Louisiana Ragin Cajuns vs Nicholls State Colonels: Preview, Prediction, Game Notes

Location: Cajun Field - Lafayette, LA

Date: Saturday, September 11

Time: 6:00 p.m. CT

TV: ESPN+

Radio: Hot 107.9 (KHXT), ESPN1420 AM (Jay Walker, Chris Lanaux, Cody Junot)

Records: Louisiana 0-1 (0-0 SBC), Nicholls State 0-1 (0-0 Southland)

All-Time Series: Louisiana leads 2-0

Last Meeting: 9/1/2001 20-0 Louisiana

Louisiana Notes

After a disappointing showing in Austin last weekend, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns look to rebound in a big way, kicking off their home schedule against FCS opponent Nicholls State. It’s the first time in 21 months that the bleachers of Cajun Field can be full of fans, which is sure to be an incredible environment.

The Cajuns looked solid defensively against Texas in their last game, but it was the offense that seemed to lack energy with only 330 yards of total offense and 49 yards rushing. Look for the Cajuns to get back to that rushing attack while also incorporating the passing game into this offense.

In terms of injuries for the Cajuns, they will be without freshman wide receiver Errol Rogers Jr and redshirt senior linebacker Ferrod Gardner, who both suffered injuries last weekend against Texas. Gardner was seen on crutches on the sideline after injuring his ankle. Rogers Jr is listed as having a “lower body” injury.

Nicholls State Notes

Nicholls will come into Lafayette looking to take advantage of a Cajuns team down on their luck after Week one. The Colonels lost their first game of the season to Memphis 42-17.

Despite their first loss, their offense shouldn’t be taken lightly. Lindsey Scott Jr, a former LSU, Missouri, and EMCC quarterback, will lead this group full of weapons against a good Louisiana defense. Scott Jr. finished the opener 17-30 for 194 yards and a touchdown.

Other notable names for the Colonels’ offense include running back Julien Gums, receiver KJ Franklin, and receiver Dai’jean Dixon.

Defensively, Nicholls State are far less formidable. They allowed 587 total yards to Memphis’ offense last week in addition to three rushing touchdowns. The Colonels also struggled to establish a presence in their opponents’ backfield with only two tackles for loss in that game.

Prediction

The Cajuns will bounce back in a big way over a talented Nicholls team, but the talent gap is definitely visible. Louisiana runs away with it, 48-21.