Lamar at Louisiana

The decisive matchup is Lamar’s offense against a Louisiana defense with two productive returnees at the center of the conversation. Jordan Lawson logged 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2025, while Terrence Williams made 95 total tackles. Lamar’s offensive line and ball carriers have to prevent those returning playmakers from dictating early downs, because repeated losses would leave the passing game in obvious situations and let Louisiana attack rather than react. If Lamar can stay on schedule and force longer drives, it can test whether last season’s individual production carries cleanly into the new year.

Lamar’s route to control is straightforward: protect the ball, keep the down-and-distance manageable and make Louisiana’s still-unresolved quarterback situation work with limited possessions. The Cardinals do not need to chase explosive plays if their line can create enough steady gains to quiet the home crowd and keep the Ragin’ Cajuns’ defense on the field. Louisiana should lean on its returning experience, establish a dependable run-pass rhythm for whoever handles the quarterback snaps and create opportunities for Sampson, who caught 32 passes for 537 yards and six touchdowns last season. The home side can take command by avoiding early disruption and letting its established producers carry the burden while the quarterback picture settles.