Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Power Past McNeese, 34–10, in Rivalry Return

Photo By: Louisiana Football Athletics

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LAFAYETTE, La. — September 6, 2025

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns handled business in front of their home crowd on Saturday night, defeating the McNeese Cowboys 34–10 in the renewal of the Cajun Crown rivalry. A balanced ground attack and a late defensive surge sealed the win at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.

Fast Start for Both Teams

Louisiana wasted little time making noise. A strong kickoff return set up a quick five-play drive, finished off by a 6-yard touchdown run from Bill Davis to give the Cajuns an early 7–0 lead. McNeese struck back on its next possession when quarterback Jake Strong connected on a 55-yard pass to Joshua Jackson, setting up Devin Lippold’s 2-yard scoring run to tie the game.

Cajuns Take Control Before Halftime

With under a minute to go in the second quarter, Davis found the edge for a 36-yard touchdown run, swinging momentum back to the Cajuns. After a McNeese three-and-out, Louisiana capitalized on a defensive penalty and added a 38-yard field goal by Tony Sterner at the horn, heading into halftime with a 17–7 advantage.

McNeese Hangs Around

The Cowboys trimmed the deficit early in the third quarter with a 45-yard field goal from Fabrizio Pinton, pulling within 17–10. But that would be as close as they’d get.

Louisiana Closes the Door

The Cajuns controlled the fourth quarter on both sides of the ball. Sterner added another field goal to make it 20–10, then quarterback Daniel Beale threw his first career touchdown pass, a 10-yard strike to Landon Baptiste. Minutes later, Steven Blanco broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown run, putting the finishing touches on the 34–10 victory.

By the Numbers

• Bill Davis paced the rushing attack with a career-high 132 yards and two touchdowns.

• Zylan Perry added 94 yards on 14 carries, while Blanco contributed 69 yards and his long touchdown.

• Beale, in his first start, managed the offense effectively and connected for his first career score.

• Defensively, Louisiana held McNeese to just 47 rushing yards and forced two turnovers, including a key interception by Jalen Clark

Rivalry and Next Steps

The victory extends Louisiana’s recent success against McNeese, trimming the Cowboys’ historical lead in the all-time Cajun Crown series.

• Louisiana (1–1) carries momentum into its next matchup after rebounding from its season-opening loss.

• McNeese (1–1) returns home looking to regroup as Southland Conference play looms.

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