2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team
American college football season
The 2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team represented the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season . The Ragin' Cajuns played their home games at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana , and competed in the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference . They were led by third-year head coach Billy Napier . The Cajuns began the season with an away matchup against a preseason top-25 Iowa State and concluded their regular season at conference and in-state rival Louisiana–Monroe .
Shortly before the season began, Offensive Line Assistant Coach D. J. Looney, 31, died of a heart attack while at practice on August 1, 2020.[ 1] He was honored at the Week 9 matchup against UAB in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama , where players all wore Looney's name on their jerseys.
The win over Iowa State marked the first victory against a ranked team on the road in team history, the second victory ever against a ranked team, and the highest ranked team ever defeated.[ 2] The following week, the Cajuns were nationally ranked for the first time since the 1940s, reaching 19th in the AP Poll .[ 3] During their Week 2 overtime victory against Georgia State , the Cajuns secured their first victory in overtime since the 2005 conference matchup against the Troy Trojans .[ 4] During Week 14, Louisiana was ranked for the first time ever in the College Football Playoff rankings, at No. 25. This was also the first time the Cajuns had been ranked in the three major college football rankings (No. in the 20 AP Poll, No. 21 in the Coaches Poll , and No. 25 in the CFP rankings).[ 5] During Week 14, the Cajuns defeated Appalachian State for the first time in school history, bringing their all-time record against the Mountaineers to 1–8.[ 6]
The Cajuns ended their season by defeating the UTSA Roadrunners in the 2020 First Responder Bowl . Senior RB Elijah Mitchell earned the bowl game MVP. This also marked the first time a Sun Belt team took part in that bowl game.
Preseason
Recruiting class
College recruiting information
Name
Hometown
High school / college
Height
Weight
40‡
Commit date
Trenayvian "Trey" Amos CB
New Iberia, LA
Catholic HS
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Caleb Anderson CB
Clinton, LA
East Feliciana HS
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Emani Bailey RB
Denton, TX
Denton Ryan HS
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
200 lb (91 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Dontae Fleming WR
LaPlace, LA
East St. John HS
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
165 lb (75 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Courtline Flowers CB
Dallas, TX
South Oak Cliff HS
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Dabari Hawkins CB
Missouri City, TX
Stafford HS
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Sonny Hazard DL
New Orleans, LA
Jesuit HS
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
290 lb (130 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Reginald Johnson WR
Baton Rouge, LA
Southern Lab
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
–
Feb 5, 2020
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Ahmad Johnson LB
Pelahatchie, MS
Pelahatchie Attendance Center
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Kyren Lacy WR
Thibodaux, LA
Thibodaux HS
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Jordan Lawson DL
Branson, MS
Brandon HS
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
270 lb (120 kg)
–
Feb 5, 2020
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Cory Marshall OL
Shreveport, LA
Northwood HS
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
330 lb (150 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Jack McKenzie OL
McComb, MS
Parklane Academy
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
330 lb (150 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Andray Pope RB
Evergreen, AL
Hillcrest HS
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
200 lb (91 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Dominique Ratcliff DL
Conroe, TX
Conroe HS
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
270 lb (120 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Errol Rogers Jr. WR
Lafayette, LA
Lafayette Christian Academy
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Christian Sabatini TE
Plano, TX
Plano Senior HS
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
245 lb (111 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Tyree Skipper S
New Orleans, LA
Sophie B. Wright Charter
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
–
Dec 18, 2019
Star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN :
Award watch lists
Listed in the order that they were released
Preseason
References :[ 7] [ 8] [ 9] [ 10] [ 11] [ 12]
Season/Postseason
Award
Player
Position
Year
Rimington Trophy
Shane Vallot
OL
R-Junior
FWAA Freshman-All American
Kyren Lacy
WR
Freshman
Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year
Ken Marks
OL
R-Senior
References :[ 13] [ 14] [ 15]
Sun Belt coaches poll
The Sun Belt coaches poll was released on August 25, 2020. The Cajuns were picked to finish first in the West with 47 votes and second in the conference behind Appalachian State .
West Division
Predicted finish
Team
Votes
1
Louisiana
47 (7)
2
Arkansas State
40 (2)
3
South Alabama
22 (1)
4
Texas State
21
5
Louisiana–Monroe
20
East Division
Predicted finish
Team
Votes
1
Appalachian State
49 (9)
2
Georgia Southern
36
3
Troy
32 (1)
4
Georgia State
20
5
Coastal Carolina
13
Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference teams
Offense
1st team
2nd team
Defense
1st team
Joe Dillon (LA, R-SR, Linebacker)
2nd team
Zi'Yon Hill (LA, R-JR, Defensive Lineman)
Eric Garror (LA, JR, Cornerback)
Special teams
1st team
Rhys Burns (LA, JR, Punter)
2nd teams
Athlon Sports Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference teams
Offense
1st team
2nd team
3rd team
4th team
Jamal Bell – SR, wide receiver
Shane Vallot – R-JR, offensive line
Defense
1st team
Joe Dillon – R-SR, linebacker
2nd team
Zi'Yon Hill – R-JR, defensive line
Percy Butler – JR, Safety
3rd team
Chauncey Manac – R-SR, linebacker
Eric Garror – JR, cornerback
4th team
Kris Moncrief – JR, linebacker
Asjlin Washington – JR, cornerback
Kam Pedescleaux – R-SO, safety
Special teams
1st team
Rhys Burns – JR, punter
Eric Garror – JR, return specialist
References :[ 16]
Lindy's Sports Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference teams
During the announcement, Lindy's also picked the Cajuns to win their third-consecutive Sun Belt West Division Championship as well as named Senior running back Elijah Mitchell to the Preseason Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.[ 17]
Offense
1st team
2nd team
Defense
1st team
Joe Dillon – R-SR, linebacker
2nd team
Zi'Yon Hill – R-JR, defensive line
Special teams
1st team
References' :[ 18]
Personnel
Schedule
The 2020 schedule consists of 6 home and 6 away games in the regular season. The Ragin' Cajuns will travel to Sun Belt foes Appalachian State , Georgia State , Texas State and Louisiana–Monroe . The Cajuns will play host to Sun Belt foes Georgia Southern , Coastal Carolina , Arkansas State , and South Alabama .
The Ragin' Cajuns will host one of the three non-conference opponents at Cajun Field , Central Arkansas , from NCAA Division I FCS , and will travel to Iowa State of the Big 12 and UAB of the C-USA .
Louisiana had a game against Missouri and Wyoming , which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic .[ 19]
On August 12, the Cajuns and Iowa State reached an agreement to play each other. This game will replace the Cajuns' Wyoming game that was canceled.[ 20]
On August 13, New Mexico State decided to postpone all their fall sports to the spring.[ 21] This canceled their October 23 contest with Louisiana.
On August 17, McNeese pulled out of the agreement to play Louisiana in the Herbert Heymann Classic on September 5.[ 22]
On August 20, the Cajuns reached agreements with UAB and Central Arkansas to play them away on October 23 and home on November 21, respectively.[ 23]
Date Time Opponent Rank Site TV Result Attendance September 12 11:00 a.m. at No. 23 Iowa State * ESPN W 31–140 [1]
September 19 11:00 a.m. at Georgia State No. 19 ESPN2 W 34–31 OT 4,126
September 26 11:00 a.m. Georgia Southern No. 19 ESPN2 W 20–185,585
6:30 p.m. Coastal Carolina No. 21 ESPN L 27–305,585
7:00 p.m. at UAB * CBSSN W 24–2011,610
October 31 7:00 p.m. at Texas State ESPNU W 44–347,500
November 7 11:00 a.m. Arkansas State ESPNU W 27–205,585
November 14 1:00 p.m. South Alabama No. 25 ESPN+ W 38–105,585
November 28 2:00 p.m. at Louisiana–Monroe ESPN3 W 70–203,132
7:00 p.m. at Appalachian State No. 25 ESPN2 W 24–212,170
December 19 3:30 p.m. at No. 12 Coastal Carolina No. 19 ESPN No Contest[ 24] [ 25] –
December 26 2:30 p.m. vs. UTSA * No. 19 ABC W 31–243,512
Schedule Source: [ 26] [ 27]
Game summaries
At Iowa State
Louisiana at Iowa State
1
2 3 4 Total
• Ragin' Cajuns
0
10 7 14
31
No. 23 Cyclones
0
14 0 0
14
Date: September 12, 2020Location: Jack Trice Stadium Ames, IA Game start: 11:02 a.m. CDT Elapsed time: 3 hours and 16 minutesGame attendance: 0Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C) • Weather: Mostly Cloudy • Wind: LightReferee: Tuta SalaamTV announcers (ESPN ): Tom Hart (play–by–play), Mike Golic (analyst), and Cole Cubelic (sideline reporter)
Scoring summary 2 04:28 ISU Kene Nwangwu 1-yard rush (Connor Assalley kick)(8 plays, 49 yards, 3:24) ISU 7–0
04:14 LA Chris Smith 95-yard kickoff returned (Nate Snyder kick)(0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00) TIE 7–7
01:17 ISU Breece Hall 11-yard rush (Connor Assalley kick)(7 plays, 69 yards, 2:57) ISU 14–7
00:00 LA Nate Snyder 30-yard field goal(9 plays, 61 yards, 1:17) ISU 14–10
3 02:02 LA Peter LeBlanc 78-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kcik)(1 play, 78 yards, 0:12) LA 17–14
4 13:58 LA Eric Garror 83-yard punt returned (Kenneth Almendares kick)(6 plays, 16 yards, 3:04) LA 24–14
00:10 LA Trey Ragas 2-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(11 plays, 56 yards, 7:01) LA 31–14
Pregame line
Over/under
ISU −11.5
58[ 28]
Statistics
Louisiana
Iowa State
First downs
14
18
Total yards
272
303
Rushing yards
118
158
Passing yards
154
145
Turnovers
0
2
Time of possession
27:41
32:19
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
13/21, 154 yards, 1 TD
Rushing
Trey Ragas
14 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Peter LeBlanc
5 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD
Iowa State
Passing
Brock Purdy
16/35, 145 yards, 1 INT
Rushing
Breece Hall
20 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Xavier Hutchinson
4 receptions, 43 yards
At Georgia State
Louisiana at Georgia State
1
2 3 4 OT Total
• No. 19 Ragin' Cajuns
0
7 14 7 6
34
Panthers
7
7 7 7 3
31
Date: September 19, 2020Location: Center Parc Stadium Atlanta, GA Game start: 11:01 a.m. CDT Elapsed time: 3 hours and 43 minutesGame attendance: 4,126Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: 13 E MPH Referee: Kyle OlsonTV announcers (ESPN2 ): Wes Durham (play–by–play), Roddy Jones (analyst), and Paul Carcaterra (sideline reporter)
Scoring summary 1 03:30 GSU Cornelius Brown IV 12-yard rush (Noel Ruiz kick)(7 plays, 70 yards, 2:22) GSU 7–0
2 13:25 GSU Cornelius Brown IV 28-yard pass to Roger Carter (Noel Ruiz kick)(10 plays, 90 yards, 2:53) GSU 14–0
01:33 LA Levi Lewis 18-yard pass to Chris Smith (Nathanael Snyder kick)(9 plays, 80 yards, 1:43) GSU 14–7
3 10:49 GSU Marcus Carroll 2-yard rush (Noel Ruiz kick)(9 plays, 66 yards, 3:05) GSU 21–7
06:15 LA Levi Lewis 4-yard pass to Kyren Lacy (Nathanael Snyder kick)(7 plays, 86 yards, 4:26) GSU 21–14
03:02 LA Elijah Mitchell 59-yard rush (Nathanael Snyder kick)(5 plays, 77 yards, 2:16) TIE 21–21
4 11:54 LA Trey Ragas 2-yard rush (Nathanael Snyder kick)(4 plays, 63 yards, 1:46) LA 28–21
07:37 GSU Destin Coates 4-yard rush (Noel Ruiz kick)(13 plays, 75 yards, 4:17) TIE 28–28
1OT GSU Noel Ruiz 15-yard field goal(5 plays, 17 yards) GSU 31–28
LA Elijah Mitchell 12-yard rush(4 plays, 25 yards) LA 34–31
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −17
58.5 [ 29]
Statistics
Louisiana
Georgia State
First downs
23
26
Total yards
519
419
Rushing yards
240
223
Passing yards
279
196
Turnovers
2
2
Time of possession
28:44
30:10
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
21/37, 279 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing
Elijah Mitchell
16 carries, 164 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving
Dontae Fleming
4 receptions, 81 yards
Georgia State
Passing
Cornelius Brown IV
22/39, 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Destin Coates
34 carries, 150 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Roger Carter
2 receptions, 53 yards, 1 TD
Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern at Louisiana
1
2 3 4 Total
Eagles
0
7 3 8
18
• No. 19 Ragin' Cajuns
0
7 3 10
20
Date: September 26, 2020Location: Cajun Field Lafayette, LA Game start: 11:01 a.m. CDT Elapsed time: 3 hours and 19 minutesGame attendance: 5,585Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C) • Weather: Sunny, Humid • Wind: CalmReferee: Wayne WinklerTV announcers (ESPN2 ): Beth Mowins (play–by–play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), and Dawn Davenport (sideline reporter)
Scoring summary 2 14:53 GASO J. D. King 2-yard rush (Alex Raynor kick)(5 plays, 85 yards, 2:49) GASO 7–0
09:25 LA Trey Ragas 10-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)(9 plays, 83 yards, 5:22) TIE 7–7
3 05:49 GASO Alex Raynor 27-yard field goal(13 plays, 66 yards, 7:34) GASO 10–7
00:30 LA Nate Snyder 25-yard field goal(12 plays, 67 yards, 5:19) TIE 10–10
4 10:34 LA Errol Rogers Jr. 27-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Nate Snyder kick)(5 plays, 58 yards, 2:46) LA 17–10
00:54 GASO Khaleb Hood 28-yard pass from Shai Werts (Shai Werts two-point conversion pass to Darion Anderson)(5 plays, 61 yards, 0:40) GASO 18–17
00:00 LA Nate Snyder 53-yard field goal(7 plays, 39 yards, 0:54) LA 20–18
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −13.5
52.5[ 30]
Statistics
Georgia Southern
Louisiana
First downs
21
18
Total yards
447
438
Rushing yards
192
148
Passing yards
255
290
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
35:14
24:46
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Georgia Southern
Passing
Shai Werts
11/18, 255 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
J. D. King
24 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Wesley Kennedy III
2 receptions, 105 yards
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
18/32, 290 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Chris Smith
4 carries, 54 yards
Receiving
Peter LeBlanc
3 receptions, 64 yards
Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina at Louisiana
1
2 3 4 Total
• Chanticleers
7
6 7 10
30
No. 21 Ragin' Cajuns
7
6 7 7
27
Date: October 14, 2020Location: Cajun Field Lafayette, LA Game start: 6:35 p.m. CDT Elapsed time: 3 hours and 21 minutesGame attendance: 5,585Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C) • Weather: Clear • Wind: SSW 4 MPH Referee: Jeremy ParkerTV announcers (ESPN ): Chris Cotter (play–by–play), Eric MacLain (analyst), Lericia Harris (sideline reporter)
Scoring summary 1 10:04 LA Jalen Williams 12-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Nate Snyder kick)(10 plays, 75 yards, 4:56) LA 7–0
04:49 CCU C; J. Marable 1-yard rush (Massimo Biscardi kick)(10 plays, 75 yards, 5:15) TIE 7–7
2 04:28 CCU C. J. Marable 13-yard pass from Grayson McCall (Massimo Biscardi PAT failed)(7 plays, 84 yards, 3:39) CCU 13–7
00:05 LA Levi Lewis 8-yard rush (Nate Snyder PAT failed)(9 plays, 77 yards, 0:58) TIE 13–13
3 06:48 CCU Jaivon Heiligh 6-yard pass from Grayson McCall (Massimo Biscardi kick)(16 plays, 75 yards, 8:12) CCU 20–13
03:47 CCU Elijah Mitchell 9-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)(7 plays, 66 yards, 3:01) TIE 20–20
4 14:12 CCU Grayson McCall 3-yard rush (Massimo Biscardi kick)3 plays, 26 yards, 0:55) CCU 27–20
12:44 LA Elijah Mitchell 1-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)(4 plays, 55 yards, 1:28) TIE 27–27
00:04 CCU Massimo Biscardi 40-yard field goal(11 plays, 61 yards, 5:26) CCU 30–27
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −8
58.5[ 31]
Statistics
Coastal Carolina
Louisiana
First downs
23
19
Total yards
414
413
Rushing yards
212
240
Passing yards
202
173
Turnovers
0
1
Time of possession
38:11
21:49
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Coastal Carolina
Passing
Grayson McCall
17/24, 202 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing
C. J. Marable
17 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Jaivon Heiligh
8 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
14/24, 173 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Levi Lewis
6 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Jalen Williams
4 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
At UAB
Louisiana at Alabama–Birmingham
1
2 3 4 Total
• RV Ragin' Cajuns
0
10 7 7
24
RV Blazers
3
10 7 0
20
Scoring summary 1 01:54 UAB Matt Quinn 33-yard field goal(12 plays, 47 yards, 4:54) UAB 3–0
2 13:27 LA Nate Snyder 21-yard field goal(11 plays, 72 yards, 3:21) TIE 3–3
09:36 UAB Matt Quinn 25-yard field goal(9 plays, 58 yards, 3:51) UAB 6–3
00:34 UAB Spencer Brown 1-yard rush (Matt Quinn kick)(11 plays, 41 yards, 5:28) UAB 13–3
00:19 LA Chris Smith 100-yard kickoff returned (Nate Snyder kick)(0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00) UAB 13–10
3 03:40 UAB Spencer Brown 1-yard rush (Matt Quinn kick)(13 plays, 58 yards, 7:45) UAB 20–10
00:20 LA Jalen Williams 23-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Nate Snyder kick)(8 plays, 78 yards, 3:12) UAB 20–17
4 06:35 LA Pearse Migl 9-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Nate Snyder kick)(14 plays, 86 yards, 6:40) LA 24–20
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −2.5
50.5[ 32]
Statistics
Louisiana
UAB
First downs
17
17
Total yards
286
285
Rushing yards
134
175
Passing yards
152
110
Turnovers
0
2
Time of possession
30:37
29:23
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
12/20, 152 yards, 2 TDS
Rushing
Elijah Mitchell
21 carries, 67 yards
Receiving
Kyren Lacy
2 receptions, 43 yards
UAB
Passing
Bryson Lucero
10/23, 110 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing
Spencer Brown
28 carries, 128 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving
Ryan Davis
2 receptions, 34 yards
At Texas State
Louisiana at Texas State
1
2 3 4 Total
• RV Ragin' Cajuns
14
20 3 7
44
Bobcats
14
7 6 7
34
Date: October 31, 2020Location: Bobcat Stadium San Marcos, TX Game start: 7:02 p.m. CDT Elapsed time: 3 hours and 33 minutesGame attendance: 7,500Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Clear Skies • Wind: S 6 MPH Referee: Marshall LewisTV announcers (ESPNU ): Mike Couzens (play–by–play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
Scoring summary 1 11:54 LA Trey Ragas 3-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)(5 plays, 47 yards, 2:01) LA 7–0
10:54 LA Calif Gossett 46-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Nate Snyder kick)(1 play, 46 yards, 2:01) LA 14–0
07:20 TXST Seth Keller 12-yard rush (Seth Keller kick)(9 plays, 84 yards, 3:28) LA 14–7
00:42 TXST Jahmyl Jeter 1-yard rush (Seth Keller kick)(5 plays, 35 yards, 1:30) TIE 14–14
2 11:40 TXST Marcell Barbee 33-yard pass from Brady McBride (Seth Keller kick)(5 plays, 74 yards, 2:00) TXST 21–14
07:21 LA Levi Lewis 12-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)10 plays, 75 yards, 4:19) TIE 21–21
01:23 LA Trey Ragas 2-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)(6 plays, 64 yards, 1:03) LA 28–21
00:07 LA Kyren Lacy 1-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Nate Snyder PAT failed)(7 plays, 62 yards, 0:47) LA 34–21
3 13:33 LA Nate Snyder 42-yard field goal(5 plays, 52 yards, 1:27) LA 37–21
03:26 TXST Brock Sturges 10-yard rush (two-point pass conversion attempt failed)(7 plays, 62 yards, 2:01) LA 37–27
4 10:15 LA Trey Ragas 7-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)(10 plays, 56 yards, 4:49) LA 44–27
01:50 LA Brock Sturges 18-yard rush (Seth Keller kick)(7 plays, 60 yards, 2:35) LA 44–34
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −16.5
56.5[ 33]
Statistics
Louisiana
Texas State
First downs
31
26
Total yards
614
382
Rushing yards
282
204
Passing yards
332
178
Turnovers
4
3
Time of possession
33:06
26:54
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
22/32, 332 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing
Trey Ragas
19 carries, 131 yards, 3 TDs
Receiving
Jalen Williams
3 receptions, 85 yards
Texas State
Passing
Brady McBride
14/32, 166 yards, 1 TD, 3 TDs
Rushing
Brock Sturges
17 carries, 128 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving
Marcell Barbee
2 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD
Arkansas State
Arkansas State at Louisiana
1
2 3 4 Total
Red Wolves
3
3 0 14
20
• RV Ragin' Cajuns
0
0 14 13
27
Date: November 7, 2020Location: Cajun Field Lafayette, LA Game start: 11:02 a.m. CST Elapsed time: 3 hours and 22 minutesGame attendance: 5,585Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C) • Weather: Mostly Cloudy • Wind: ENE 6 MPH Referee: Kyle OlsonTV announcers (ESPNU ): Dave Neal (play–by–play) and DJ Shockley (analyst)
Scoring summary 1 00:27 ARST Blake Grupe 24-yard field goal(11 plays, 39 yards, 4:32) ARST 3–0
2 06:37 ARST Blake Grupe 35-yard field goal(11 plays, 33 yards, 4:15) ARST 6–0
3 13:38 LA Levi Lewis 33-yard rush (Nate Snyder kick)(4 plays, 63 yards, 1:22) LA 7–6
05:56 LA Dontae Fleming 52-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Nate Snyder kick)(2 plays, 74 yards, 0:54) LA 14–6
4 10:37 ARST Jamal Jones 4-yard rush (two-point conversion pass attempt failed)(11 plays, 80 yards, 4:19) LA 14–12
13:38 LA Kenneth Almendares 35-yard field goal(6 plays, 51 yards, 2:09) LA 17–12
03:59 LA Kenneth Almendares 43-yard field goal(5 plays, 23 yards, 2:07) LA 20–12
02:24 ARST Brandon Bowling 47-yard pass from Layne Hatcher (Layne Hatcher two-point conversion pass to Jonathan Adams Jr.)(4 plays, 91 yards, 1:25) TIE 20–20
01:13 LA Elijah Mitchell 2-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(6 plays, 61 yards, 1:07) LA 27–20
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −14.5
68.5[ 34]
Statistics
Arkansas State
Louisiana
First downs
24
19
Total yards
423
440
Rushing yards
199
196
Passing yards
224
244
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
31:45
28:15
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Arkansas State
Passing
Logan Bonner
16/30, 127 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing
Lincoln Pare
22 carries, 121 yards
Receiving
Jonathan Adams Jr.
8 receptions, 95 yards
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
17/29, 244 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Elijah Mitchell
16 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Neal Johnson
5 receptions, 68 yards
South Alabama
South Alabama at Louisiana
1
2 3 4 Total
Jaguars
3
7 0 0
10
• No. 25 Ragin' Cajuns
14
14 3 7
38
Date: November 14, 2020Location: Cajun Field Lafayette, LA Game start: 1:06 p.m. CST Elapsed time: 3 hours and 9 minutesGame attendance: 5,585Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C) • Weather: Mostly Cloudy • Wind: S 10 MPH Referee: Jeremy ParkerTV announcers (ESPN+ ): Dan McDonald (play–by–play) and Chris Lanaux (analyst)
Scoring summary 1 10:25 LA Jalen Williams 5-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)(9 plays, 57 yards, 3:07) LA 7–0
08:28 LA Chris Smith 22-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(3 plays, 26 yards, 0:49) LA 14–0
01:05 USA Diego Guajardo 26-yard field goal(15 plays, 52 yards, 7:14) LA 14–3
2 07:54 LA Errol Rogers Jr. 3-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)(11 plays, 75 yards, 5:05) LA 21–3
04:04 USA Kawaan Baker 7-yard pass from Desmond Trotter (Diego Guajardo kick)(10 plays, 75 yards, 3:50) LA 21–10
01:55 LA Elijah Mitchell 5-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(6 plays, 78 yards, 2:04) LA 28–10
3 02:32 LA Kenneth Almendares 25-yard field goal(7 plays, 82 yards, 3:54) LA 31–10
4 10:59 LA Trey Ragas 25-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)(10 plays, 80 yards, 4:16) LA 38–10
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −14.5
53[ 35]
Statistics
South Alabama
Louisiana
First downs
19
23
Total yards
268
506
Rushing yards
123
254
Passing yards
145
252
Turnovers
2
2
Time of possession
31:47
28:13
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
South Alabama
Passing
Desmond Trotter
15/28, 133 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Terrion Avery
14 carries, 62 yards
Receiving
Jalen Tolbert
5 receptions, 64 yards
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
21/31, 252 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing
Chris Smith
7 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Neal Johnson
3 receptions, 40 yards
At Louisiana–Monroe
Louisiana at Louisiana–Monroe
1
2 3 4 Total
• Ragin' Cajuns
21
28 7 14
70
Warhawks
14
0 0 6
20
Date: November 28, 2020Location: Malone Stadium Monroe, LA Game start: 2:05 p.m. CST Elapsed time: 3 hours and 13 minutesGame attendance: 3,132Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: NE 11 MPH Referee: Kyle OlsonTV announcers (ESPN3 ): Chris Harris (play–by–play) and Mike Hammett (analyst)
Scoring summary 1 11:26 LA Trey Ragas 11-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(3 plays, 38 yards, 1:32) LA 7–0
06:36 LA Levi Lewis 11-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(7 plays, 33 yards, 3:25) LA 14–0
04:18 ULM Cameron Darling 1-yard pass from Jeremy Hunt (Zach Elder kick)(2 plays, 1 yards, 0:39) LA 14–7
01:53 LA Elijah Mitchell 44-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(6 plays, 70 yards, 2:25) LA 21–7
00:07 ULM Jeremy Hunt 7-yard rush (Zach Elder kick)(4 plays, 78 yards, 1:46) LA 21–14
2 11:50 LA Neal Johnson 1-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)(7 plays, 73 yards, 3:17) LA 28–14
07:11 LA Levi Lewis 7-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(9 plays, 60 yards, 3:38) LA 35–14
05:02 LA Bralen Trahan 53-yard interception returned (Kenneth Almendares kick)(6 plays, 8 yards, 2:09) LA 42–14
00:17 LA Kyren Lacy 22-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)(11 plays, 86 yards, 2:34) LA 49–14
3 10:38 LA Johnny Lumpkin 1-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)6 plays, 43 yards, 2:45) LA 56–14
4 14:54 ULM Zach Rasmussen 0-yard fumble returned (Zach Elder PAT failed)(9 plays, 48 yards, 2:53) LA 56–20
06:33 LA Michael Orphey Jr. 48-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(7 plays, 77 yards, 4:29) LA 63–20
03:23 LA Kaleb Carter 13-yard pass from Jai'ave Magalei (Nate Snyder kick)(3 plays, 16 yards, 1:32) LA 70–20
Pregame line
Over/under
LA −29.5
58[ 36]
Statistics
Louisiana
Louisiana–Monroe
First downs
26
14
Total yards
511
247
Rushing yards
344
125
Passing yards
167
122
Turnovers
1
3
Time of possession
31:54
28:06
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
18/25, 147 yards, 3 TDs
Rushing
Trey Ragas
11 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Kyren Lacy
5 receptions, 48 yards, 1 TD
Louisiana–Monroe
Passing
Jeremy Hunt
14/32, 121 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Kadyn Roach
7 carries, 65 yards
Receiving
Jonathan Hodoh
1 reception, 43 yards
At Appalachian State
Louisiana at Appalachian State
1
2 3 4 Total
• No. 25 Ragin' Cajuns
0
9 15 0
24
Mountaineers
7
3 0 11
21
Scoring summary 1 06:50 APST Nate Noel 33-yard rush (Chandler Staton kick)(8 plays, 50 yards, 3:34) APST 7–0
2 06:25 LA Trey Ragas 8-yard pass from Levi Lewis (two-point pass conversion attempt failed)(6 plays, 49 yards, 3:14) APST 7–6
00:26 APST Chandler Staton 43-yard field goal(8 plays, 23 yards, 2:25) APST 10–6
00:00 LA Kenneth Almendares 26-yard field goal(6 plays, 46 yards, 0:26) APST 10–9
3 07:52 LA Trey Ragas 17-yard rush (Levi Lewis two-point conversion rush)(9 plays, 52 yards, 3:45) LA 17–10
00:29 LA Trey Ragas 1-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(10 plays, 74 yards, 5:43) LA 24–10
4 08:17 APST Camerun Peoples 1-yard rush (Chandler Staton kick)(14 plays, 80 yards, 7:12) LA 24–17
06:36 APST Team Safety(4 plays, -26 yards, 1:41) LA 24–19
01:46 APST Team Safety(4 plays, -27 yards, 0:23) LA 24–21
Pregame line
Over/under
APST –3
52.5[ 37]
Statistics
Louisiana
Appalachian State
First downs
18
19
Total yards
227
290
Rushing yards
126
198
Passing yards
101
92
Turnovers
0
3
Time of possession
24:17
35:43
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
8/23, 101 yards, 1 TD
Rushing
Elijah Mitchell
12 carries, 95 yards
Receiving
Jalen Williams
2 receptions, 39 yards
Appalachain State
Passing
Zac Thomas
10/21, 92 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing
Camerun Peoples
21 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Thomas Hennigan
4 receptions, 44 yards
Vs. UTSA (first responder bowl)
Texas–San Antonio vs. Louisiana
1
2 3 4 Total
Roadrunners
0
7 14 3
24
• No. 19 Ragin' Cajuns
7
10 7 7
31
Scoring summary 1 10:43 LA Jalen Williams 15-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)(8 plays, 68 yards, 4:17) LA 7–0
2 08:27 LA Kenneth Almendares 31-yard field goal(11 plays, 61 yards, 4:35) LA 10–0
04:33 UTSA Frank Harris 11-yard rush (Hunter Duplessis kick)(9 plays, 75 yards, 3:54) LA 10–7
01:21 LA Kyren Lacy 10-yard pass from Levi Lewis (Kenneth Almendares kick)(8 plays, 74 yards, 3:12) LA 17–7
3 14:19 LA Elijah Mitchell 3-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(1 play, 3 yards, 0:04) LA 24–7
10:14 UTSA Zakhari Franklin 29-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)(4 plays, 62 yards, 1:00) LA 24–14
04:09 UTSA Joshua Cephus 10-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)(6 plays, 89 yards, 2:24) LA 24–21
4 13:32 UTSA Hunter Duplessis 20-yard field goal(9 plays, 82 yards, 3:33) TIE 24–24
07:16 LA Trey Ragas 1-yard rush (Kenneth Almendares kick)(12 plays, 72 yards, 6:16) LA 31–24
Pregame line
Over/under
LA –14
55[ 38]
Statistics
UTSA
Louisiana
First downs
27
23
Total yards
431
411
Rushing yards
223
223
Passing yards
208
208
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
27:23
32:37
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
UTSA
Passing
Frank Harris
13/21, 208 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing
Sincere McCormick
23 carries, 122 yards
Receiving
Zakhari Franklin
5 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD
Louisiana
Passing
Levi Lewis
12/22, 146 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing
Elijah Mitchell
19 carries, 127 yards, 1 TD
Receiving
Elijah Mitchell
2 receptions, 45 yards
Postseason Accolade
Accolade
Recipient
2021 Reese's Senior Bowl participant
Elijah Mitchell , RB
2021 East-West Shrine Game participant
Trey Ragas , RB
Davy O'Brien Award Great 8
Levi Lewis , QB
Davy O'Brien Quarterback Class of 2020
Levi Lewis, QB
AFCA 35 under 35 coaches Leadership Institute
Robby Discher
Burlsworth Trophy nominee
Shane Vallot, OL
Broyles Award nominee
Patrick Toney
Joe Moore Award semifinalist
Louisiana OL
All-Sun Belt First Team Offense
Elijah Mitchell, RB
All-Sun Belt First Team Specialists
Chris Smith , RS
All-Sun Belt Second Team Offense
Levi Lewis, QB Trey Ragas, RBO'Cyrus Torrence , OLMax Mitchell , OL
All-Sun Belt Second Team Defense
Zi'Yon Hill, DL Bralen Trahan, DB
All-Sun Belt Second Team Specialists
Rhys Burns, P
All-Sun Belt Third Team Offense
Ken Marks, OL Shane Vallot, OL
All-Sun Belt Third Team Defense
Lorenzo McCaskill, LBEric Garror , DB
All-Sun Belt Third Team Specialists
Chris Smith, AP
All-Sun Belt Honorable Mentioned
Ferrod Gardner, OL Tayland Humphrey, DLMekhi Garner , CBPercy Butler , S
Pro Focus Football First Team All-American
Chris Smith, RS
Pro Focus Football Third Team All-American
Bralen Trahan, S
Pro Focus Football Honorable Mentioned All-American
Zi'Yon Hill, DL
Pro Focus Football First Team All-Sun Belt
Trey Ragas, RB Max Mitchell, OL Zi'Yon Hill, DL Bralen Trahan, S Chris Smith, RS
Pro Focus Football Second Team All-Sun Belt
Eric Garror , CB Mekhi Garner, CB Cameron Soloman, S Percy Butler, S
Pro Focus Football Third Team All-Sun Belt
Levi Lewis, QB Elijah Mitchell, RB O'Cyrus Torrence, OL Carlos Rubio, OL
Pro Focus Football Honorable Mentioned All-Sun Belt
Shane Vallot, OL Tayland Humphrey, DL AJ Washington, CB
CBS Sports First Team All-American
Chris Smith, RS
247Sports First Team All-American
Chris Smith, RS
FWAA Second Team All-American
Chris Smith, RS
FootballScoop offensive line coaches of the Year
Rob Sale D. J. Looney
Rankings
Ranking movementsLegend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes Week Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Final AP — —* RV 19 19 RV 23 21 RV RV RV 25 24 23 20 17 17 17 15 Coaches RV RV* RV 21 25 RV 23 21 RV RV RV RV 25 24 21 17 18 18 16 CFP Not released — 25 19 19 19 Not released
Players drafted into the NFL
Notes
1.^ Many games during the 2020 season denoted “0” in attendance due to COVID-19 pandemic regulations. See Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic .
References
^ Artemis Moshtaghian and Dakin Andone. "Louisiana-Lafayette assistant football coach D.J. Looney dies at 31" . CNN . Retrieved August 2, 2020 .
^ Logue, Andrew (September 12, 2020). "Ragin' Cajuns beat No. 23 Iowa St 31-14; 1st Top 25 road win" . AP NEWS . Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ "ICYMI: UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns ranked in AP Top 25 for first time since 1943" . WDSU . Associated Press. September 18, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ Adams, Madeline (September 20, 2020). "Cajuns earn first overtime victory since 2005 with 34-31 win over Georgia State" . KLFY . Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ Partsch III, Raymond. "Cajuns maintain position in CFP ranking" . The Daily Iberian . Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ Selbe, Nick. "No. 25 Louisiana Edges Appalachian State Despite Special Teams Miscues" . Sports Illustrated . Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ "Levi Lewis Named to Davey O'Brien Preseason Watch List" . KATC . July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
^ Faust, George (July 16, 2020). "Louisiana's Mitchell, Ragas named to Doak Walker watch list" . KLFY . Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
^ "O'Cyrus Torrence Selected to Outland Trophy Watch List" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
^ "Rhys Byrns Lands on Ray Guy Award Watch List" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
^ "Jalen Williams named on Wuerffel Trophy watch list" . KLFY . July 25, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
^ "Lewis Adds Name to Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved July 28, 2020 .
^ "Shane Vallot Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ "Kyren Lacy Named to 2020 FWAA Freshman All-America Watch List" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ "Ken Marks Named to 2020 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved March 2, 2021 .
^ "Louisiana Tops Athlon Sports' Preseason All-Sun Belt Teams With Seventeen Selections" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved July 5, 2020 .
^ Faust, George (July 7, 2020). "Senior running back Elijah Mitchell tabbed as Preseason Offensive Player of the Year" . KLFY . Retrieved July 8, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana Lands Six on 2020 Lindy's All-Sun Belt Preseason Teams" . Louisiana Athletics . Retrieved July 5, 2020 .
^ Talty, John. "SEC moves to conference-only 2020 schedule, pushes back start of season" . AL.com . Retrieved July 30, 2020 .
^ "Iowa State adds the UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns as non-conference opponent" . www.msn.com . Retrieved August 12, 2020 .
^ "Independent N.M. State moves football to spring" . ESPN.com . August 13, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020 .
^ "McNeese AD explains decision to not play the Cajuns" . www.msn.com . Retrieved August 20, 2020 .
^ Buckley, Tim. "Cajuns add UAB, Central Arkansas to their 2020 schedule" . The Daily Advertiser .
^ "Sun Belt Conference Championship Football Game Canceled" . sunbeltsports.org . Retrieved December 18, 2020 .
^ Selbe, Nick. "Sun Belt Title Game Canceled Due to Positive COVID-19 Test" . Sports Illustrated .
^ "2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Football Schedule" . Retrieved February 28, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns" . ESPN. Retrieved March 2, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana, Iowa State Could Be Ready To Light It Up" . Odds Shark . Retrieved September 9, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Georgia State Panthers" . Odds Shark . Retrieved September 16, 2020 .
^ "Georgia Southern Eagles vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns" . Odds Shark . Retrieved September 23, 2020 .
^ "Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns" . Odds Shark . Retrieved October 14, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs UAB Blazers" . Odds Shark . Retrieved October 24, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Texas State Bobcats" . Odds Shark . Retrieved November 4, 2020 .
^ "Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns" . Odds Shark . Retrieved November 9, 2020 .
^ "South Alabama Jaguars vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns" . Odds Shark . Retrieved November 15, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks" . Odds Shark . Retrieved November 29, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Appalachian State Mountaineers" . Odds Shark . Retrieved December 5, 2020 .
^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs UTSA Roadrunners" . Odds Shark . Retrieved December 27, 2020 .
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