In first start, QB Ben Wooldridge leads Louisiana football to win at Marshall

Wins aren't supposed to come when the starting quarterback and running back are out amidst the team's scuffling in a three-game losing streak.

Despite the hurdles, Louisiana cleared each one. And it did so inside what of toughest places to win a football game, beating Marshall, 23-13, Wednesday night at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

The Ragin' Cajuns (3-3, 1-2) snapped a three-game skid and picked up a desperately needed Sun Belt Conference win against the Thundering Herd (3-3, 0-2).

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Grading Ben Wooldridge at quarterback

Shortly put, the junior looked solid in his first opportunity of extending playing time.

He looked in rhythm from the jump of his first college start and had moments where he correctly worked through his progressions when his first option wasn't open.

There were no dangerous throws, and for the most part, Wooldridge kept the offense in operable down-and-distances against a capable Thundering Herd defense. Wooldridge made good reads and pulled off big plays with his legs as well.

Wooldridge finished 17-of-29 passing for 230 yards with two touchdowns. The first, to Dontae Fleming in the third quarter, gave UL a lead, 10-7, it never relinquished.

Ragin' Cajuns missed Chris Smith

Dealing with a hamstring issue, UL junior starting running back Chris Smith wasn't able to play at Marshall.

Sophomore Terrence Williams earned his first start in Smith's absence. Smith's absence was sorely felt for the Ragin' Cajuns on the road.

Louisiana tailbacks failed to get anything going, finishing with 53 yards on 22 carries. Truthfully, without Smith against Marshall's stingy rush defense, the Cajuns weren't expected to get much going. Dre'Lyn Washington led the running backs with 22 yards and Wooldridge led the rushing attack with 45 yards.

For stretches, it was apparent coach Michael Desormeaux gave up calling run plays as the number of 1-yard gains was getting the offense off schedule.

Louisiana pass rush flexes as right time

Making your opponent one-dimensional immensely increases your chances of success.

That's what UL's pass rush, behind Zi'Yon Hill-Green, Andre Jones and Kris Moncrief, proved effective and timely. Coming in, the Cajuns averaged just two sacks per game.

All three of those guys recorded a sack with each coming on second and third downs.

Louisiana finished with a season-high five sacks, and its pass rush caused Marshall to become dependent on the run game. The problem with that in the second half was the Cajuns were ahead.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana football downs Marshall on road for 1st Sun Belt win of 2022