LAFAYETTE — In Billy Napier's first season in Lafayette, the Cajuns finished 7-7, with appearances in the Sun Belt Title Game and the Cure Bowl. According to oddsmakers, in those 7 losses, only once did they lose to a team they were favored against.
That was Coastal Carolina.
The Chanticleers getting the best of the Cajuns in that September 2018 contest, 30-28.
Now in 2019, UL boasts a 6-2 record, they will be favored in every game down the stretch and they have a clear path to another Sun Belt West divisional title. The argument can be made that the "culture" shift, started with that loss to Coastal Carolina.
"It really fueled our fire cause we knew we really could've won the game," Cajuns Senior Offensive Tackle Max Mitchell said, reflecting on the 2018 game. "I think that's what helped our push last season. Towards the very end, I think that's what we built on this season. That's what gave us a stronger mindset to attack every day, full speed. Attack every game from beginning to end, cause you never know."
Louisiana will face Coastal Carolina Thursday, at 6:30 pm. You can watch the broadcast on ESPNU.