Wait, WTF Happened? A Rundown Of The Final 6 Minutes Of That Insane Louisiana-App State Game
Last night ESPN’s featured Friday night Sunbelt Conference clash was a doozie. The #25 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns traveled to Boone, North Carolina to play the Appalachian State Mountaineers. As an avid Sunbelt Conference fan, I was hyped as this was a rematch of last year’s conference championship game, and the winner would punch their ticket to this year’s championship to play undefeated Coastal Carolina. To make things even more juicy, the game was played in a driving rain storm. Nothing better than Sunbelt action in the mud!
The game was gritty and sloppy which was to be expected. Both teams battled, and for the most part, it was a fun game. With all this said, there was one star who made this game truly a game for the ages: Ragin’ Cajuns long snapper Paul Boudreaux. Before we get to the climax of this game, we have to give you all a little background to explain how Boudreaux was the star of this epic matchup.
Before we roast this kid too much, please remember that it was in fact a very wet day. Disclaimer aside, Boudreaux truly had an all-time awful performance. His first two long snaps sailed 20 yards over the punter’s head. His first snap for an extra point was high, leading to a botched XP, and on a field goal attempt at the end of the half, he snapped the ball well over the place holder, only to get bailed out by an icing time out by Appalachian State. It was not his night.
Boudreaux’s struggles led to what can only be explained as a bizarre finish. We fast forward to 6:36 left in the 4th with the Cajuns up 24-17.
Play 1: Boudreaux’s Last Stand
At a certain point in sports, athletes tend to get superstitious. Louisiana was in control of the game, but they were 0-8 all-time against Appalachian State. More doubt must have been creeping in as the Cajuns were forced to punt the ball from their 30 yard line. In steps Boudreaux. Surely he can’t screw up again, right??? WRONG. Boudreaux snapped the ball 30 yards over the poor punter who was forced to chase after it and kick it out of the back of his own endzone and take the safety. Their lead was cut to 5.
Play 2: Plan B: The Nuclear Option
After a big defensive stop by the Ragin’ Cajun D, Louisiana got the ball back looking to ice away the game. Facing 4th and 2 from their own 38 yard line, the coach said screw that Boudreaux kid, and left the offense on the field. It made sense as the run game was looking good, and 2 yards would guarantee a win. They line up in shotgun, and snap the ball to the quarterback who then runs 38 yards backwards into his own endzone, and takes a knee for the 2nd safety of the 4th quarter. Classic SunBelt action right there. The lead is now cut to 3 with 1:46 left…. GULP
Play 3: Alls Well That Ends Well
After the safety kick, Appalachian State drove down the field to set up a chip shot field goal to send the game to overtime. However, in a game where the special teams were not that special, you knew it wouldn’t be that simple. The snap was a little high, but the hold was managed. The kick, however, was horrendous. The ball was hooked 20 feet wide of the goalposts and time ran out to give Louisville their first win against Appalachian State. Tears were shed, and Boudreaux was carried off the field… to promptly be thrown in the dumpster outside of the stadium. Just another Friday night in the always epic Sunbelt Conference.
The Sun Belt Conference – it just means more the proper amount.
