It’s so close. Just a game away. One more win and Louisiana football could turn the 2025 season around after entering it with such high expectations.
The Ragin’ Cajuns (5-6, 4-3 SBC) might not be vying for a spot in the Sun Belt Conference championship as they were last year. But, bowl eligibility is a significant achievement all its own. Weeks ago, that was a want and a hope. Now, it can become a reality with the University of Louisiana Monroe coming to town this week.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Warhawks (3-8, 1-6 SBC) are an ideal opponent in the Cajuns’ bid for bowl eligibility, entering the matchup on a seven-game losing streak. It won’t be a cakewalk, though, as rivalry games and senior night festivities can complicate things. Head coach Michael Desormeaux and his staff will look to face it all head-on while still shorthanded with ongoing injuries on the offensive line.
“You kind of start to think maybe you turned the corner and kind of got out of the woods a little bit, then here you go with more injuries,” Desormeaux said. “I’ve never been around anything like this. But that’s why I tell people I’m more proud of this team than any other one I’ve ever been a part of for what they’ve been able to handle and weather.”
With a next-man-up mentality instilled in the Cajuns, they’ll look to churn out one more win this week. If they do, they’ll be one of six other SBC teams hunting for that coveted sixth win and a postseason berth. Here are some possible landing spots for the Cajuns, as well as other expert bowl projections.
Cajuns Head Coach Michael Desormeaux, Louisiana’s Ragin Cajuns take on Marshall Thundering Herd at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium in Lafayette, LA. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.Louisiana football bowl predictions at Week 14
Boca Raton Bowl
The Cajuns are likely new additions to experts’ bowl projections after going on a three-game losing streak in the middle of the season. They turned things around in time to make the latest forecasts, and the most mentioned bowl is the Boca Raton Bowl. The possible trip to Florida is set for Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. ET.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCBS Sports, College Football News and ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach all project the Cajuns to play in the Boca Raton Bowl, which would mark their first appearance in the game.
Projected opponents
CBS Sports- Southern Miss
ESPN- Miami (Ohio) (Schlabach); Florida International (Bonagura)
College Football News- Kennesaw State
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - DECEMBER 28: Running back Zylan Perry #21 of the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns runs for yardage against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half of the Isleta New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)New Mexico Bowl
Besides the Boca Raton Bowl, the only other bowl experts projected for UL was the Isleta New Mexico Bowl. The Cajuns competed in this game last year, losing 34-3 to TCU in their first appearance.
Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer was the lone expert to select Louisiana for this bowl.
Projected opponent
Sports Illustrated- Utah State
Outside of the two projected bowl games, UL is left out of bowl contention only in Athlon Sports’ latest projections. Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan has the Cajuns just missing out due to conference realignment scrambling up the postseason landscape.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Will UL football go bowling? See what experts project at Week 14
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