Ragin’ Cajuns Face Delaware in 68 Ventures Bowl, Aim for Fifth Straight Win
Louisiana Football fans will have their eyes on Mobile, Alabama, this Wednesday as the Ragin’ Cajuns (6-6) battle the Delaware Fighting Blue Hens (6-6) in the 27th annual 68 Ventures Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT and will be nationally televised on ESPN, with Clay Matvick handling play-by-play, Max Browne providing color commentary, and Alyssa Lang reporting from the sidelines.
The Ragin’ Cajuns enter the contest riding a four-game winning streak, a remarkable turnaround after starting the season 2-6. Victories over South Alabama, Texas State, Arkansas State, and ULM propelled Louisiana to its Sun Belt-leading eighth consecutive bowl appearance. This game marks a return to Mobile for the Ragin’ Cajuns, who last played in the city during the 2019 LendingTree Bowl, securing a 27-17 victory over Miami (Ohio).
Delaware, meanwhile, is making history as a first-time FBS participant, earning a bowl berth in its inaugural season at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The Fighting Blue Hens clinched their spot with an impressive 61-31 win over UTEP in the regular-season finale, showcasing an explosive offense that tied for first in Conference USA with 29.8 points per game. Quarterback Nick Minicucci, an All-CUSA Second Team selection, has been instrumental to their success, leading the league in passing yards (3,507), completions (303), and total offense (3,738).
This matchup is particularly noteworthy as both teams are led by alumni – Louisiana head coach Michael Desormeaux (2008) and Delaware head coach Ryan Carty (2006) – adding a layer of pride and familiarity to the contest. It also represents the first-ever meeting between the two programs, with Delaware becoming the 143rd different opponent in Louisiana’s 124-year football history.
Louisiana’s recent success has been fueled by contributions from across the roster, with 19 freshmen, including six true freshmen, seeing playing time this season. The team has also navigated significant changes, utilizing seven different starting lineups on the offensive line throughout the year, while Jax Harrington has been a consistent presence, starting all 12 regular-season games. A victory on Wednesday would be the 30th of head coach Desormeaux’s career, tying him with Augie Tammariello for eighth place on the school’s all-time coaching wins list.
Defensively, the Ragin’ Cajuns will look to Jordan Lawson to make an impact, as he needs just one sack to tie for fifth in school history with 19. Louisiana’s offense has also proven efficient, scoring on all 21 drives of 75 yards or more this season, with 19 resulting in touchdowns. Notably, seven teams from Louisiana’s regular-season schedule, including College Football Playoff participant James Madison, are also competing in Bowl Season.
Fans can follow the action on various platforms, including Hot 107.9 FM, 103.3 FM The Goat, and 1420 AM in the Lafayette area, as well as the Varsity Network app for a worldwide broadcast. SiriusXM Channel 84 will also carry the game through Bowl Season Radio. Fans are encouraged to stay connected with Louisiana Football by downloading the official #GeauxCajuns App for iOS and Android, and by following the team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB).
The 68 Ventures Bowl presents a compelling opportunity for Louisiana to cap off a resilient season with a fifth consecutive victory and continue its impressive bowl streak, currently the longest active streak among Sun Belt Conference schools and the 10th-longest in the FBS.
