Louisiana Lafayette vs. Western Kentucky halftime update: The Hilltoppers and Ragin’ Cajuns play to a 13-13 tie

Western Kentucky dominated the first half by almost every statistical measure, but a pair of critical mistakes by the Hilltoppers have the Ragin’ Cajuns in excellent position to pull out an upset if they can put together a solid second half of play.

Late in the second quarter, Western Kentucky found itself driving deep into Louisiana-Lafayette territory with a chance to convert a fourth-and-1 near the goal line to extend their 10-0 lead to a 17 point margin. But this is precisely when the wheels came off for the Hilltoppers. Brandon Doughty rolled out on a bootleg that was well-played by the Lafayette defense. Faced with the unfortunate choice between throwing the ball out of bounds and turning the ball over on downs or forcing the ball into tight coverage, Doughty opted for the latter, resulting in an Al Riles interception that would be returned 99 yards for a Ragin’ Cajuns touchdown.

The ensuing Western Kentucky drive ended almost as disastrously. Faced with another fourth down in plus territory, Doughty completed a nine-yard pass to Mitchell Henry, who was subsequently stripped of the football. Justin Anderson recovered for Lafayette and returned the ball 45 yards to the Western Kentucky 35 yard line. From there, the Rajin’ Cajuns were able to power the ball into the end zone on a short drive that was finished off with a one yard Alonzo Harris touchdown run.

Western Kentucky got the ball back with one minute and 32 seconds remaining in the first half, and responded with a 64-yard drive capped by a 28-yard field goal as time ran out in the second quarter.