Louisiana edges Wake Forest with late field goal in thrilling 41-38 win

In a thrilling college football matchup on Saturday, Louisiana secured a narrow victory over Wake Forest with a final score of 41-38. Kenneth Almendares kicked a decisive 31-yard field goal with just 52 seconds remaining, sealing the win for the Ragin' Cajuns. The game was marked by intense moments, including Wake Forest's last-ditch effort to tie the game with a 42-yard field goal attempt that hit the left upright. Louisiana's coach, Michael Desormeaux, expressed his emotional relief after the game, highlighting the team's hard work and perseverance over the past two years. The game featured standout performances, particularly from Louisiana's quarterback Ben Wooldridge, who threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, while also scoring on a rushing attempt. His performance was crucial in leading the Ragin' Cajuns to their first victory against a power-conference opponent since 2020. Wake Forest's offense, led by Hank Bachmeier, managed to keep pace, but their defense struggled to contain Louisiana's scoring. Injuries played a significant role in the game, with Wake Forest's top running back, Demond Claiborne, suffering a knee injury but managing to return briefly to score a touchdown. The Ragin' Cajuns faced their own challenges, losing four defensive players to targeting ejections during the game. This victory is particularly significant for Louisiana as they look to build momentum after a previous loss to Tulane, while Wake Forest continues to seek improvement after a series of disappointing performances.