By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Billy Napier officially went 40-12. He saved his most meaningful game for last.

Billy Napier built Louisiana into a national name. In his four seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Napier led Louisiana into the national polls, claimed four consecutive Sun Belt West titles and now, after his final game with the program before heading to Florida, won an historic conference championship. It was an emotional scene in Lafayette, one with a truly fitting finish; Napier and the Ragin’ Cajuns celebrating with a league title trophy. His Louisiana tenure now in the history books, Napier officially went 40-12. He saved his most meaningful game for last.

Not only did Napier promptly put an exclamation point on his remarkable stint with the Ragin’ Cajuns, he leaves Louisiana on a streak to which few, anywhere, can compare. Napier, who won’t coach the Ragin’ Cajun in their bowl game, went 33-5 over his last three years at Louisiana, a current 12-game winning streak included. This is a team that has won 19 of 20 overall. The Ragin’ Cajuns were red-hot with Napier, a spark that now turns to a sparkle after Saturday’s Sun Belt Conference Championship Game triumph.

Louisiana controlled much of the contest versus Appalachian State, outgaining the Mountaineers by more than 100 yards. After defeating Appalachian State 41-13 during the regular season, Louisiana built an early two-score lead and never trailed in the title bout. Levi Lewis threw a touchdown pass to Michael Jefferson and ran for another, while Emani Bailey rushed for 117 yards and a score. Defensively, the Ragin’ Cajuns held the Mountaineers to just 12-of-30 passing for 119 yards, limiting Chase Brice to only four yards per pass attempt.

At 12-1 with a conference title, Louisiana will enter the postseason in the top 20 of the national rankings. Looking ahead, those high expectations remain. As the Ragin’ Cajuns move forward, they will do with a standard to maintain and a championship to defend.

With Louisiana hosting the conference championship game, it was a special scene in Lafayette. It was also an apprecative one, with fans and players alike honoring and recognizing Napier for his role in what has been a famed stretch of Louisiana football. Napier wanted to win a league title with the Ragin’ Cajuns, making it a point to come back and coach this game. Ahead of moving to Florida, Napier had one final grand finale with the Ragin’ Cajuns. It proved to be a memorable one.