2 weeks Ago
Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah (10) drops back to pass against Memphis during the second half of an NCAA football game at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune) Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Regular season college football has drawn to a close on most campuses.
Only the best and strongest teams continue to play, hoping for a berth in a bowl game or chasing championships. Louisiana is fortunate to have three championship-level teams playing this weekend: the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns, the Southern University Jaguars and the Tulane Green Wave. Tulane (9-3, 7-1 AAC) challenges Army (10-1, 8-0) in Friday’s American Athletic Conference championship game at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.
Southern (8-4, 7-1 SWAC) plays Jackson State University (10-2, 8-0) at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, for the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship Saturday afternoon. West division champion UL Lafayette (10-2, 7-1 SBC) plays East Division champion Marshall (9-3, 7-1) at Cajun Field in Lafayette for the Sun Belt Conference Championship. The UL football team celebrates their victory over Troy 51-30 during their Sun Belt Conference game at Cajun Field on Saturday, November 23, 2024 in Lafayette, La.
. It's a reminder of how deep our collegiate football traditions go in this state. Throughout the season, thousands of fans came out to cheer for these young athletes and show pride in their school — win or lose.
The success of these teams is surely due in part to that support. Each team has faced some adversity during the season. Each team has defied the odds to make it to their respective championship games.
On Sunday, the Army Black Knights moved up one place to No. 24 in The Associated Press poll and the Green Wave fell out of the ranking. Still, Tulane is favored by 5.
5 points. Southern won the annual Bayou Classic against rival Grambling State over the weekend, but the Jags are the underdog against JSU. One prediction has the Tigers beating the Jags by 13 points.
The Jaguar Nation team we know is better than that — and JSU better be prepared as they bring the fire. The winner will take on South Carolina State University in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Tulane offensive lineman Shadre Hurst (56) blocks Memphis defensive lineman Javon Denis (8) as Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah (10) drops back to pass during the first half of an NCAA football game at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov.
28, 2024. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune) The Cajuns struggled with multiple injuries in November. Still, the team had a convincing 37-23 road win over UL-Monroe on Saturday.
That bodes well for this weekend's game. The Cajuns are favored to win. With hometown and home-state support, we're confident they will finish strong.
Louisiana football fans can cheer with pride Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday night as our teams play ball against formidable opponents. Those in West Point and Jackson will represent us well while in opponents' home stadiums. Those in Lafayette will outnumber Marshall fans, in number and throaty support for the Cajuns even if it is not technically a "home" game for UL Lafayette.
The conference can call it what it wants, but with the Cajuns Walk and the usual UL Lafayette traditions, it will feel like home — and that feels like another win. We're pulling for an undefeated weekend, but no matter the outcome, all these teams are champions..
