Cajuns blank Texas State in 2021 Homecoming game

LAFAYETTE – Behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Levi Lewis and a trio of defensive takeaways, Louisiana Football defeated Texas State, 45-0, Saturday afternoon in the 2021 Homecoming Game at Cajun Field.

The victory improved the Ragin’ Cajuns to 15-0 against Sun Belt West Division opponents under head coach Billy Napier and 48-27-2 in homecoming contests all time.

With the three passing scores, Lewis surpassed Louisiana legend Jake Delhomme to become the school’s all-time passing touchdown leader (65). The Baton Rouge native completed 22-of-32 passes for 228 yards, improving the team to 17-3 when Lewis throws for more than 200 yards and 19-1 when he throws for more than two touchdown passes.

The Ragin’ Cajuns air attack remained balanced as 12 different receivers caught passes in the game, headlined by a 44-yard, three-catch day from Errol Rogers, Jr. and a four-catch, 35-yard effort from Peter LeBlanc.

Coming off a 238-yard performance a week ago, Chris Smith continued his strong running stretch totaling 70 yards on the afternoon and adding a touchdown reception, his first of the season.

Defensively, Louisiana controlled the entirety of the game, limiting the Bobcats to just 42 yards through the air in addition to the three takeaways. Lorenzo McCaskill led the unit with seven total tackles, including three solo stops.

Saturday’s performance marked the team’s first shutout of an opponent since Sept. 1, 2012, when Louisiana blanked Lamar, 40-0.

The Ragin’ Cajuns got off to a fast start as nose tackle Tayland Humphrey forced a fumble on Texas State’s first play from scrimmage. Despite the advantageous field position, Louisiana was unable to capitalize early.

The Ragin’ Cajuns opened the scoring on the first play of the second quarter as Lewis connected with Smith for a two-yard score that capped off 14 play, 86-yard drive.

On the Bobcats’ next possession, running back Brock Sturges coughed up the ball deep in Louisiana territory. Kam Pedescleaux corralled the loose ball and delivered possession back to the offense.

With six minutes remaining in the second quarter, Texas State lined up for a field goal to break its scoring drought, but the attempt was blocked by Humphrey. Louisiana took advantage as Lewis found Hunter Bergeron for a 1-yard score on the resulting possession.

On the final drive of the half, the Ragin’ Cajuns successfully executed a two-minute drill as Nate Snyder converted from 46-yards out to give the home team a 17-0 advantage. The field goal was one of three makes on the day for the redshirt senior.

Louisiana carried its momentum into the second half. After adding three points on the opening drive, Lewis delivered his record-breaking scoring strike into the arms of wide receiver Jalen Williams from three-yards out.

With the Ragin’ Cajuns in control, Eric Garror stepped in front of a pass from visiting quarterback Tyler Vitt and returned it down the left sideline to the Louisiana 12-yard line. Snyder delivered on his final attempt to increase the lead to 38 points.

On The Ragin’ Cajuns final possession, redshirt junior running back and 2021 homecoming king T.J. Wisham, crossed the plane from three-yards out to bookend the impressive performance.

Louisiana will be back in action on Thursday, Nov. 5, when it welcomes Georgia State to Cajun Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

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