HS
Louisiana–Monroe
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)190 lb (86 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Kendre' Gant
ILB
Port St. Joe, FL Port St. Joe HS
Independence CC
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)290 lb (130 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Cameron George
OLB
Lafayette, LA Acadiana HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)236 lb (107 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Hunter Herring
QB
West Monroe, LA Ouachita Christian HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)201 lb (91 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
George Jackson
OL
Stone Mountain, GA Stephenson HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)325 lb (147 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Montrell Johnson
RB
New Orleans, LA De La Salle HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)200 lb (91 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Lance Legendre
QB
New Orleans, LA Warren Easton HS
Maryland
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)215 lb (98 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  4 stars.svg     Rivals:  4 stars.svg     247Sports:  4 stars.svg     ESPN:  4 stars.svg    
Tyrone Lewis, Jr.
S
Hammond, LA Hammond HS
Kansas State
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)185 lb (84 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Mackey Maillho
OL
Covington, LA Mandeville HS 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)353 lb (160 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Zy McDonald
QB
Ridgeland, MS Ridgeland HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)183 lb (83 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
K. C. Ossai
ILB
Conroe, TX Oak Ridge HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)223 lb (101 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Ja'Marian Peterson
OLB
New Orleans, LA De La Salle HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)235 lb (107 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
John Stephens Jr.
WR
Logansport, LA Logansport HS
TCU
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)226 lb (103 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Dre'lyn Washington
RB
Hemphill, TX Hemphill HS 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)210 lb (95 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Cameron Whitfield
OLB
Houston, TX Dawson HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)245 lb (111 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Kendrell Williams
RB
Carencro, LA Carencro HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)191 lb (87 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Robert Williams
WR
Humble, TX Trinity Christian HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)170 lb (77 kg)Dec 16, 2020 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Terrence Williams
ATH
Many, LA Many HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)214 lb (97 kg)Feb 3, 2021 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    

Source: [1]

Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released

Preseason

AwardPlayerPositionYear
Maxwell Award Levi Lewis QBSR
Chuck Bednarik Award Bralen TrahanSRS-JR
Davey O'Brien Award Levi LewisQBSR
Doak Walker Award Chris Smith RBRS-SO
Rimington Trophy Shane VallotCRS-JR
Allstate AFCA Good Works TeamLevi LewisQBSR
Mackey Award Johnny Lumpkin TERS-JR
Bronko Nargurski Trophy Bralen TrahanSRS-JR
Outland Trophy O'Cyrus Torrence OLSO
Ray Guy Award Rhys ByrnsPJR
Wuerffel Trophy Levi LewisQBSR
Paul Hornung Award Chris Smith RBRS-SO
College Football Performer of the YearLevi LewisQBSR
Manning Award Levi LewisQBSR
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Ken MarksOLRS-SR

Sources: [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]

Sun Belt coaches poll

The Sun Belt coaches poll was released on July 20, 2021. The Cajuns were picked to finish first in the West Division and first in the conference. [17]

West Division
Predicted finishTeamVotes
1Louisiana49 (9)
2Arkansas State38 (1)
3South Alabama27
4Texas State25
5Louisiana–Monroe11
East Division
Predicted finishTeamVotes
T1Coastal Carolina44 (6)
T1Appalachian State44 (4)
3Georgia State24
4Georgia Southern20
5Troy18

Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference teams

Personnel

2021 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
RB 0 Jacob Kibodi Redshirt.svg  Jr
QB 1 Levi Lewis Sr
WR 2 Kyren Lacy Fr
WR 3Golden Eke Redshirt.svg  So
WR 4Cassius Allen Redshirt.svg  So
WR 6Errol Rogers Jr.Fr
WR 7Brian Smith Jr. Redshirt.svg  Sr
WR 7 John Stephens Jr. Jr
WR 8 Michael Jefferson Jr
QB 8Zy McDonaldFr
QB 9Lance Legendre Redshirt.svg  Fr
QB 10 Ben Wooldridge Redshirt.svg  So
WR 11Calif GossettSr
WR 13 Dalen Cambre Redshirt.svg  Fr
QB 15Hunter HerringFr
QB 16 Chandler Fields Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 17Dontae FlemingFr
WR 18Jalen Williams Redshirt.svg  Sr
WR 19Jamal BellSr
RB 20 Emani Bailey Fr
RB 21 Chris Smith Redshirt.svg  So
RB 23T. J. Wisham Redshirt.svg  Jr
TE 24Pearse Migl Redshirt.svg  So
WR 25Quincy CurryFr
WR 26Kaleb Carter Redshirt.svg  So
WR 27Trevor Russell Redshirt.svg  Jr
QB 28Luke BoganFr
WR 29Peter LeBlancSo
RB 30Jordan Griffin Redshirt.svg  So
RB 31Michael Orphey Jr. Redshirt.svg  So
WR 33Pat Hughes Redshirt.svg  Jr
RB 34Mike MartinFr
RB 37Tyreese Jackson Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 38Da'Jon Bonnee Redshirt.svg  Fr
TE 41Joe Lombardi Jr.Fr
TE 44Christian SabatiniFr
OL 50 Nathan Thomas Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 53AJ Gillie Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 54Tyler Brown Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 55Landon Burton Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 58 O'Cyrus Torrence So
OL 64Shane Vallot Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 65Carlos Rubio Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 67Ken Marks Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 68T. J. Fiailoa Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 70Jax Harrington Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 71George JacksonFr
OL 73David Hudson Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 74 Max Mitchell Jr
OL 76Matthew Anderson Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 77King McGowen Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 78Luke Junkunc Redshirt.svg  So
OL 79Logan Newell Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 80Devon Pauley Redshirt.svg  So
TE 82Rhett GuidryFr
TE 83Damani Burrell Redshirt.svg  So
WR 84Leroy Franklin Redshirt.svg  Sr
WR 85Noah McCollumFr
WR 86Jacob Bernard Redshirt.svg  Fr
TE 87Neal JohnsonSo
TE 88 Johnny Lumpkin Redshirt.svg  Jr
TE 89Hunter Bergeron Redshirt.svg  Jr
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
S 0Kam Pedescleaux Redshirt.svg  So
LB 2Lorenzo McCaskill Redshirt.svg  Jr
S 3Tyrone Lewis Jr. Redshirt.svg  Fr
DL 4Zi'Yon Hill Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 6Kris MoncriefJr
LB 7Ferrod Gardner Redshirt.svg  Sr
DL 8Kendall WilkersonSo
S 9 Percy Butler Jr
LB 10 Andre Jones Jr. Redshirt.svg  Jr
CB 11Caleb AndersonFr
S 13Patrick Mensah Redshirt.svg  So
LB 15Ja'Marian PetersonFr
CB 16AJ WashingtonJr
LB 17Chauncey Manac Redshirt.svg  Sr
CB 18Bobby Holmes Redshirt.svg  Fr
CB 19 Eric Garror Jr
CB 20 Mekhi Garner Redshirt.svg  So
CB 21 Trey Amos Fr
CB 22Amir McDaniel Redshirt.svg  Fr
CB 22Jayrin Wilson Redshirt.svg  Jr
CB 23Courtline FlowersFr
S 24Bralen Trahan Redshirt.svg  Jr
S 25Brandon Bishop Redshirt.svg  So
S 26Blair Brooks Redshirt.svg  Sr
S 27Cameron Solomon Redshirt.svg  Sr
S 28Ja'Len Johnson Redshirt.svg  Jr
CB 29Korian WilsonFr
S 30Grid Isidore Jr. Redshirt.svg  Jr
S 31Tyree SkipperFr
LB 33Tyler GuidrySo
S 34Scottie JohnsonFr
LB 35Ahmad JohnsonFr
LB 36Clinton AnokwuruFr
LB 38Jasper WilliamsSo
CB 39Dabari HawkinsFr
LB 40Anthony JordanJr
S 41Ty'Darien Quinney Redshirt.svg  Fr
LB 43Jourdon Quibodeaux Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 44Tanner Wiggins Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 45Caleb KibodiFr
DL 46Jordan LawsonFr
LB 48Troy Krutchen Redshirt.svg  Jr
DL 51Lakeidrick George Jr. Redshirt.svg  So
LB 52Bralyn RichardsonFr
LB 80Alex Self Redshirt.svg  Fr
DL 90Mason NarcisseFr
DL 91Sonny HazardFr
DL 92Dominique RatcliffFr
DL 94Dalvin HutchinsonSo
LB 95Andre Riley Redshirt.svg  So
DL 96Malcolm Rollins Redshirt.svg  Jr
DL 97Ja'Quane Nelson Redshirt.svg  Jr
DL 98Andre Landry Redshirt.svg  Jr
DL 99Tayland Humphrey Redshirt.svg  Sr
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
K 36Nate Snyder Redshirt.svg  Sr
K 40Logan KlotzFr
K 45Kenneth Almendares Redshirt.svg  So
P 47Rhys ByrnsJr
LS 49Paul Boudreaux Redshirt.svg  Jr
LS 52James SegrestFr
K 84Thomas Leo Redshirt.svg  So
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injury icon 2.svg Injured
  • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Roster
Last update: 22 April 2021

Schedule

The 2021 schedule consists of 6 home and 6 away games in the regular season. The Ragin' Cajuns will travel to Sun Belt foes Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Arkansas State, and Troy. The Cajuns will play host to Sun Belt foes Appalachian State, Texas State, Georgia State, and Louisiana–Monroe.

The Ragin' Cajuns will host two of the three non-conference opponents at Cajun Field, Nicholls, from NCAA Division I FCS and Ohio of the Mid-American Conference, and will travel to Texas of the Big 12 and Liberty, a FBS Independent.

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 43:30 p.m.at No. 21 Texas *No. 23 FOX L 18–3891,113
September 116:00 p.m. Nicholls * ESPN3 W 27–2425,417
September 167:00 p.m. Ohio *
  • Cajun Field
  • Lafayette, LA
ESPN W 49–1417,709
September 255:00 p.m.at Georgia Southern ESPN+ W 28–2017,522
October 27:00 p.m.at South Alabama ESPN+W 20–1816,764
October 126:30 p.m. Appalachian State
  • Cajun Field
  • Lafayette, LA
ESPN2 W 41–1320,066
October 216:30 p.m.at Arkansas State ESPNU W 28–277,138
October 3011:00 a.m. Texas State Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Cajun Field
  • Lafayette, LA
ESPNUW 45–028,794
November 46:30 p.m. Georgia State
  • Cajun Field
  • Lafayette, LA
ESPNW 21–1716,007
November 132:30 p.m.at Troy ESPN+W 35–2124,738
November 203:00 p.m.at Liberty *ESPNUW 42–1415,564
November 273:00 p.m. Louisiana–Monroe
ESPNUW 21–1618,447
December 42:30 p.m.Appalachian StateNo. 24
ESPNW 24–1631,014
December 188:15 p.m.vs. Marshall *No. 23ESPNW 36–2121,642

[18] [19]

Game summaries

At Texas

Louisiana at Texas
Team1234Total
No. 23 Ragin' Cajuns336618
No. 21 Longhorns77141038
      
Pregame lineOver/under
UT –8.558
StatisticsLouisianaTexas
First downs2221
Total yards358435
Rushing yards76170
Passing yards282265
Turnovers10
Time of possession26:4733:13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassing Levi Lewis 28/40, 282 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Chris Smith 11 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJalen Williams5 receptions, 71 yards
TexasPassing Hudson Card 14/21, 224 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing Bijan Robinson 20 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Jordan Whittington 7 receptions, 113 yards, 1 TD

Nicholls

Nicholls at Louisiana
Team1234Total
RV (FCS) Colonels7301424
RV Ragin' Cajuns1077327
  • Date: September 11, 2021
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 6:04 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
  • Game attendance: 25,417
  • Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: NE 5 MPH
  • Referee: Trennis Livingston
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Dan McDonald (play–by–play) and Scott Brazda (analyst)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –26.065
StatisticsNichollsLouisiana
First downs2420
Total yards511417
Rushing yards152113
Passing yards359304
Turnovers11
Time of possession33:1226:48
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NichollsPassing Lindsey Scott Jr. 26/37, 359 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
RushingLindsey Scott Jr.18 carries, 121 yards
Receiving Dai'Jean Dixon 14 receptions, 198 yards, 2 TDs
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis19/33, 304 yards, 2 TDs
RushingChris Smith11 carries, 46 yards
Receiving Michael Jefferson 3 receptions, 84 yards, 1 TD

Ohio

Ohio at Louisiana
Team1234Total
Bobcats077014
Ragin' Cajuns71472149
  • Date: September 18, 2021
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 7:05 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 32 minutes
  • Game attendance: 17,709
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: S 9 MPH
  • Referee: Wayne Winkler
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie (play–by–play), Roddy Jones (analyst), and Harry Lyles Jr. (sideline reporter)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –19.057
StatisticsOhioLouisiana
First downs1733
Total yards250562
Rushing yards112312
Passing yards138250
Turnovers11
Time of possession26:4633:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
OhioPassing Kurtis Rourke 12/22, 122 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing Armani Rogers 7 carries, 58 yards
ReceivingTy Walton5 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis21/29, 212 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Montrell Johnson 13 carries, 84 yards, 4 TDs
ReceivingKaleb Carter3 receptions, 51 yards

At Georgia Southern

Louisiana at Georgia Southern
Team1234Total
Ragin' Cajuns01414028
Eagles760720
  • Date: September 25, 2021
  • Location: Paulson Stadium
    Statesboro, GA
  • Game start: 5:03 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 29 minutes
  • Game attendance: 17,522
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: NW 3 MPH
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Matt Stewart (play–by–play) and Danny Waugh (analyst)
   
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –14.555
StatisticsLouisianaGeorgia Southern
First downs1823
Total yards378453
Rushing yards129278
Passing yards249175
Turnovers01
Time of possession27:1132:49
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis17/28, 249 yards, 3 TDs
RushingMontrell Johnson13 carries, 61 yards
ReceivingDontae Fleming4 receptions, 70 yards, 1 TD
Georgia SouthernPassingJustin Tomlin11/24, 175 yards, 1 INT
RushingGerald Green18 carries, 186 yards, 3 TDs
ReceivingLogan Wright4 receptions, 85 yards

At South Alabama

Louisiana at South Alabama
Team1234Total
Ragin' Cajuns1460020
Jaguars066618
  • Date: October 2, 2021
  • Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium
    Mobile, AL
  • Game start: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 11 minutes
  • Game attendance: 16,764
  • Game weather: Rainy • Wind: SE 6 MPH
  • Referee: Marshall Lewis
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): J. D. Byars (play–by–play) and Pat Greenwood (analyst)
  
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –12.053
StatisticsLouisianaSouth Alabama
First downs1718
Total yards283387
Rushing yards225144
Passing yards58243
Turnovers10
Time of possession23:1336:47
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis9/20, 49 yards
Rushing Emani Bailey 7 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingNeal Johnson1 reception, 18 yards
South AlabamaPassing Jake Bentley 19/29, 243 yards
RushingBryan Hill22 carries, 81 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Jalen Tolbert 6 receptions, 143 yards

Appalachian State

Appalachian State at Louisiana
Team1234Total
RV Mountaineers337013
Ragin' Cajuns20071441
  • Date: October 12, 2021
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 6:35 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 19 minutes
  • Game attendance: 20,066
  • Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: S 9 MPH
  • Referee: Jeremy Parker
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Chris Cotter (play-by-play) and Cole Cubelic (analyst)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
APP –4.058
StatisticsAppalachian StateLouisiana
First downs1523
Total yards211455
Rushing yards78246
Passing yards133209
Turnovers41
Time of possession23:2836:32
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Appalachian StatePassing Chase Brice 15/26, 133 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing Nate Noel 17 carries, 44 yards
ReceivingMalik Williams6 receptions, 38 yards
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis15/25, 209 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingMontrell Johnson14 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Kyren Lacy 2 receptions, 57 yards, 1 TD

At Arkansas State

Louisiana at Arkansas State
Team1234Total
RV Ragin' Cajuns01414028
Red Wolves01017027
       
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –18.070
StatisticsLouisianaArkansas State
First downs2622
Total yards546413
Rushing yards424113
Passing yards122300
Turnovers20
Time of possession32:4727:13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis11/20, 122 yards, 1 INT
RushingChris Smith24 carries, 238 yards, 2 TDs
ReceivingDontae Fleming2 receptions, 47 yards
Arkansas StatePassing Layne Hatcher 16/31, 300 yards, 3 TDs
RushingLincoln Pare11 carries, 52 yards
ReceivingTe'Vailance Hunt3 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD

Texas State

Texas State at Louisiana
Team1234Total
Bobcats00000
RV Ragin' Cajuns017181045
  • Date: October 30, 2021
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 11:02 a.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 5 minutes
  • Game attendance: 28,794
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: NW 9 MPH
  • Referee: Trennis Livingston
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Kevin Brown (play–by–play) and Hutson Mason (analyst)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –21.058
StatisticsTexas StateLouisiana
First downs1024
Total yards205425
Rushing yards163165
Passing yards42260
Turnovers30
Time of possession28:4731:13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Texas StatePassingTyler Vitt6/13, 42 yards, 1 INT
RushingTyler Vitt15 carries, 94 yards
ReceivingMarcell Barbee1 reception, 17 yards
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis22/32, 228 yards, 3 TDs
RushingChris Smith9 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingErrol Rogers Jr.3 receptions, 44 yards

Georgia State

Georgia State at Louisiana
Team1234Total
Panthers307717
Ragin' Cajuns0071421
  • Date: November 4, 2021
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 6:36 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 7 minutes
  • Game attendance: 16,007
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: N 11 MPH
  • Referee: Marshall Lewis
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie (play–by–play), Roddy Jones (analyst) and Alex Chappell (sideline reporter)
   
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –13.554
StatisticsGeorgia StateLouisiana
First downs2021
Total yards307430
Rushing yards209143
Passing yards98287
Turnovers01
Time of possession28:4631:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Georgia StatePassing Darren Grainger 8/19, 98 yards, 1 TD
RushingTucker Gregg23 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Roger Carter 3 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis19/34, 287 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingMontrell Johnson17 carries, 98 yards, 2 TDs
ReceivingPeter LeBlanc9 receptions, 118 yards, 1 TD

At Troy

Louisiana at Troy
Team1234Total
Ragin' Cajuns14014735
Trojans1030821
  • Date: November 13, 2021
  • Location: Veterans Memorial Stadium
    Troy, AL
  • Game start: 2:35 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 34 minutes
  • Game attendance: 24,738
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: SE 11 MPH
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Will Kollmeyer (play–by–play) and Ben Stanfield (analyst)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –6.548.0
StatisticsLouisianaTroy
First downs1922
Total yards370391
Rushing yards20441
Passing yards166350
Turnovers03
Time of possession31:5628:04
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis14/22, 166 yards, 3 TDs
RushingChris Smith15 carries, 102 yards
ReceivingMichael Jefferson2 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD
TroyPassing Gunnar Watson 29/55, 350 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Kimani Vidal 11 carries, 21 yards
Receiving Tez Johnson 6 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD

At Liberty

Louisiana at Liberty
Team1234Total
Ragin' Cajuns71471442
Flames077014
  • Date: November 20, 2021
  • Location: Williams Stadium
    Lynchburg, VA
  • Game start: 3:02 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
  • Game attendance: 15,564
  • Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: S 3 MPH
  • Referee: Wayne Winkler
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Kevin Brown (play–by–play) and Hutson Mason (analyst)
    
Pregame lineOver/under
LIB –4.053.5
StatisticsLouisianaLiberty
First downs1716
Total yards296293
Rushing yards13087
Passing yards166206
Turnovers06
Time of possession30:4928:01
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis14/25, 166 yards, 3 TDs
RushingEmani Bailey13 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingPeter LeBlanc2 receptions, 38 yards
LibertyPassing Malik Willis 14/34, 162 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingT. J. Green4 carries, 56 yards
ReceivingKevin Shaa3 receptions, 72 yards, 2 TDs

Louisiana–Monroe

Louisiana–Monroe at Louisiana
Team1234Total
Warhawks370616
Ragin' Cajuns1407021
  
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –21.555
StatisticsLouisiana–MonroeLouisiana
First downs2017
Total yards325382
Rushing yards164165
Passing yards161217
Turnovers10
Time of possession30:3229:28
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana–MonroePassingRhett Rodriguez11/24, 145 yards, 1 TD
RushingMalik Jackson23 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Boogie Knight 2 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis13/22, 163 yards
RushingMontrell Johnson5 carries, 62 yards
ReceivingNeal Johnson3 receptions, 80 yards

Appalachian State (SBC Championship)

Appalachian State at Louisiana
Team1234Total
Mountaineers073616
No. 24 Ragin' Cajuns7100724
   
Pregame lineOver/under
APP –2.552
StatisticsAppalachian StateLouisiana
First downs1820
Total yards290398
Rushing yards171188
Passing yards119210
Turnovers10
Time of possession27:2332:37
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Appalachian StatePassingChase Brice12/30, 119 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Camerun Peoples 8 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingThomas Hennigan6 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis15/30, 210 yards, 1 TD
RushingEmani Bailey14 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingPeter LeBlanc4 receptions, 67 yards

Vs. Marshall (New Orleans Bowl)

Marshall vs. Louisiana
Team1234Total
No. 23 Ragin' Cajuns10602036
Thundering Herd777021
      
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –3.556
StatisticsLouisianaMarshall
First downs2313
Total yards498286
Rushing yards220187
Passing yards27899
Turnovers02
Time of possession37:2622:34
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis19/31, 270 yards, 1 TD
RushingEmani Bailey17 carries, 94 yards, 2 TDs
ReceivingMichael Jefferson3 receptions, 108 yards
MarshallPassing Grant Wells 15/26, 99 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Rasheen Ali 20 carries, 160 yards, 3 TDs
ReceivingCorey Gammage9 receptions, 50 yards

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP 23RVRV24242223201616
Coaches 23RVRVRVRVRVRVRVRVRV252123211718
CFP Not released2423Not released

References

  1. "Louisiana Football Adds 12 to 2021 Signing Class". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  2. "Levi Lewis Named to 2021 Maxwell Award Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  3. "Bralen Trahan Earns Spot on 2021 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  4. "Levi Lewis Earns Spot on 2021 Davey O'Brien Award Preseason Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  5. "Chris Smith Named to 2021 Doak Walker Award Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  6. "Shane Vallot Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  7. "Levi Lewis Nominated to 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  8. "Johnny Lumpkin Earns Spot on Mackey Award Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  9. "Bralen Trahan Named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  10. "O'Cyrus Torrence Selected to Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  11. "Rhys Byrns Selected to Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  12. "Levi Lewis Listed on Wuerffel Trophy Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  13. "Chris Smith Named to Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  14. "Levi Lewis Lands on College Football Performer of the Year Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  15. "Levi Lewis Recognized on 2021 Manning Award Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  16. "Ken Marks Selected to Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Preseason Watch List". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  17. "Sun Belt Announces Football Preseason Awards & Poll". sunbeltsports.org. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  18. "2021 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Football Schedule" . Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  19. "Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns". ESPN. Retrieved April 22, 2021.