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The Troy Trojans look to secure bowl eligibility on Saturday when they hit the road to Lafayette to take on the Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana.

The Trojans pulled to within one game of eligibility last Saturday when they won their second consecutive game, defeating Texas State 63-27.

The Trojans now enter the meat of their schedule, playing the top two teams in the conference in the Ragin’ Cajuns and Appalachian State in the regular season finale next Friday afternoon.

“Appalachian State and Louisiana are good football teams with good players and coaches,” head coach Chip Lindsey said. “It gives us a chance to throw it out there. We have a great football team and we have guys who are growing up and getting better. Our guys are excited for the opportunity. Both teams have had good years, so we’re excited for the chance to play both.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns enter this week leading the western division with a record of 5-1. Overall Louisiana sits at 8-2. Their only losses have come to Mississippi State and SBC east leading Appalachian State.

“They are averaging 38 points per game, third in the conference along with leading in total offense and scoring defense,” Lindsey said. “When you flip the film on, you see this is one of the better teams in our league. It is going to be a lot of fun with two good football teams playing; we’re ready for the challenge.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns offense is averaging 278 yards per game this season, the most in the conference. Elijah Mitchell leads the way for the Cajuns. Mitchell has rushed for 875 this season (87 yards per game) and has 13 rushing touchdowns. Trey Raggas and Raymond Calais have also combined to rush for 13 touchdowns.

“Offensively, it starts with their running backs, all three who will eventually play in the NFL,” Lindsey said. “Running backs make up the bulk of the offense. They’re going to run the football so we’re going to have to make sure to play a good game up front.”

The Trojans are averaging 39 points per game this season. They have eclipsed the 30-point threshold in five straight games. They have gained over 500 yards six times this season.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are second in the conference in total defense, behind only Appalachian State. They have allowed 350 yards per game. Jacques Boudreaux comes into the game with 66 total tackles.

“On defense it starts with Jacques Boudreaux,” Lindsey said. “He makes plays all over the field. Ferrod Gardner is what you look for from an athletic standpoint. Their defensive line is very athletic, defensive backs are aggressive and they contest throws; it is going to be a big challenge for us.”

Since their last loss three weeks ago to Coastal Carolina, the Trojans have scored 49 and 63 points against Georgia Southern and have averaged 537 yards of offense. The defense has allowed on average 374 yards per game over the last two weeks.

“Our young guys are growing up and maturing,” Lindsey said. “We’ve got guys making plays on the defense who are playing with more confidence. We’re playing solid in all three phases, and when you can do that, it gives you a good chance to win.”

The Trojans are 9-11 all time against the Cajuns and just 5-7 in Lafayette. The Trojans have won the last two meetings. They defeated the Ragin’ Cajuns in 2015 and then again last season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05