University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
ULM
ULM Holds Off Cajuns in Season Finale
11/24/2007 6:00:00 AM | Football
The loss dropped Louisiana to 3-9 overall (3-4 Sun Belt) as the Cajuns suffered their first losing season since the 2004 campaign. ULM became bowl-eligible, earning its sixth win of the season (6-6, 4-3).
Tyrell Fenroy led all rushers with 19 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown. Late in the third quarter, Fenroy broke the 1,000-yard barrier ? his third consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. He became one of only two juniors in the nation with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, joining Arkansas' Darren McFadden.
Senior quarterback Connor Morel posted a solid performance in his last game as a Cajun. Morel completed 19-of-37 passes for 240 yards. Jason Chery caught a game-high seven catches for 107 yards, while Verlin Moore added five catches for 79 yards.
ULM's Calvin Dawson added 27 carries for 66 yards. Kinsmon Lancaster threw for 99 yards on 11-of-19 passing, while adding 63 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
ULM took the opening drive of the second half 71 yards into the end zone. Lancaster scored on a three-yard run to give the visitors a 14-3 lead.
The Cajuns scored near the end of the third quarter with a three-play, 72-yard drive, to make it a 14-11 game.
After gaining just one yard on first down, Morel hit Moore for 29 yards to move the chains. On first-and-10 from the 42 yard line, Fenroy broke around the left tackle and raced into the end zone. The carry gave the junior 1,001 yards on the season.
Following the touchdown, UL opted to go for two. Morel connected with a diving Erik Jones to pull the Cajuns within three points heading into the final stanza.
However, ULM would extend its lead to six points, 17-11, with 7:43 left to play on a Cole Wilson 28-yard field goal. That would seal the Warhawks' sixth victory of the season.
Louisiana did have a pair of chances at a fourth-quarter comeback. On the ensuing UL possession, the Cajuns drove down to the ULM 8-yard line and were within striking distance to pull ahead. Morel completed a slant pass to Chery who then fumbled at the ULM 3-yard line. ULM recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchback, giving the Warhawks the ball at their own 20-yard line.
After the Warhawks' drive stalled deep in their own territory, Louisiana had a second chance for a fourth-quarter comeback. However, the Cajuns failed to register a first down as Morel completed just 2-of-4 passes on the final drive.
Greg James put ULM on the board with a 60-yard interception return at the 9:51 mark of the first quarter.
The Cajuns moved deep into ULM territory after Morel broke a career-best 32-yard run. UL had a first-and-10 at the 26-yard line, but the Cajuns next play, a reverse, was read by the Warhawks and resulted in a seven-yard loss. A pair of incomplete passes ultimately forced the Cajuns to punt.
The Warhawks then marched 74 yards in 17 plays before stalling at the Cajuns 6-yard line. ULM appeared to be in position to take a 10-0 lead, but Cole Wilson's 24-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Gerren Blount.
The Cajuns responded with a 15-play, 88-yard scoring drive, covering the final 2:06 of first half. Moore caught two passes for 46 yards on the drive, including a 30-yard reception to the ULM 20-yard line on third-and-six. Facing a fourth-and-one from the 11-yard line, Chancellor Roberson bulled up the middle for a 10-yard gain. Morel then threw three incomplete passes before the Cajuns settled for Drew Edmiston's 18-yard field goal.
