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Louisiana Show Grit in 14-2 Loss to Rice, Defense Shines After Halftime

  • Writer: Bayou State Media
    Bayou State Media
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 3 min read

Photo by Louisiana Athletics

By Bayou State Media — Game 1

Rice opened the 2025 season with a punchy win on the road, edging the Ragin’ Cajuns 14–12 at a renovated Cajun Field. Louisiana’s offense showed flashes, especially in third quarter, but ultimately, it was Rice's steady ball control and timely scoring that made the difference. As your Louisiana-based outlet, we back the Cajuns’ effort while honoring both teams’ performances.


Score by Quarter

1Q: Rice 0, Louisiana 3

2Q: Rice 14, Louisiana 3

3Q: Rice 0, Louisiana 6

4Q: Rice 0, Louisiana 0

Final: Rice 14, Louisiana 12


Game Recap


First Quarter: Slow Build, Fast Finish

Louisiana opened the scoring with a 35-yard field goal by Kenneth Almendares, giving the Cajuns an early edge and energizing the raucous home crowd. Their defense stood firm early, stifling Rice’s new-look option attack. But Rice didn't rush, the Owls absorbed the early pressure, refocusing on fundamentals and neutralizing ULL’s initial momentum.


Second Quarter: Opportunity Missed

Rice found its stride in the second quarter. RB Quinton Jackson punched in a 1-yard touchdown after a sustained drive, and later, WR Aaron Turner powered in another on a 17-yard rush, putting Rice comfortably ahead 14–3. Louisiana responded with another Almendares field goal from 51 yards, but costly miscues—both turnovers and penalties, put the Cajuns behind in field position when they needed traction most.


Third Quarter: Cajun Comeback Sparks

The third quarter belonged to Louisiana’s grit. QB Walker Howard sparked the comeback with an 11-yard rushing touchdown, trimming the deficit to 14–12. The defense rose with him — LB Ty Williams and DL J. Crider delivered key sacks to keep Rice off-balance, and Louisiana's defensive front held the line when it mattered most.


Fourth Quarter: Holding the Line, but Running Out of Steam

The final quarter turned into a chess match. Both defenses tightened, turnovers abounded, and the clock became the enemy. Louisiana mounted several promising drives, but Rice’s punting and time-management helped keep the Cajuns from regaining momentum. In the end, Rice bled time and maintained control, icing the game


Key Performers


Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

  • Walker Howard (QB): Mixed outing—accurate when targeted, mobile with one rushing TD. Finished with 47 rushing yards and the go-ahead effort.

  • Kenneth Almendares (K): Perfect on field goals (35, 51), keeping Louisiana competitive.

  • Ty Williams / J. Crider: Defensive disruptors with key sacks in wake of ULL’s comeback attempts.


Rice Owls

  • Quinton Jackson (RB): 22 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD—punched the final score that mattered.

  • Aaron Turner (WR): Added a crucial rushing TD and made plays when Rice needed balance.

  • Offense & Defense Unit: Controlled possession (36:40 to 23:20), no turnovers—by the numbers, executed a disciplined road performance.


Numbers That Tell the Story

  • Total Yards: Rice 246 – Louisiana 239

  • Rushing Yards: Rice 201 – Louisiana 152

  • Time of Possession: Rice 36:40 – Louisiana 23:20

  • Turnovers: Rice 0 – Louisiana 2

  • Third-Down Conversions: Rice 4/11 – Louisiana 7/15


Analysis: What Worked & What Didn’t

  • Ball Control Wins Games: Rice leaned on the line and methodical drives, closing out the game by managing the clock effectively.

  • Offensive Potential vs. Execution: Louisiana made strides, especially from Howard and Almendares, but two turnovers proved costly in a tight one-score game.

  • Defense Held Firm: The Cajuns stopped the bleeding after halftime, Rice gained no points in the second half, testament to Louisiana's adjustments.

  • Special Teams Held Up: Almendares kept ULL within reach; without his two successful kicks, the outcome would have been more lopsided.


What’s Next

  • Louisiana (0–1): Hosts McNeese next week at Cajun Field. A chance to reset, tighten execution, and capitalize on home-field energy.

  • Rice (1–0): Returns home with confidence, riding a model performance that could set the tone for their season.


Follow Bayou State Media for more Ragin Cajun and Louisiana sports coverage.

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