- In Week 2 of the 2025 Regular Season, the McNeese State Cowboys will visit the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at Cajun Field in Lafayette, LA. The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Both teams are seeking their first victory of the season after opening week losses.
- McNeese State is looking to rebound after a challenging 52-10 loss to Texas A&M last season. They struggled offensively, accumulating only 99 passing yards and two interceptions, while allowing 333 rushing yards. As an independent team with no conference affiliation, they will aim to improve their road performance, having started with a 0-1 road record.
- The Ragin’ Cajuns, members of the Sun Belt Conference, are coming off a narrow 14-12 home defeat against the Rice Owls. Despite securing more passing yards than Rice, Louisiana-Lafayette fell short in the rushing department, which may be an area of focus against McNeese State. With a home game atmosphere at Cajun Field, the Ragin’ Cajuns will be motivated to use their home advantage to secure their first win.
Louisiana-Lafayette vs McNeese State At a Glance
- Game Location: Cajun Field in Lafayette, LA
- Game Timing: Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
- Home Team Record: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns are 0-1 this season
- Away Team Record: McNeese State Cowboys hold a 0-1 record this season
- Betting Odds: Louisiana-Lafayette favored with a moneyline of -1800
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Look to Rebound in Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns had a rough start to their 2025 season, managing only 12 points against the Rice Owls. Their passing game struggled, achieving just 88 passing yards, placing them 124th in national rankings. However, their ground game showed more promise with 151 rushing yards, ranking 67th.
In terms of first downs, the Ragin’ Cajuns managed to secure 16, ranking them 25th. This indicates a capability to move the chains effectively, but they need to translate that into scoring opportunities. With only one game into the season, there’s potential for growth and improvement.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Ragin’ Cajuns allowed 14 points against Rice, showcasing a top-tier performance ranked 10th nationally. Their ability to pressure the quarterback was evident, recording two sacks, which placed them 6th in the country. However, the lack of interceptions and fumble recoveries, despite a strong defensive ranking, suggests room for improvement in creating turnovers.
Last season, they had 16 interceptions and five fumble recoveries, indicating they can be disruptive. If they can replicate or surpass last year’s performance, it would significantly bolster their defense this season.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Walker Howard threw for 88 yards in the season opener but is currently sidelined with an oblique injury, expected to miss 6-8 weeks. This absence could impact the passing game, putting more pressure on their rushing attack. Running back Bill Davis, who rushed for 58 yards, and Zylan Perry, with 46 yards, will be pivotal in maintaining offensive productivity.
Wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. had a notable performance with four receptions for 59 yards. If the Ragin’ Cajuns are to improve their passing game, contributions from players like Sampson Jr. will be essential.
Upcoming Game Outlook
Looking ahead, the Ragin’ Cajuns will face the McNeese State Cowboys at home. Playing at Cajun Field may provide a familiar environment to regroup and aim for their first win of the season. Their focus will likely be on fine-tuning their offensive strategies while maintaining their defensive strengths.
With Walker Howard out, the quarterback position will need addressing, potentially requiring adjustments in offensive play-calling. The game against the Cowboys will be crucial in setting the tone for the remainder of their season.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Night Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Home Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Home Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
The McNeese State Cowboys: Analyzing Their Upcoming Game Performance
Team Overview
The McNeese State Cowboys have had a challenging season so far. Scoring only 10 points and ranking 133rd in points for, their offensive struggles are evident. The team faces another test as they head into their next game.
On the defensive side, they allowed 52 points against Texas A&M. This places them at 21st in points against, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. The Cowboys will need to tighten up their defense to stand a better chance in future games.
Offensive Breakdown
The Cowboys’ passing game has been limited, with only 99 passing yards recorded, ranking them 196th. This lack of production in the air is a key area that needs improvement. Their rushing attack is slightly better, with 180 rushing yards placing them 154th.
First downs have also been hard to come by, with McNeese State recording just 14, ranking them 115th. These statistics indicate a need for a more balanced and efficient offensive strategy to control possession and create scoring opportunities.
Key Players
Kamden Sixkiller, despite his current association with Campbell Fighting Camels, is noted for his 80 passing yards and one touchdown. However, his two interceptions in one game suggest the need for more precision. Alex Flores, on the other hand, recorded only 19 passing yards, indicating a potential area for growth.
In the rushing department, Bryce Strong leads with 64 yards, followed by Tre’Vonte Citizen with 59 yards. Both players have yet to score a rushing touchdown, emphasizing the need to capitalize on red-zone opportunities.
Betting Trends
- McNeese State is ranked 133rd in points scored with 10.
- The Cowboys allowed 52 points in their recent game against Texas A&M.
- The team recorded 99 passing yards, ranking them 196th.
- Their rushing yards stand at 180, placing them 154th.
- First downs for the Cowboys are at 14, ranking them 115th.
- Kamden Sixkiller threw two interceptions in his last game.
- Bryce Strong leads the team with 64 rushing yards.
- No significant injuries reported for the Cowboys.
Louisiana-Lafayette vs McNeese State Prediction: Under 51.5
The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns enter their second game of the season after a 34-3 loss to TCU in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl. Their offensive struggles were evident, managing only 12 points in their recent game, which hints at continued difficulties on that side of the ball. Combined with their strong defensive record, allowing only 14 points this season, this game may see limited scoring opportunities.
McNeese State, also entering with a loss, scored just 10 points in their last regular season, which was ranked 133rd. Their offensive struggles are likely to continue against a Louisiana-Lafayette defense ranked 10th in points against. The Cowboys’ defensive weaknesses, allowing 52 points last season, won’t be fully exploited by the Ragin’ Cajuns’ limited offense.
Given these offensive challenges and the defensive capabilities on both teams, a high-scoring game doesn’t seem probable. The total set at 51.5 points appears too high given the recent performances and trends of these teams. Thus, the pick is on the under.
Projecting a final score based on current trends and capabilities, expect a low-scoring defensive battle. Louisiana-Lafayette is favored to win with a score of approximately 24-10.
- Louisiana-Lafayette vs McNeese State Prediction: Under 51.5
- Louisiana-Lafayette vs McNeese State Score: Louisiana-Lafayette 24 – McNeese State 10
