Cajuns squeak past Panthers

By: Dave Parks, Intern

ATLANTA, Georgia – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns relied on the leg of freshman kicker, Stevie Artigue, to defeat the Georgia State Panthers by the score 23-21. Artigue connected on three field goals, including the go-ahead late in the fourth quarter. The Cajuns are 4-4 on the year and 3-1 in conference play. The Cajuns have won three of their last four games and will look to keep this momentum rolling the rest of the season.

UL was able to jump out to a quick 10-0 lead after a field goal and a huge blocked punt by Travis Crawford, which Montrel Carter recovered for the touchdown. Georgia State was able to answer with a touchdown of their own before Brooks Haack was able to find Al Riles in the end zone for another UL score. Once again, the Panthers answered with a touchdown and the Cajuns went into the half leading 17-14.

In the third quarter, the Panthers took their first lead of the game with a Nick Arbuckle touchdown pass. The Cajuns would add a field goal and went into the fourth trailing by one point. It was a defensive battle in the last quarter, but UL’s Artigue was able to make his third field goal of the game with 6:59 left and give the Cajuns the lead for good.

Dominique Tovell led the Cajun defense with seven tackles and two sacks. Darzil Washington had a sack and Savion Brown added and interception.

On the offensive side of the ball, Haack finished 18/25 for 162 yards and a touchdown. Elijah McGuire had 73 yards rushing and a couple receptions. Torrey Pierce rushed for 53 yards.  Riles led the receivers with eight catches for 103 yards and a TD. Jamal Robinson had three receptions for 33 yards, as well.

The Cajuns will travel to Mobile next to take on the South Alabama Jaguars. The game will be played Thursday, November 12^th at 6:30 p.m. and will air on ESPNU.

Photo Courtesy of UL Athletics