A lot is riding on Louisiana football’s matchup this week as they travel to face Coastal Carolina in Conway, South Carolina.

A win for the Ragin’ Cajuns (5-1, 2-0 SBC) would put them on track as a real threat for making a Sun Belt Conference championship appearance. Even though it’s still early in the season, the Cajuns' sights are set on that goal. But first, they have to get past the Chanticleers (4-2,1-1 SBC).

In the past, Coastal Carolina has gotten the best of the Cajuns, holding a 2-1 overall record, and last beat them 30-27 in 2020 before the Michael Desormeaux era began the following season. This go-round, Desormeaux wants to lead his team to a victory that’ll spoil Coastal Carolina’s homecoming festivities this week.

One of the keys to doing so will be maintaining their defensive prowess, which has led them the past two weeks past Southern Miss and Appalachian State. UL will also need to establish its run game early with its three-headed running back room leading the way in redshirt freshman Bill Davis, redshirt sophomore Zylan Perry, and redshirt junior Dre’lyn Washinton.

For Coastal Carolina, which lost last week’s game 39-7 against James Madison, producing explosive offensive plays will be the key. The Chanticleers are led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Ethan Vasko, who has thrown for 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns so far this season.

This matchup will surely go down to the wire as Coastal Carolina is looking to put on a show for its homecoming crowd and the Ragin’ Cajuns are looking to go 3-0 in conference play.

Watch Louisiana vs Coastal Carolina on ESPU

Here's how to watch the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs. Coastal Carolina football game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football vs Coastal Carolina on Saturday?

TV channel: ESPNU

Livestream: ESPNU, ESPN+

Louisiana vs. Coastal Carolina will be available live on ESPNU in Week 8 of the 2024 college football season. Jay Walker, Cody Junot and Dawson Eiserloh will provide commentary from Brooks Stadium. Streaming options for the game include ESPNU and ESPN+.

What time is Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns football vs Coastal Carolina today?

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 19

• Start time: 11 a.m. CT

The Louisiana vs Coastal Carolina game starts at 11 a.m. at Brooks Stadium in Conway.

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REQUIRED READING: 'Chip on our shoulder': UL football takes on Coastal Carolina in Week 8

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns schedule 2024

• Aug. 31: Grambling State (40-10 W)

• Sept. 7: at Kennesaw State (34-10 W)

• Sept. 21: Tulane (41-33 L)

• Sept. 28: at Wake Forest (41-38 W)

• Oct. 5: at Southern Miss (23-13 W)

• Oct. 12: Appalachian State (34-24 W)

• Oct. 19: at Coastal Carolina

• Oct. 29: at Texas State

• Nov. 9: Arkansas State

• Nov. 16: South Alabama

• Nov. 23: Troy

• Nov. 30: at ULM

• Record: (5-1)

Coastal Carolina schedule 2024

• Aug. 29: at Jacksonville State (55-27 W)

• Sept. 7: William & Mary (40-21 W)

• Sept. 14: at Temple (28-20 W)

• Sept. 21: Virginia (43-24 L)

• Oct. 5: Old Dominion University (45-37 W)

• Oct. 10: at James Madison (39-7 L)

• Oct. 19: Louisiana

• Nov. 2: at Troy

• Nov. 7: Appalachian State

• Nov. 16: at Marshall

• Nov. 23: Georgia Southern

• Nov. 30: at Georgia State

• Record: (4-2)

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Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: How to watch Louisiana football's Week 8 matchup vs Coastal Carolina