Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns accept R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl invitations

NEW ORLEANS – (Dec. 3, 2023) – The Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns accepted invitations today to compete in the 23^rd Annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Saturday, December 16 at the Caesars Superdome. The game will kick off at 1:15 p.m. CST and will air on ESPN and ESPN Radio.

“On behalf of the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Committee and staff, it is a pleasure to host the Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in New Orleans for this year’s game,” said R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Chairman Sheriff Paul Valteau. “We look forward to an exciting game and a week full of celebrations for these outstanding programs.”

Jacksonville State finished its final year of transition to FBS with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in Conference USA play. This will be the Gamecocks’ first bowl appearance in program history.

“We are excited to be headed to New Orleans to represent Jax State in its first ever bowl game,” Head Coach Rich Rodriguez said. “I’m happy for our team, especially our seniors, for earning this opportunity in our first season in FBS. It will be a great week and experience for our players, staff and fans.”

Jacksonville State is one of only eight teams since 1970 to win at least eight games in its first season playing an FBS schedule. The Gamecocks finished third in Conference USA, falling to New Mexico State (10-4, 7-1) and Liberty (13-0, 8-0), who met in the CUSA championship game on Friday.

Under Head Coach Rich Rodriguez, the Gamecocks ranked second in CUSA in rushing, averaging 232.2 yards per game. Redshirt senior running back Malik Jackson ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game, and his 6.4 yards per carry was best in the conference.

Jacksonville State averaged 29.8 points per game, tied for third-best in the conference.

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns concluded the regular season with a 6-6 overall record and 3-5 in the Sun Belt, making them bowl eligible for the sixth straight year, a record for the program.

“We are excited to make the trip to New Orleans and play in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl,” Head Coach Michael Desormeaux said. “The New Orleans Bowl Committee puts on a great event for our student-athletes, and we are looking forward to playing a great opponent in Jacksonville State.”

Louisiana’s rushing attack is also formidable, averaging 182.7 yards per game, second-best in the Sun Belt. The Cajuns’ 32.3 points per game ranks fourth in the league. The Cajuns are outstanding on special teams, with coverage units that lead the SBC in kick return and punt return yardage allowed.

Louisiana will make its record seventh R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl appearance. Its five wins are the most in the game’s history.