Stevie Artigue’s short field late in the third quarter and Andre Nunez’s 8-yard touchdown throw to Keenan Barnes with just more than 10 minutes remaining gave UL the separation it needed in a 24-7 ESPNU-televised win over Texas State on Thursday night at Cajun Field.

The Ragin’ Cajuns were boosted by their defense, which got a fourth-and-1 stop early, a Damar’ren Mitchell recovery off a Bennie Higgins-forced fumble, a touchdown-saving Tracy Walker interception late in the first half and a key Chaiziere Malbrue sack and fumble recovery in the third quarter.