UL defeats Troy 37-24

Breaking a famed 25-game home winning streak, the Cajuns beat Troy 37-24 in their Sun Belt Conference opener.

Troy was able to score on its first drive, while the Cajuns defense struggled to find its bearings. After that initial upset, though, the Trojans found difficulty capitalizing in the red zone, only scoring again once the game was safely out of reach.

From there on, the Cajuns offense took control, amassing 389 yards.

After a couple of failed attempts to drive, the Cajuns offense was finally able to march down the field, giving Blaine Gautier the opportunity to run in the first touchdown for the Cajuns. Unfortunately, this resulted in Gautier bruising his ribs and having to sit out the rest of the game.

Recent transfer Terrance Broadway came in for Gautier, proving more than capable to do the job, garnering 143 yards on 10 passes with a touchdown.

“We knew that he was ready if we needed him. This is the second year in a row we’ve had to beat Troy with our backup quarterback,” said Coach Mark Hudspeth.

Of course, Broadway’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the superb running game provided by Alonzo Harris. With Montrel Carter out for the rest of the season, the rushing game fell mostly on Harris’ shoulders. With 127 yards on 21 attempts and the touchdown that sealed the game, Harris proved that he’s happy to carry that burden.

“I’m awfully excited that we were able to run the ball and establish the run,” said Hudspeth. “We’ve just got to keep improving from now on.”

The Cajuns receiving corps was able to show up as well, with Harry Peoples scoring a touchdown and Darryl Surgent, Jamal Robinson and Javone Lawson contributing major plays throughout the game.

The Cajuns defense proved to be formidable, forcing three turnovers over the course of the game. The Cajuns defense now has a turnover differential of +6 for the season.

The defense was even able to get on the scoreboard early, when TJ Worthy forced a fumble that was recovered and run back for a touchdown by Jemarlous Moten.

The game also provided a way for Brett Baer to declare that he is, indeed, the most consistent player on the Cajuns roster. Going three for three and putting 13 points on the board, Baer broke the Sun Belt Conference record for consecutive field goals. That, coupled with a deadly punting game, proved to be a game changer for the Cajuns.

After it became apparent that the Cajuns were going to win, the atmosphere became notably chippy, with Justin Hamilton getting ejected late in the fourth quarter.

The game, which many expected to be close, was a statement for the Cajuns, establishing them as the “bullies” of the Sun Belt Conference.

Next week, they get to test themselves against Oklahoma State. After UL Monroe’s shocking upset over Arkansas, the Cajuns may be looking for a similar upset.

Mark Hudspeth certainly looks like he is.

“No question, we’re gonna get back to work. We’re gonna learn from this game,” said Hudspeth. “Every week is a learning process … it’s a maturation process. It’s growing up.”