2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team

American college football season

2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football
Sun Belt Conference co-champion
Sun Belt West Division champion
First Responder Bowl champion
First Responder Bowl, W 31–24 vs. UTSA
ConferenceSun Belt Conference
DivisionWest Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 16
APNo. 15
Record10–1 (7–1 Sun Belt)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorRob Sale (3rd season)
Offensive schemePro-style
Defensive coordinatorPatrick Toney (1st season)
Base defense4–2–5
Home stadiumCajun Field
Seasons
2020 Sun Belt Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
No. 14 Coastal Carolina xy+ 80  111 
Appalachian State 62  93 
Georgia Southern 44  85 
Georgia State 44  64 
Troy 34  56 
West Division
No. 15 Louisiana xy+ 71  101 
South Alabama 35  47 
Arkansas State 26  47 
Texas State 26  210 
Louisiana–Monroe 07  010 
Championship: Louisiana at Coastal Carolina (Canceled)
  • + – Conference co-champions
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team represented the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Ragin' Cajuns played their home games at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana, and competed in the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference. They were led by third-year head coach Billy Napier. The Cajuns began the season with an away matchup against a preseason top-25 Iowa State and concluded their regular season at conference and in-state rival Louisiana–Monroe.

Shortly before the season began, Offensive Line Assistant Coach D. J. Looney, 31, died of a heart attack while at practice on August 1, 2020.[1] He was honored at the Week 9 matchup against UAB in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where players all wore Looney's name on their jerseys.

The win over Iowa State marked the first victory against a ranked team on the road in team history, the second victory ever against a ranked team, and the highest ranked team ever defeated.[2] The following week, the Cajuns were nationally ranked for the first time since the 1940s, reaching 19th in the AP Poll.[3] During their Week 2 overtime victory against Georgia State, the Cajuns secured their first victory in overtime since the 2005 conference matchup against the Troy Trojans.[4] During Week 14, Louisiana was ranked for the first time ever in the College Football Playoff rankings, at No. 25. This was also the first time the Cajuns had been ranked in the three major college football rankings (No. in the 20 AP Poll, No. 21 in the Coaches Poll, and No. 25 in the CFP rankings).[5] During Week 14, the Cajuns defeated Appalachian State for the first time in school history, bringing their all-time record against the Mountaineers to 1–8.[6]

The Cajuns ended their season by defeating the UTSA Roadrunners in the 2020 First Responder Bowl. Senior RB Elijah Mitchell earned the bowl game MVP. This also marked the first time a Sun Belt team took part in that bowl game.

Preseason

Recruiting class

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeight40Commit date
Trenayvian "Trey" Amos
CB
New Iberia, LACatholic HS6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)175 lb (79 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Caleb Anderson
CB
Clinton, LAEast Feliciana HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)190 lb (86 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Emani Bailey
RB
Denton, TXDenton Ryan HS5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)200 lb (91 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Dontae Fleming
WR
LaPlace, LAEast St. John HS6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)165 lb (75 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Courtline Flowers
CB
Dallas, TXSouth Oak Cliff HS6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)175 lb (79 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Dabari Hawkins
CB
Missouri City, TXStafford HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)190 lb (86 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Sonny Hazard
DL
New Orleans, LAJesuit HS6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)290 lb (130 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:2/5 stars
Reginald Johnson
WR
Baton Rouge, LASouthern Lab6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)175 lb (79 kg)Feb 5, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Ahmad Johnson
LB
Pelahatchie, MSPelahatchie Attendance Center6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)215 lb (98 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Kyren Lacy
WR
Thibodaux, LAThibodaux HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)210 lb (95 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jordan Lawson
DL
Branson, MSBrandon HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)270 lb (120 kg)Feb 5, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Cory Marshall
OL
Shreveport, LANorthwood HS6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)330 lb (150 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jack McKenzie
OL
McComb, MSParklane Academy6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)330 lb (150 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Andray Pope
RB
Evergreen, ALHillcrest HS6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)200 lb (91 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Dominique Ratcliff
DL
Conroe, TXConroe HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)270 lb (120 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Errol Rogers Jr.
WR
Lafayette, LALafayette Christian Academy5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)185 lb (84 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Christian Sabatini
TE
Plano, TXPlano Senior HS6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)245 lb (111 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Tyree Skipper
S
New Orleans, LASophie B. Wright Charter6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)185 lb (84 kg)Dec 18, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars

Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released

Preseason

AwardPlayerPositionYear
Davey O'Brien AwardLevi LewisQBSenior
Doak Walker AwardElijah MitchellRBSenior
Doak Walker AwardTrey RagasRBSenior
Outland TrophyO'Cyrus TorrenceOLSophomore
Ray Guy AwardRhys BurnsPJunior
Wuerffel TrophyJalen WilliamsWRR-Senior
Maxwell AwardLevi LewisQBSenior

References:[7][8][9][10][11][12]

Season/Postseason

AwardPlayerPositionYear
Rimington TrophyShane VallotOLR-Junior
FWAA Freshman-All AmericanKyren LacyWRFreshman
Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the YearKen MarksOLR-Senior

References:[13][14][15]

Sun Belt coaches poll

The Sun Belt coaches poll was released on August 25, 2020. The Cajuns were picked to finish first in the West with 47 votes and second in the conference behind Appalachian State.

West Division
Predicted finishTeamVotes
1Louisiana47 (7)
2Arkansas State40 (2)
3South Alabama22 (1)
4Texas State21
5Louisiana–Monroe20
East Division
Predicted finishTeamVotes
1Appalachian State49 (9)
2Georgia Southern36
3Troy32 (1)
4Georgia State20
5Coastal Carolina13

Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference teams

Athlon Sports Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference teams

References:[16]

Lindy's Sports Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference teams

During the announcement, Lindy's also picked the Cajuns to win their third-consecutive Sun Belt West Division Championship as well as named Senior running back Elijah Mitchell to the Preseason Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.[17]

References':[18]

Personnel

2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
QB1Levi LewisSr
WR2Kyren LacyFr
WR3Golden Eke So
WR4Cassius Allen So
WR6Errol Rogers Jr.Fr
WR7Brian Smith Jr. Sr
QB8Jai'Ave Magalei Jr
RB9Trey Ragas Sr
QB10Clifton McDowell Fr
WR11Calif Gossett Jr
WR13Dalen Cambre Fr
RB15Elijah MitchellSr
QB16Chandler Fields Fr
WR17Dontae FlemingFr
WR18Jalen Williams Sr
WR19Jamal BellSr
RB20Emani BaileyFr
RB21Chris Smith So
WR22Amir McDaniel Fr
RB23T. J. Wisham Jr
TE24Pearse Migl So
QB25Beau Kalbacher Sr
WR26Kaleb Carter So
WR27Trevor Russell Jr
WR29Peter LeBlancSo
RB30Jordan Griffin So
RB31Michael Orphey Jr. So
RB33Andray PopeFr
RB34Mike MartinFr
TE40Dravyn GuilbeauFr
TE41Joe Lombardi Jr.Fr
TE44Christian SabatiniFr
OL50Nathan Thomas Fr
OL51Landon Burton Fr
OL53AJ Gillie Fr
OL54Tyler Brown Fr
OL55Zach RobertsonSr
OL58O'Cyrus TorrenceSo
OL61Cole Prudhomme Sr
OL63Spencer Gardner Jr
OL64Shane Vallot Jr
OL65Carlos Rubio Jr
OL67Ken Marks Sr
OL69Jack McKenzieFr
OL70Jax Harrington Fr
OL71Masry MapieuJr
OL72Max Yarbrough So
OL73David Hudson Jr
OL74Max MitchellJr
OL75Cory MarshallFr
OL77King McGowen Fr
OL78Luke Junkunc So
OL79Logan Newell Fr
WR80Devon Pauley So
WR81Reginald Johnson Jr.Fr
TE83Damani Burrell So
WR84Leroy Franklin Sr
TE85Peyton Aucoin Sr
WR86Jacob Bernard Fr
TE87Neal JohnsonSo
TE88Johnny Lumpkin Jr
TE89Hunter Bergeron Jr
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
S0Kam Pedescleaux So
LB2Lorenzo McCaskill Jr
LB3Joe Dillon Sr
DL4Zi'Yon Hill Jr
LB6Kris MoncriefJr
LB7Ferrod Gardner Sr
DL8Kendall WilkersonSo
S9Percy ButlerJr
LB10Andre Jones Jr. Jr
CB11Caleb AndersonFr
S13Patrick Mensah So
S15Tyree SkipperFr
CB16Asjlin WashingtonJr
LB17Chauncey Manac Sr
CB18Bobby Holmes Fr
CB19Eric GarrorJr
CB20Mekhi Garner So
CB21Trey AmosFr
CB22Korian WilsonFr
CB23Courtline FlowersFr
S24Bralen Trahan Jr
S25Brandon Bishop So
S26Blair Brooks Sr
S27Cameron Solomon Sr
S28Ja'Len Johnson Jr
CB29Dabari HawkinsFr
LB31Brontre' GriffinFr
LB33Tyler GuidrySo
S34Scottie JohnsonFr
LB35Ahmad JohnsonFr
LB37Jordan AnthonyFr
DL38Dominique RatcliffFr
CB39Jayrin Wilson Jr
CB40Patrick MarshallFr
S41Ty'Darien Quinney Fr
LB43Jourdon Quibodeaux Jr
LB44Tanner Wiggins Jr
CB45Caleb Glenn Jr
DL46Jordan LawsonFr
LB48Troy Krutchen Jr
LB51Lakeidrick George Jr. So
LB52Cooper LeBlanc So
LB53Kyle Pierre Jr
LB56Terrence Jones Sr
LB57La'Kamion Franklin Fr
DL90Mason NarcisseFr
DL91Sonny HazardFr
DL93Quintlan Cobb Fr
DL94Dalvin HutchinsonSo
LB95Andre Riley So
DL96Malcolm Rollins Jr
DL97Ja'Quane Nelson Jr
DL98Andre Landry Jr
DL99Tayland Humphrey Sr
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
K36Nate Snyder Jr
K45Kenneth Almendares So
P47Rhys ByrnsJr
LS49Paul Boudreaux Jr
K84Thomas LeoFr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: July 4, 2020

Schedule

The 2020 schedule consists of 6 home and 6 away games in the regular season. The Ragin' Cajuns will travel to Sun Belt foes Appalachian State, Georgia State, Texas State and Louisiana–Monroe. The Cajuns will play host to Sun Belt foes Georgia Southern, Coastal Carolina, Arkansas State, and South Alabama.

The Ragin' Cajuns will host one of the three non-conference opponents at Cajun Field, Central Arkansas, from NCAA Division I FCS, and will travel to Iowa State of the Big 12 and UAB of the C-USA.

Louisiana had a game against Missouri and Wyoming, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[19]

On August 12, the Cajuns and Iowa State reached an agreement to play each other. This game will replace the Cajuns' Wyoming game that was canceled.[20]

On August 13, New Mexico State decided to postpone all their fall sports to the spring.[21] This canceled their October 23 contest with Louisiana.

On August 17, McNeese pulled out of the agreement to play Louisiana in the Herbert Heymann Classic on September 5.[22]

On August 20, the Cajuns reached agreements with UAB and Central Arkansas to play them away on October 23 and home on November 21, respectively.[23]

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 1211:00 a.m.at No. 23 Iowa State*ESPNW 31–140 [1]
September 1911:00 a.m.at Georgia StateNo. 19ESPN2W 34–31 OT4,126
September 2611:00 a.m.Georgia SouthernNo. 19ESPN2W 20–185,585
October 146:30 p.m.Coastal CarolinaNo. 21
  • Cajun Field
  • Lafayette, LA
ESPNL 27–305,585
October 237:00 p.m.at UAB*CBSSNW 24–2011,610
October 317:00 p.m.at Texas StateESPNUW 44–347,500
November 711:00 a.m.Arkansas Statedagger
  • Cajun Field
  • Lafayette, LA
ESPNUW 27–205,585
November 141:00 p.m.South AlabamaNo. 25
  • Cajun Field
  • Lafayette, LA
ESPN+W 38–105,585
November 282:00 p.m.at Louisiana–MonroeESPN3W 70–203,132
December 47:00 p.m.at Appalachian StateNo. 25ESPN2W 24–212,170
December 193:30 p.m.at No. 12 Coastal CarolinaNo. 19ESPNNo Contest[24][25]
December 262:30 p.m.vs. UTSA*No. 19ABCW 31–243,512
Schedule Source:[26][27]

Game summaries

At Iowa State

Louisiana at Iowa State
1234Total
Ragin' Cajuns01071431
No. 23 Cyclones0140014
  • Date: September 12, 2020
  • Location: Jack Trice Stadium
    Ames, IA
  • Game start: 11:02 a.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 16 minutes
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C) • Weather: Mostly Cloudy • Wind: Light
  • Referee: Tuta Salaam
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Tom Hart (play–by–play), Mike Golic (analyst), and Cole Cubelic (sideline reporter)
    
Pregame lineOver/under
ISU −11.558[28]
StatisticsLouisianaIowa State
First downs1418
Total yards272303
Rushing yards118158
Passing yards154145
Turnovers02
Time of possession27:4132:19
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis13/21, 154 yards, 1 TD
RushingTrey Ragas14 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingPeter LeBlanc5 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD
Iowa StatePassingBrock Purdy16/35, 145 yards, 1 INT
RushingBreece Hall20 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingXavier Hutchinson4 receptions, 43 yards

At Georgia State

Louisiana at Georgia State
1234OTTotal
No. 19 Ragin' Cajuns07147634
Panthers7777331
  • Date: September 19, 2020
  • Location: Center Parc Stadium
    Atlanta, GA
  • Game start: 11:01 a.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 43 minutes
  • Game attendance: 4,126
  • Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: 13 E MPH
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Wes Durham (play–by–play), Roddy Jones (analyst), and Paul Carcaterra (sideline reporter)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −1758.5 [29]
StatisticsLouisianaGeorgia State
First downs2326
Total yards519419
Rushing yards240223
Passing yards279196
Turnovers22
Time of possession28:4430:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis21/37, 279 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingElijah Mitchell16 carries, 164 yards, 2 TDs
ReceivingDontae Fleming4 receptions, 81 yards
Georgia StatePassingCornelius Brown IV22/39, 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingDestin Coates34 carries, 150 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingRoger Carter2 receptions, 53 yards, 1 TD

Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern at Louisiana
1234Total
Eagles073818
No. 19 Ragin' Cajuns0731020
  • Date: September 26, 2020
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 11:01 a.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 19 minutes
  • Game attendance: 5,585
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C) • Weather: Sunny, Humid • Wind: Calm
  • Referee: Wayne Winkler
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins (play–by–play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), and Dawn Davenport (sideline reporter)
    
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −13.552.5[30]
StatisticsGeorgia SouthernLouisiana
First downs2118
Total yards447438
Rushing yards192148
Passing yards255290
Turnovers21
Time of possession35:1424:46
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Georgia SouthernPassingShai Werts11/18, 255 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingJ. D. King24 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWesley Kennedy III2 receptions, 105 yards
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis18/32, 290 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingChris Smith4 carries, 54 yards
ReceivingPeter LeBlanc3 receptions, 64 yards

Coastal Carolina

Coastal Carolina at Louisiana
1234Total
Chanticleers7671030
No. 21 Ragin' Cajuns767727
  • Date: October 14, 2020
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 6:35 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 21 minutes
  • Game attendance: 5,585
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C) • Weather: Clear • Wind: SSW 4 MPH
  • Referee: Jeremy Parker
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Cotter (play–by–play), Eric MacLain (analyst), Lericia Harris (sideline reporter)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −858.5[31]
StatisticsCoastal CarolinaLouisiana
First downs2319
Total yards414413
Rushing yards212240
Passing yards202173
Turnovers01
Time of possession38:1121:49
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Coastal CarolinaPassingGrayson McCall17/24, 202 yards, 2 TDs
RushingC. J. Marable17 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJaivon Heiligh8 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis14/24, 173 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingLevi Lewis6 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJalen Williams4 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD

At UAB

Louisiana at Alabama–Birmingham
1234Total
RV Ragin' Cajuns0107724
RV Blazers3107020
    
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −2.550.5[32]
StatisticsLouisianaUAB
First downs1717
Total yards286285
Rushing yards134175
Passing yards152110
Turnovers02
Time of possession30:3729:23
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis12/20, 152 yards, 2 TDS
RushingElijah Mitchell21 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingKyren Lacy2 receptions, 43 yards
UABPassingBryson Lucero10/23, 110 yards, 2 INTs
RushingSpencer Brown28 carries, 128 yards, 2 TDs
ReceivingRyan Davis2 receptions, 34 yards

At Texas State

Louisiana at Texas State
1234Total
RV Ragin' Cajuns14203744
Bobcats1476734
  • Date: October 31, 2020
  • Location: Bobcat Stadium
    San Marcos, TX
  • Game start: 7:02 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 33 minutes
  • Game attendance: 7,500
  • Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Clear Skies • Wind: S 6 MPH
  • Referee: Marshall Lewis
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Mike Couzens (play–by–play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
        
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −16.556.5[33]
StatisticsLouisianaTexas State
First downs3126
Total yards614382
Rushing yards282204
Passing yards332178
Turnovers43
Time of possession33:0626:54
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis22/32, 332 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
RushingTrey Ragas19 carries, 131 yards, 3 TDs
ReceivingJalen Williams3 receptions, 85 yards
Texas StatePassingBrady McBride14/32, 166 yards, 1 TD, 3 TDs
RushingBrock Sturges17 carries, 128 yards, 2 TDs
ReceivingMarcell Barbee2 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD

Arkansas State

Arkansas State at Louisiana
1234Total
Red Wolves3301420
RV Ragin' Cajuns00141327
  • Date: November 7, 2020
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 11:02 a.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 22 minutes
  • Game attendance: 5,585
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C) • Weather: Mostly Cloudy • Wind: ENE 6 MPH
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Dave Neal (play–by–play) and DJ Shockley (analyst)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −14.568.5[34]
StatisticsArkansas StateLouisiana
First downs2419
Total yards423440
Rushing yards199196
Passing yards224244
Turnovers21
Time of possession31:4528:15
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arkansas StatePassingLogan Bonner16/30, 127 yards, 2 INTs
RushingLincoln Pare22 carries, 121 yards
ReceivingJonathan Adams Jr.8 receptions, 95 yards
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis17/29, 244 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingElijah Mitchell16 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingNeal Johnson5 receptions, 68 yards

South Alabama

South Alabama at Louisiana
1234Total
Jaguars370010
No. 25 Ragin' Cajuns14143738
  • Date: November 14, 2020
  • Location: Cajun Field
    Lafayette, LA
  • Game start: 1:06 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 9 minutes
  • Game attendance: 5,585
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C) • Weather: Mostly Cloudy • Wind: S 10 MPH
  • Referee: Jeremy Parker
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Dan McDonald (play–by–play) and Chris Lanaux (analyst)
    
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −14.553[35]
StatisticsSouth AlabamaLouisiana
First downs1923
Total yards268506
Rushing yards123254
Passing yards145252
Turnovers22
Time of possession31:4728:13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
South AlabamaPassingDesmond Trotter15/28, 133 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingTerrion Avery14 carries, 62 yards
ReceivingJalen Tolbert5 receptions, 64 yards
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis21/31, 252 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
RushingChris Smith7 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingNeal Johnson3 receptions, 40 yards

At Louisiana–Monroe

Louisiana at Louisiana–Monroe
1234Total
Ragin' Cajuns212871470
Warhawks1400620
  • Date: November 28, 2020
  • Location: Malone Stadium
    Monroe, LA
  • Game start: 2:05 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 13 minutes
  • Game attendance: 3,132
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: NE 11 MPH
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Chris Harris (play–by–play) and Mike Hammett (analyst)
         
Pregame lineOver/under
LA −29.558[36]
StatisticsLouisianaLouisiana–Monroe
First downs2614
Total yards511247
Rushing yards344125
Passing yards167122
Turnovers13
Time of possession31:5428:06
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis18/25, 147 yards, 3 TDs
RushingTrey Ragas11 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingKyren Lacy5 receptions, 48 yards, 1 TD
Louisiana–MonroePassingJeremy Hunt14/32, 121 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingKadyn Roach7 carries, 65 yards
ReceivingJonathan Hodoh1 reception, 43 yards

At Appalachian State

Louisiana at Appalachian State
1234Total
No. 25 Ragin' Cajuns0915024
Mountaineers7301121
  • Date: December 4, 2020
  • Location: Kidd Brewer Stadium
    Boone, NC
  • Game start: 7:40 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 22 minutes
  • Game attendance: 2,170
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C) • Weather: Rainy and Wet • Wind: Light
  • Referee: Wayne Winkler
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Jason Benetti (play–by–play), Andre Ware (analyst), and Marty Smith (sideline reporter)
     
Pregame lineOver/under
APST –352.5[37]
StatisticsLouisianaAppalachian State
First downs1819
Total yards227290
Rushing yards126198
Passing yards10192
Turnovers03
Time of possession24:1735:43
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis8/23, 101 yards, 1 TD
RushingElijah Mitchell12 carries, 95 yards
ReceivingJalen Williams2 receptions, 39 yards
Appalachain StatePassingZac Thomas10/21, 92 yards, 2 INTs
RushingCamerun Peoples21 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingThomas Hennigan4 receptions, 44 yards

Vs. UTSA (first responder bowl)

Texas–San Antonio vs. Louisiana
1234Total
Roadrunners0714324
No. 19 Ragin' Cajuns7107731
     
Pregame lineOver/under
LA –1455[38]
StatisticsUTSALouisiana
First downs2723
Total yards431411
Rushing yards223223
Passing yards208208
Turnovers21
Time of possession27:2332:37
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UTSAPassingFrank Harris13/21, 208 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
RushingSincere McCormick23 carries, 122 yards
ReceivingZakhari Franklin5 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD
LouisianaPassingLevi Lewis12/22, 146 yards, 2 TDs
RushingElijah Mitchell19 carries, 127 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingElijah Mitchell2 receptions, 45 yards

Postseason Accolade

AccoladeRecipient
2021 Reese's Senior Bowl participantElijah Mitchell, RB
2021 East-West Shrine Game participantTrey Ragas, RB
Davy O'Brien Award Great 8Levi Lewis, QB
Davy O'Brien Quarterback Class of 2020Levi Lewis, QB
AFCA 35 under 35 coaches Leadership InstituteRobby Discher
Burlsworth Trophy nomineeShane Vallot, OL
Broyles Award nomineePatrick Toney
Joe Moore Award semifinalistLouisiana OL
All-Sun Belt First Team OffenseElijah Mitchell, RB
All-Sun Belt First Team SpecialistsChris Smith, RS
All-Sun Belt Second Team OffenseLevi Lewis, QB
Trey Ragas, RB
O'Cyrus Torrence, OL
Max Mitchell, OL
All-Sun Belt Second Team DefenseZi'Yon Hill, DL
Bralen Trahan, DB
All-Sun Belt Second Team SpecialistsRhys Burns, P
All-Sun Belt Third Team OffenseKen Marks, OL
Shane Vallot, OL
All-Sun Belt Third Team DefenseLorenzo McCaskill, LB
Eric Garror, DB
All-Sun Belt Third Team SpecialistsChris Smith, AP
All-Sun Belt Honorable MentionedFerrod Gardner, OL
Tayland Humphrey, DL
Mekhi Garner, CB
Percy Butler, S
Pro Focus Football First Team All-AmericanChris Smith, RS
Pro Focus Football Third Team All-AmericanBralen Trahan, S
Pro Focus Football Honorable Mentioned All-AmericanZi'Yon Hill, DL
Pro Focus Football First Team All-Sun BeltTrey Ragas, RB
Max Mitchell, OL
Zi'Yon Hill, DL
Bralen Trahan, S
Chris Smith, RS
Pro Focus Football Second Team All-Sun BeltEric Garror, CB
Mekhi Garner, CB
Cameron Soloman, S
Percy Butler, S
Pro Focus Football Third Team All-Sun BeltLevi Lewis, QB
Elijah Mitchell, RB
O'Cyrus Torrence, OL
Carlos Rubio, OL
Pro Focus Football Honorable Mentioned All-Sun BeltShane Vallot, OL
Tayland Humphrey, DL
AJ Washington, CB
CBS Sports First Team All-AmericanChris Smith, RS
247Sports First Team All-AmericanChris Smith, RS
FWAA Second Team All-AmericanChris Smith, RS
FootballScoop offensive line coaches of the YearRob Sale
D. J. Looney

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314151617Final
AP—*RV1919RV2321RVRVRV2524232017171715
CoachesRVRV*RV2125RV2321RVRVRVRV25242117181816
CFPNot released25191919Not released

Players drafted into the NFL

RoundPickPlayerPositionNFL Club
6194Elijah MitchellRBSan Francisco 49ers

Notes

1.^ Many games during the 2020 season denoted “0” in attendance due to COVID-19 pandemic regulations. See Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

References

  1. ^ Artemis Moshtaghian and Dakin Andone. "Louisiana-Lafayette assistant football coach D.J. Looney dies at 31". CNN. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  2. ^ Logue, Andrew (September 12, 2020). "Ragin' Cajuns beat No. 23 Iowa St 31-14; 1st Top 25 road win". AP NEWS. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  3. ^ "ICYMI: UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns ranked in AP Top 25 for first time since 1943". WDSU. Associated Press. September 18, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  4. ^ Adams, Madeline (September 20, 2020). "Cajuns earn first overtime victory since 2005 with 34-31 win over Georgia State". KLFY. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  5. ^ Partsch III, Raymond. "Cajuns maintain position in CFP ranking". The Daily Iberian. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  6. ^ Selbe, Nick. "No. 25 Louisiana Edges Appalachian State Despite Special Teams Miscues". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  7. ^ "Levi Lewis Named to Davey O'Brien Preseason Watch List". KATC. July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  8. ^ Faust, George (July 16, 2020). "Louisiana's Mitchell, Ragas named to Doak Walker watch list". KLFY. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  9. ^ "O'Cyrus Torrence Selected to Outland Trophy Watch List". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  10. ^ "Rhys Byrns Lands on Ray Guy Award Watch List". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  11. ^ "Jalen Williams named on Wuerffel Trophy watch list". KLFY. July 25, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  12. ^ "Lewis Adds Name to Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  13. ^ "Shane Vallot Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  14. ^ "Kyren Lacy Named to 2020 FWAA Freshman All-America Watch List". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  15. ^ "Ken Marks Named to 2020 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  16. ^ "Louisiana Tops Athlon Sports' Preseason All-Sun Belt Teams With Seventeen Selections". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  17. ^ Faust, George (July 7, 2020). "Senior running back Elijah Mitchell tabbed as Preseason Offensive Player of the Year". KLFY. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  18. ^ "Louisiana Lands Six on 2020 Lindy's All-Sun Belt Preseason Teams". Louisiana Athletics. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  19. ^ Talty, John. "SEC moves to conference-only 2020 schedule, pushes back start of season". AL.com. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
  20. ^ "Iowa State adds the UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns as non-conference opponent". www.msn.com. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  21. ^ "Independent N.M. State moves football to spring". ESPN.com. August 13, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  22. ^ "McNeese AD explains decision to not play the Cajuns". www.msn.com. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  23. ^ Buckley, Tim. "Cajuns add UAB, Central Arkansas to their 2020 schedule". The Daily Advertiser.
  24. ^ "Sun Belt Conference Championship Football Game Canceled". sunbeltsports.org. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  25. ^ Selbe, Nick. "Sun Belt Title Game Canceled Due to Positive COVID-19 Test". Sports Illustrated.
  26. ^ "2020 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Football Schedule". Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  27. ^ "Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns". ESPN. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  28. ^ "Louisiana, Iowa State Could Be Ready To Light It Up". Odds Shark. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  29. ^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Georgia State Panthers". Odds Shark. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  30. ^ "Georgia Southern Eagles vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns". Odds Shark. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  31. ^ "Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns". Odds Shark. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  32. ^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs UAB Blazers". Odds Shark. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  33. ^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Texas State Bobcats". Odds Shark. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  34. ^ "Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns". Odds Shark. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  35. ^ "South Alabama Jaguars vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns". Odds Shark. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  36. ^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks". Odds Shark. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  37. ^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs Appalachian State Mountaineers". Odds Shark. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  38. ^ "Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs UTSA Roadrunners". Odds Shark. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
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