Cajuns narrowly miss comeback win
By: Dave Parks, Intern
LEXINGTON, KY. – The University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns fought hard in their 2015 season-opener Saturday night, but fell just short in their comeback attempt against the Kentucky Wildcats, losing 40-33.
Early on in the game, things weren’t going the Cajuns’ way, as the Wildcats jumped out to an early 21-0 lead. Cajun quarterback Brooks Haack scored from four-yards out late in the second quarter before Kentucky added a field goal to make it 24-7 at halftime.
The Cajuns came out fighting in the second half with a field goal and a touchdown in the third quarter. Torrey Pierce scored the TD, as he broke away for a 56-yard TD run, which cut the lead to 16 points. Pierce struck pay dirt again with a 26-yard TD early in the fourth quarter. Elijah McGuire caught the 2-point conversion cutting the lead to only 8 points. After a defensive stop, quarterback Jalen Nixon scored from 23 yards out. McGuire then added his second 2-point conversion, tying the game. Both teams battled the rest of the game with Kentucky scoring with 57 seconds left. After getting the ball back, the Cajuns drove close to mid-field, but had to hope for a Hail Mary that came up just short.
Haack finished 22/37 for 194 yards passing and Nixon went 4/4 for 38 yards. Pierce led the team with 110 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns, McGuire added 86 yards rushing, and Nixon and Haack each had a rushing touchdown. Gabe Fuselier had 69 yards receiving on 7 receptions; Jamal Robinson had 61 yards. McGuire hauled in 4 for 56 yard and Gary Haynes had 8 receptions for 38 yards. Tracy Walker had an interception on the defensive side of the ball.
Next Week the Cajuns will host the Northwestern State Demons. Northwestern lost to Southeastern La. in their season-opener. Head coach Mark Hudspeth and his team have plenty to feel good about despite the loss. The team fought hard and showed heart coming back. The Cajuns proved they can play with an up-and-coming SEC team and can now look to build on that momentum against NSU.
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