The Ragin’ Cajuns Annual Spring Game went to the defense in a 32-10 decision on Saturday afternoon at Cajun Field.


The defense was spotted 17 points to begin the contest and could earn three points for a turnover and six points for a defensive touchdown. Four Cajuns interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, was enough to propel the defense to an easy victory.


“We weren’t very consistent on offense,” head coach Rickey Bustle stated. “The defense was able to get a lot of pressure.


“There’s no question that we have a good team, but there is a lot of work to be done to get ready for the fall.”


After no scoring in the nine-minute first quarter, quarterback Brady Thomas found tight end Jacob Maxwell with a 17-yard touchdown strike to pull the offense within 10 points, 17-7, at the 6:51 mark of the second quarter.


Unfortunately, 10 points would be as close as the offense would get.


The Cajuns defense gathered 17 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks and eight pass break-ups, applying constant pressure the entire game.


Eight different players were credited in the sack column and 14 different defenders made at least one tackle-for-loss. Orkeys Auriene, Grant Fleming, Rodney Gillis and Melvin White posted interceptions, with Auriene returning his 55 yards down to the 24-yard line and White taking his pick 35 yards into the end zone for a touchdown.


“We had penalties on both sides of the ball at critical times,” Bustle added.


“The team has improved (this spring) in individual areas, but we have a lot to do this offseason.”


The offense spoiled two of its three best scoring chances the rest of the game.


A nine-play 52-yard drive ended at the defense’s 15-yard line after the second quarter expired. Poor clock management spoiled a good drive by Chris Masson. Masson completed 5-of-7 passes for 55 yards and added a seven-yard run during the drive.


The offense’s only other scoring drive came under the direction of Blain Gautier. Gautier led the team 47 yards in eight plays, ending with a 26-yard field goal by Tyler Albrecht.


A 13-play, 42-yard fourth quarter drive ended in a missed field goal. Thomas moved the offense down to the defense’s nine-yard line, but after facing first-and-goal, the defense collected a pair of sacks and the offense was called for a holding penalty. Eventually, facing fourth-and-goal from the 35-yard line, Brett Baer missed a 53-yard field goal attempt wide left.


The Cajuns spring season officially ended with the spring game. The team will not practice again until August in preparation for the season opener on September 4 at Georgia. The team will open at home the following week vs. ArkansasState in the 10th Annual Herbert Heymann Football Classic.
(Courtesy of UL Athletics, Daryl Cetnar)


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